We Protect The Rights Of Car Accident Victims

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that in 2021 there were more than 295,000 crashes involving motor vehicles on Illinois roadways — 85,398 involved injuries, 1,341 of which involved deaths. In addition, 3,537 pedestrians were injured in crashes and 196 pedestrians were killed.

These staggering statistics should be taken seriously by drivers. Negligence on the road has significant consequences, and liable parties should be held accountable when they hurt someone on the road.

Our Auto Accident Lawyers Can Guide You Through Getting Compensation For A Car Accident

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Pfaff & Gill, Ltd. Trial Lawyers, excel at prosecuting car accident and truck accident cases. Our skill in vehicle defect cases, ejection injuries, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, rideshare accidents and other car accident injuries gives us a huge advantage over our opponents when seeking damages for our auto accident victims.

Our accident attorneys regularly work with physicians, engineers, expert witnesses and police officers, which provides us with a better understanding of how to prove our clients’ cases. This knowledge has enabled us to obtain maximum compensation on behalf of our clients who have been injured or killed in car accidents, including people who were hit by a car as pedestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Vehicle Accidents

Please see below for answers to some of our law firm’s most commonly asked questions about car accidents and fair compensation for car accidents:

Should I admit fault if I caused the car accident?

No, you should never admit fault for a car accident. While you may believe your actions caused the collision, several factors may exist that you are unaware of.

The at-fault party is typically determined upon further investigation of the accident.

Do the police always need to be called to scene of an accident?

Not every accident will warrant police presence. Law enforcement should be called to the accident scene for:

• Hit-and-runs
• Major property damage
• Serious injuries
• Death

These critical scenarios will require police assistance.

What steps do I need to take after the accident, and what information do I need to collect?

From minor fender benders to severe side-impact collisions, car accidents can leave all parties in a state of shock. The initial shock of a crash can cause confusion when confronting the immediate aftermath, making it difficult to know what to do next. Here is a detailed explanation of what steps need to be taken after an car accident occurs. Taking these steps should help you receive the car accident compensation you deserve.

Is it O.K. to release my medical records to the other driver’s insurance adjuster?

No. You should never release your medical records to anyone without consulting with your personal injury lawyer first. Doing so, could severely hurt your claim.

How do I know if I have a personal injury claim worth pursuing?

If you suffered sever injuries from an auto accident, and feel you are not receiving fair car accident compensation, contact Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., today. During your free initial consultation, our experienced car accident attorneys will review your case and explore all options that may be available to you.

What causes rollover car accidents?

A rollover happens when a car tips onto its side and loses balance, rolling onto its roof or rolling over one or more times. Causes include:

1. The car striking something on one side, resulting in a tripping force that rolls the car over.
2. Hydroplaning or skidding on slippery terrain, which causes the vehicle to tip.
3. Taking a turn too fast can make tires lose their grip and result in a rollover.

With our considerable experience handling accident claims, our auto accident attorneys can frequently identify the cause of a rollover crash and possibly pursue an accident lawsuit.

Who’s responsible if the crash was caused by a self-driving vehicle?

Self-driving cars are more common than ever, but the person behind the wheel may still be at fault. The driver has an obligation to remain alert to the dangers of the road and respond to them, even if using automated driving technology. In other cases, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the software used may have liability.

What should I not say to an insurance company adjuster?

An insurance company representative will likely contact you to get a statement. Try to avoid saying things such as:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “It was my fault.”
• “I didn’t see the other car.”
• “I didn’t see the pedestrian/cyclist.”
• “I feel fine.”
• “My injuries aren’t that bad.”
• Speculating about the cause of the crash
• Admitting you were under the influence controlled substances
• Admitting you were texting or using a phone

It is best not to speak with an insurance company claims adjuster until you have a lawyer.

Is it possible to suffer PTSD after a car accident?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can occur after an extremely frightening or stressful incident. It is one of the most common psychological conditions that arise after a car accident. Although you as an accident victim may feel tempted to downplay the severity of your crash, you may still suffer the symptoms of PTSD.

What if the accident was partly my fault?

Many motor vehicle accidents have more than one source of fault. Illinois has modified comparative negligence laws to address this. Under the law, you can still recover compensation for your damages as long as you have less than 50% fault for a crash.

If you have more questions that you need answered, you can always seek the legal advice of our experienced attorneys.

A Representative Car Accident Case

The experienced car accident lawyers of Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., are investigating a Chicago motor vehicle accident that involves a taxicab and a street sweeper-equipped vehicle. Our client sustained injuries when a street sweeper vehicle traveling in the wrong direction collided at an intersection with the taxicab in which he was a passenger. UPDATE: In June 2015, Michael Gill successfully tried this case in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The jury awarded our client a $6.4 million verdict ( read more…).

Learn more about Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., settlements and verdicts that involved car accidents.

Strong Legal Support For Injured Persons And Attorneys

If you, a loved one or a client has sustained serious catastrophic injuries in a car accident, you and your lawyers must act quickly to preserve the evidence necessary to investigate the collision. Evaluation of all the evidence before it can be hidden or destroyed is an important part of preparing for a motor vehicle accident case. This evidence could be witness statements; weather conditions; road conditions; and cell phone records.

It might be possible to pursue a range of damages, including compensation for: medical bills and medical expenses; physical therapy; lost wages; out-of-pocket expenses; non-economic damages such as loss of consortium or emotional distress; and even punitive damages.

Contact Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., at 312-638-2407 for a free consultation regarding compensation for a car accident injury. You may also contact us online.