Car Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL

As the biggest city in Central Illinois, Springfield sees a fair share of auto accidents every year. But even though people refer to these crashes as “accidents,” they’re usually caused by someone being reckless, negligent, or making a bad decision. When someone hits your car, pickup, or SUV, you may be faced with a lot of medical bills, property damage, and a long road to recovery.

At Onward Injury Law, we want to make sure you can move forward after a serious collision. Managing Attorney Josh Rohrscheib and his team can help Sangamon County families stand up to insurance companies who trying to take advantage of them. We’ll negotiate a settlement and, if needed, fight for damages in court.

Our attorneys don’t get paid unless we can win your case. To request a free, no-obligation case review with our experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield, IL, contact our law firm today. At Onward Injury Law, we’re here to help and ready to listen.

How Common Are Car Accidents in the Springfield Area?

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 299,133 collisions in the state of Illinois in 2023. That’s 820 crashes a day statewide. In Sangamon County, there were 4,590 crashes in 2023, which included 1,018 injury accidents and 27 fatal collisions.

According to Springfield-specific accident data, there were 3,318 total collisions in the city in 2023. This included 791 injury accidents and 16 fatal collisions.

Where Car Accidents Often Occur in the Springfield Area

Serious car accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. However, there are certain roads and highways in Springfield where collisions are more likely to happen.

• Interstate 55: I-55 gets a lot of commuter and commercial vehicle traffic since it runs all the way from Chicago to St. Louis. Severe crashes are possible in and around the Springfield area, particularly when merging and exiting.
• Interstate 72: I-72 connects Springfield to Champaign to the east and Missouri to the west. The interstate can be especially dangerous around the I-55 interchange.
• Illinois Route 4 (Veterans Parkway): Heavy traffic, high speeds, and busy intersections along Veterans Parkway pose major hazards to drivers as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Dirksen Parkway: High speeds and heavy traffic along Dirksen Parkway have caused redesigns from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Even with signal, median, and turn lane upgrades, locals need to exercise caution at busy intersections.
• Peoria Road: High speeds, heavy traffic, and reckless driving along Peoria Road make conditions potentially dangerous for drivers and especially hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Dangerous Intersections: Other dangerous intersections around Springfield where accidents occur include Walnut Street & Lawrence Avenue, Sixth Street/Hazel Dell Road & 11th Street, and 11th Street & Madison Street.

Hazards on Surrounding Rural Roads and Highways

We should note the added dangers to drivers on rural roads in and around Sangamon County. Reckless drivers could take unnecessary risks on two-lane highways. Speeding, drunk driving, and reckless driving are possible. Tall crops along the highway could also obscure intersections, and a lack of lighting at night may lead to otherwise avoidable collisions.

The team at Onward Injury Law encourages all drivers to be cautious while on rural roadways outside of Springfield city limits. Remember: it can take much longer for first responders to reach you if you’re on a rural road or highway.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Below are some of the most common causes of accidents here in Sangamon County and in neighboring communities.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is a major cause of collisions nationwide. Reckless driving can also contribute to crashes. Examples of reckless driving include frequent and aggressive lane changes, tailgating, bullying other motorists, and failing to abide by traffic signs and signals.

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers take their hands off the wheel or are simply not paying attention to the road ahead of them. Common causes of distraction include texting while driving, looking up directions, rubbernecking, and adjusting vehicle controls.

Drunk/Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can lead to serious accidents and catastrophic injuries. Families affected by intoxicated drivers can seek compensation to cover medical bills, ongoing care, vehicle damage, and other losses.

Driver Fatigue

Most people associate driver fatigue with long-haul trucking crashes, but this type of exhaustion can also lead to serious car accidents. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel or are drowsy while driving can be held liable for causing injuries and property damage.

Vehicle Defects or Defective Auto Parts

Design or manufacturing defects could make some vehicles unsafe to drive. Tires, brake components, and other auto parts can similarly contribute to accidents. Onward Injury Law can hold companies accountable when they endanger consumers and the communities they live in.

Poor Road and Weather Conditions

Snow and ice can affect tire traction, leading to more dangerous driving conditions throughout Sangamon County. Poorly designed roads or roads that have fallen into disrepair can similarly increase the risks of a crash.

Potential Serious Injuries in a Car Accident

A major car accident can lead to catastrophic injuries that could permanently change your quality of life and ability to earn a living. These serious injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Damage to internal organs
• Burns from post-crash fires
• Loss of limbs

Illinois Laws Relevant to Your Car Accident Case

If you were involved in a car accident in Central Illinois, these state laws must be considered when you’re filing a legal claim.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the car crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit (Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 § 5/13-202). Once that two-year deadline has expired, you will no longer be able to file a claim.

There are a few exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations that depend on the parties involved in the collision. Regardless, it’s best to speak with our Springfield car accident lawyers as soon as possible after your crash.

Partial Fault/Modified Comparative Negligence

In Illinois, you can file a lawsuit after a car wreck as long as you are less than 50% at fault. This is because Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. The total amount of damages you’re awarded will be reduced by your percentage of liability.

For example, say that you were in a car accident in Springfield and are awarded $100,000. You were found to be 25% to blame for the crash. Because of modified comparative negligence, you would still receive $75,000.

Dram Shop Liability

The state of Illinois has dram shop liability laws in place (Illinois Compiled Statutes 235 § 5/6-21). These laws hold bars, restaurants, and other businesses liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons. These dram shop laws help dissuade establishments from overserving alcohol and contributing to DUI accidents.

Unlike other states, Illinois does not have a similar statute for social hosts who overserve intoxicated guests. However, parents and guardians in Illinois can be held liable for impaired driving accidents if they rented a hotel or Airbnb for a party and knew there would be underage drinking.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?

Different individuals or parties can be held liable for a crash. Our car accident attorneys here in Springfield can help determine who the liable party or parties are in your case.

• The Other Driver: In some collisions, it’s obvious that the other driver was negligent, impaired, or otherwise responsible for what happened.
• Another Motorist on the Road: The reckless actions of another driver could have caused vehicles to swerve, leading to a crash.
• Bars, Restaurants, and Businesses Serving Alcohol: Under Illinois dram shop laws, a business might be partly responsible for serving drinks to someone clearly intoxicated.
• Automakers and Auto Part Companies: When vehicle and auto part companies put dangerous products on the market, they need to be held accountable.
• Local Municipalities: Road authorities in Sangamon County could be held responsible for failing to fix a known road hazard or for not preparing for winter weather.

What Damages are Recoverable Following a Car Accident?

The amount of compensation you receive following a car wreck in the Springfield area can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, the number of parties involved in the collision, and other factors.

At Onward Injury Law, we’ll review the ways the accident has affected your life and help you understand what your case is really worth.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to calculable financial or material losses caused by a car accident. Common examples of economic damages after a collision include:

• Past medical bills and any future health expenses
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy
• Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
• Damage to other property in the car during the accident
• Lost wages due to medical leave
• Loss of future earning potential because of long-term or permanent disability

Non-economic damages refer to the subjective changes in quality of life that were caused by a car crash. These are usually more difficult to calculate because there are no precise amounts that define them. Common examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Physical disfigurement or impairment
• Changes in quality of life

Punitive Damages in Car Accident Claims

Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their actions rather than compensate a family for economic and non-economic losses. To get punitive damages after a car accident in Illinois, there must be clear and convincing evidence that the other party acted in a willful and wanton manner or caused intentional harm.

Receiving punitive damages is rare in many cases. The team at Onward Injury Law can let you know if you can pursue punitive damages based on the circumstances of your car accident claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident in the Springfield Area

If you ever get involved in a serious car accident in the Springfield area, here is some advice on what to do. Taking these initial steps can help improve the value of your settlement or lawsuit.

• Check for Injuries: Check yourself and any passengers for signs of serious injuries.
• Get Yourself to Safety: If you’re able to do so, move your vehicle so it isn’t blocking traffic and get yourself and passengers to safety. Set road flares to alert other motorists of danger.
• Call 911: Alert local authorities about the crash and make sure they send an ambulance in case of injuries.
• Exchange Information with Others: Exchange contact information with other drivers involved in the car accident and any witnesses who saw the crash.
• Take Photos and Videos of the Accident: Make sure you document the crash and the crash site. Get photos and video evidence from multiple angles, noting the vehicles involved and images of the road conditions and the surrounding area.
• Cooperate with Authorities: Provide factual statements to police officers and any emergency crews responding to the accident. This will help them file an official report, which can help with insurance claims and litigation.
• Seek Medical Attention: Not all car accident injuries are immediately apparent. See a doctor after your collision to get checked out, just in case.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer that you were in a collision. Don’t admit fault or offer your opinion. Just provide the facts.
• Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer: After a major collision, it’s best to speak with our car accident attorneys here in Springfield.

Why Choose Onward Injury Law for Your Car Accident Claim

There are many law firms serving communities in Central Illinois, but Onward Injury Law offers strong and reliable representation that always puts you and your situation first.

• We Put People and Healing First: You and your family are not case numbers. We care about your recovery and long-term well-being, and will always prioritize what’s best for you.
• We Simplify Complicated Legal Topics: Car accident litigation and insurance coverage can be complex, but we’ll make sure you understand every aspect of your case.
• We’re Dedicated and We Give a Damn: You deserve transparency, honesty, and regular communication from us as your accident claim progresses.
• We Only Get Paid If We Win for You: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless or until we secure a settlement or win damages in court.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Springfield, IL

If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck or lost a loved one in a collision, you can count on our law firm to listen and offer whatever help we can. The team at Onward Injury Law is dedicated to helping people recover here in Sangamon County and across Central Illinois.

For a free case review from a caring car accident attorney in Springfield, IL, contact Onward Injury Law today. Our lawyers are here to help those who are healing or grieving.