Chicago is densely populated, meaning there are over a million vehicles on the road daily. This number becomes even higher over public holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It is no wonder that the rate of car accidents is again increasing in Chicago. Early figures show that accidents have risen by 7% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same time last year.
Some of the main causes of Chicago car accidents include drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding. In particular, speeding accidents can lead to severe injuries. These accidents leave victims in chaos, trying to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Speeding accidents in Chicago demand prompt legal action. If you or a loved one is injured in a speeding accident, getting legal help is the best thing you can do to protect your rights.
The Reality of Speeding
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), speeding accounted for over 25% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. Speeding is a problem throughout the U.S., including Chicago.
Speeding is dangerous because it instantly reduces a driver’s reaction time. It also amplifies the force of impact during a collision, which is why speeding accidents often cause horrific injuries.
Moreover, the risk of harm escalates in a city like Chicago, where the streets are always filled with drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Why Prompt Legal Action is Necessary
If you are hurt in a speeding accident, you will likely want to pursue compensation. To do so, you need evidence that the other driver was to blame because they were speeding. Evidence is the foundation of a successful personal injury case.
The problem is that the longer you wait, the higher the risk of evidence disappearing or fading over time.
For instance, accident scene evidence like debris and skid marks may be cleaned up on the same day. You will have less evidence to present if you do not get photos or videos of the scene.
If a traffic camera is nearby, you can get the footage to support your claim. But, if you do not act fast, this footage may be overwritten or deleted.
There may also be eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen. The witnesses may have seen the at-fault driver speeding and then crash into you. However, if you wait too long to get their statements, their memories of the accident may have faded. Witness statements may become less credible when this happens, which will not help your case.
If you act fast after a speeding accident, your lawyer can use all the above elements as evidence to prove your case.
Illinois Statute of Limitations
Another reason to act fast is the Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury cases. The state allows victims of car accidents to file a legal case within two years.
Many accident victims make the mistake of thinking they have a lot of time to work with. So, they leave their personal injury case until the last minute.
It is crucial to consider how long it takes to gather evidence and request medical records and the official accident report, not to mention that negotiations with insurance companies often drag on, which can add to the timeline. Simple preparing a case can take months.
If there are unforeseen delays, it can quickly deplete the time you have left before the statute of limitations runs out. If you miss the deadline, you will likely not be allowed to claim compensation.
The Challenges of Speeding Cases in Chicago
Proving that speeding caused the accident that harmed you is not always straightforward. Speeding violations often need to be backed up by evidence. This may include police reports, witness statements, or accident reconstruction. Skilled car accident lawyers know how to collect and present this evidence.
- Contributory negligence. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partly to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced. For instance, if you are 30% to blame and claim $100,000, you will only be awarded $70,000.
- Insurance company negotiations. An insurance adjuster will likely do their best to limit payouts. This is especially true in speeding cases where damages can be extensive. Delaying legal action gives insurance companies more leverage. This can devastate your case and make it very difficult to secure a fair settlement.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
If you want to act fast after a speeding accident, you need a lawyer’s help. An experienced car accident lawyer will immediately start investigating the accident. This means the lawyer will scour police reports to find evidence of speeding. They will also speak to eyewitnesses and request surveillance camera footage.
When your lawyer has the required evidence for your case, they will calculate the damages for which you can claim compensation. They will ensure that your lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages are included in the initial demand letter. You can also claim for property damage to your car.
When the calculations are done, your lawyer will negotiate with the relevant insurance company. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and push for a settlement that covers all your losses.
It is possible that negotiations may fail, especially if the insurer refuses to acknowledge all your losses. If this happens, your lawyer will prepare your case for trial.
Taking Immediate Action Improves Your Chances of Success
It is important to follow the right steps after a speeding accident. This includes getting a medical checkup, reporting the accident to the police, and gathering all necessary evidence.
You should also contact a lawyer right after the accident to get help from the start. If you are injured, you must focus on your recovery while your lawyer focuses on winning your case.
Sometimes, speeding accidents lead to severe or life-altering injuries. This can leave you with a heavy financial, emotional, and physical burden. A lawyer can help you rebuild and move forward by recovering compensation for your damages.
If you have already been injured in a speeding accident, do not wait any longer. Contact a local lawyer today who can help you get justice and fair compensation.