Auto Accidents

Many of us rely on cars every day. Unfortunately, even the most attentive and careful drivers can be injured in a car accident caused by a single negligent person. For decades, we have served the needs of car accident victims in Peoria and throughout central Illinois. If you suffered a personal injury because of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation – and that’s where we come in.

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Ask Jay Janssen

What should I do after a car accident?

If you are hurt at the scene, you should call an ambulance and go to the hospital to get immediate treatment.

As soon as you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the vehicle that hit you. If you don't get pictures of the vehicle that hit you, oftentimes the insurance company will call your accident a fender bender and try to pay you less, even when it wasn't.

Take pictures of your injuries. It's important to document any physical injuries on your person.

Get a copy of the crash report and review it. Oftentimes, there are witnesses listed there who are important to your claim and oftentimes, we find that the police officers get the information wrong. They put you in the wrong lane. They label the vehicles wrong. You need to make sure of the accuracy of the crash report. And number five and probably most importantly:

Call a personal injury lawyer like our experience team at the Janssen Law Center.

What should I NOT do after a car accident?

Do not discuss your accident on social media or with acquaintances. Be especially careful when talking to the insurance company. Try to stick to your contact information and information they would find on the police report. Never agree to make a recorded statement. Refuse to answer questions about what you were doing at the time of the accident or how you are currently feeling. Tell them the accident is being investigated and that your health is an evolving matter. Do not agree to an insurance settlement until the full costs of your injury and other losses are known.

What are the most common injuries sustained in auto accidents?

We know that the type of injury you sustain can heal quickly or not at all, and that there is no set equation for how serious the effects might be on your life. Our attorneys have successfully represented families seeking compensation after one of the loved ones suffered:

A traumatic brain injury

Permanent brain damage

Whiplash

A spinal cord injury

Partial, total, temporary and/or permanent paralysis

Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Loss of limb

Loss of vision or hearing

Internal organ or tissue damage

Neck, head and shoulder injuries

Broken bones

Under the most tragic of circumstances, we have represented the families in wrongful death proceedings resulting from a car accident in Illinois.

What types of evidence that can help your car accident claim?

Every car crash case is won or lost based on how convincing the evidence is. The better the evidence, the more money you are likely to get. Obtaining sufficient evidence involves sending investigators to speak with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and making a thorough study of the accident scene. A qualified car accident attorney works with your treating doctors and independent physicians, if you are injured, to properly document your medical treatments, physical pain, and emotional suffering to make a case for just compensation.

Why should you see a doctor and lawyer immediately?

Delay can hurt your case legally. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company and defense counselors will argue that you’re faking or a malingerer. They’ll say that if you were really hurt, you would have seen a doctor immediately. Don’t give the defense an advantage. It’s good medical and legal practice to see your family doctor or go to the ER after any type of accident – even if you’re feeling fine.

How much can I expect to receive from a car accident settlement?

No lawyer can tell you exactly how much you will receive for your car accident injuries, but they can help you estimate the amount you can seek in your lawsuit. The amount of damages awarded to car accident victims may include past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages, car repair costs, and other expenses related to your injuries and property damage. The amount may also include a monetary value for any pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life you experienced.