Sherwood Law Group (“SLG”) provides personal injury services for automobile accidents involving injuries that can include whiplash to fractured bones, ligament/muscular injuries, debilitating spinal injuries, disfigurement, mental trauma, and wrongful death. It is imperative that injured parties immediately seek counsel from an experienced attorney to preserve witnesses, evidence, and all legal rights.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, whether severe or minor, can and do happen at any time and typically without warning—no one expects to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. You may be a responsible driver that is always alert while behind the wheel; however, you ultimately have no control over how other drivers behave. When a negligent driver causes an accident that leaves you with an injury, that driver should be held liable for all the harm that the accident may have caused you. To receive proper compensation for your injuries and property damage, there are some preliminary precautions you must take.
What should I do if I have been involved in a motor vehicle accident?
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic and stressful experience. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to take the following steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Seek medical attention: Even if the pain you experience immediately after the car accident is small, it is crucial that you seek medical attention. Seeking immediate medical care when needed can make a huge difference in your personal medical outcome as well as the compensation you will receive from the case. For example, failure to seek immediate medical care can be used as a defense by the negligent driver’s insurance carrier.
- Remain at the scene: Once you are able to do so, call 911 or the appropriate emergency services following the accident. Once they arrive, answer any questions regarding the accident honestly and to the best of your ability. If the accident left you impaired to think clearly, let the officers know.
- Contact your insurance company: You will need to inform your insurance company about the accident. However, don’t give a statement or sign any documents, and DO NOT accept any payment. It is advisable to consult with an attorney before providing details beyond the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Consult with a lawyer: If you have been seriously injured or if you believe that the other driver was at fault for the accident, it may be advisable to consult with a lawyer. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and advise you on the best course of action.
Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents can result in serious injuries and significant property damage, and they can have complex legal implications. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to understand your rights and options and to consider seeking the advice of an experienced trucking accident lawyer.
Trucking accident law is the legal field that deals with the rights and responsibilities of individuals and businesses involved in trucking accidents. It is governed by a combination of federal and state laws, as well as common law principles.
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage. To recover damages, you will need to prove that the cause of your injuries was directly caused by the negligence of the truck driver and/or the trucking company. In Illinois, negligence is proven by establishing that the Defendant owed you a duty of care that they breached by acting recklessly and negligently.
What should I do if I have been involved in a trucking accident?
Being involved in a trucking accident is a traumatic and stressful experience. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important to take the following steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a trucking accident. If you have been injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don't think you are seriously injured, it is important to have a medical evaluation to identify any potential injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
- Gather evidence: If you are able, try to gather as much evidence as possible about the accident. This may include taking photos of the scene, obtaining the contact information of any witnesses, and writing down your recollection of the events leading up to the accident.
- Contact the authorities: If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is important to contact the authorities and file a report. This will create an official record of the accident and may be useful in any future legal proceedings.
- Contact your insurance company: If you have insurance coverage, notify your insurance company as soon as possible about the accident. Follow their instructions and provide any information that they request.
- Consult with a lawyer: If you have been seriously injured or if you believe that the truck driver or trucking company was at fault for the accident, it may be advisable to consult with a lawyer. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and advise you on the best course of action. Because trucking companies have insurance carriers that will do everything to deny liability, it is crucial that you contact an attorney to represent you. An experienced lawyer will review the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with the trucking company or their insurance carrier to try to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, they can also represent you in court and advocate on your behalf.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
