Car Accident Lawyer in Decatur, IL

Even though they’re called car “accidents,” major collisions usually happen because someone was reckless, negligent, or made a bad decision. If your car, pickup, or SUV got hit by another vehicle in Macon County, you could be facing steep medical expenses, a lot of repair bills, and financial hardships.

At Onward Injury Law, we can help you navigate the complexities of car accident litigation. Managing Attorney Josh Rohrscheib and his team will make sure insurance companies don’t take advantage of you and that you understand the true value of your claim.

To request a free case review with experienced car accident lawyers in Decatur, 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 Decatur 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 Macon County, there were 2,020 crashes in 2023, which included 498 injury accidents and 20 fatal collisions.

According to Decatur-specific accident data, there were 1,542 total collisions in the city in 2023. This included 394 injury accidents and 10 fatal collisions.

Where Car Accidents Often Occur in the Decatur Area

While car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, here are some of the more dangerous roads and highways in the Decatur area.

• Interstate 72: I-72 connects communities throughout Central Illinois to the state of Missouri. Major accidents can happen as motorists drive west toward Springfield or east to Monticello and Champaign.
• U.S. Route 51: Heavy traffic and high speeds along U.S. 51 can lead to major crashes. As U.S. 51 runs through Decatur itself, motorists tend to speed along the expressway, increasing the risk of major crashes.
• Pershing Road: Pershing Road can be dangerous, especially around its intersections with major north-south thoroughfares like MLK Jr. Drive and Monroe Street/MacArthur Road.
• Main Street and El Dorado Street: There is plenty of local and through traffic along Main Street and El Dorado Street. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists should exercise caution at this particular intersection as well as the busy intersections along these respective streets.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive: Drivers and pedestrians need to be careful along MLK Jr. Drive given the steady traffic from locals and people passing through Decatur.
• 22nd Street: There have been numerous reports of reckless driving and ignoring traffic signals along 22nd Street, which should give everyone in the area pause as they get on or cross this north-south roadway.

Dangers on Surrounding Rural Roads and Highways

The team at Onward Injury Law would like to note additional dangers on rural roads in and around Macon County. Some drivers take unnecessary risks on two-lane highways. Speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior behind the wheel are possible. Tall crops along the highway could also block views of intersections, and a lack of lighting at night may lead to otherwise avoidable collisions.

Our attorneys encourage all drivers to be extra careful while on rural roadways outside of Decatur city limits. It can take much longer for emergency crews to reach you if you’re on a rural road or highway, so it’s best to exercise caution.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Below are some of the most common causes of accidents in the Macon County area.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide. In addition to speeding, many crashes are caused by reckless behaviors behind the wheel, which include tailgating, frequent and aggressive lane changes, ignoring signs and signals, and bullying other drivers.

Distracted Driving

A driver is distracted whenever they take their hands off the steering wheel or their attention is diverted from the road. The most common forms of distraction include talking or texting while driving, adjusting vehicle controls, looking up directions, and rubbernecking.

Drunk/Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can lead to serious crashes. Anyone who’s been affected by an intoxicated driver can seek damages for the DUI accident to address vehicle damages, medical bills, and other losses.

Driver Fatigue

We tend to think of driver fatigue affecting long-haul truckers, but fatigue can also lead to accidents with commuter vehicles. Drivers who were drowsy or fell asleep at the wheel could be held liable for endangering others on the road.

Vehicle Defects or Defective Auto Parts

Some vehicles may be unsafe due to design or manufacturing flaws. Vehicle parts and components can similarly contribute to a crash. In these situations, Onward Injury Law can hold companies responsible for endangering consumers and the communities they live in.

Poor Road and Weather Conditions

Ice and snow on a road or highway can affect traction. Damaged roads or roads in desperate need of repair can similarly affect driver safety. Both of these issues can lead to major crashes throughout Macon County.

Potential Serious Injuries in a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause serious injuries that could have long-term effects on your livelihood and quality of life. Some of 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

Josh and his staff are excellent to work with. Caring and compassionate, they really listen to the clients. They go above and beyond to get the best possible results. I’m very happy I was referred to him! I will definitely contact him for any future legal needs and I highly recommend him.

— Grace D., ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

Illinois Laws Relevant to Your Car Accident Case

If you were involved in a car accident in Central Illinois, the following state laws matter 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 accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit (Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 § 5/13-202). Once that two-year statute of limitations has passed, you will no longer be able to file a claim.

There are some exceptions to the two-year deadline depending on the circumstances of the collision, but it’s best to speak with our Decatur car accident attorneys as soon as possible after your crash.

Partial Fault/Modified Comparative Negligence

In Illinois, you can file a lawsuit for a car crash as long as you are less than 50% at fault. This is because Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. Your percentage of fault will be deducted from the total amount of damages you’re awarded.

For example, say that you were in a car accident just outside Decatur and are awarded $100,000. You were found to be 20% at fault for the crash. Because of modified comparative negligence, you would still receive $80,000.

Dram Shop Liability

The state has dram shop liability laws that can hold bars, restaurants, and businesses accountable if they sell visibly intoxicated patrons alcoholic beverages (Illinois Compiled Statutes 235 § 5/6-21). These laws help prevent establishments from overserving alcohol and contributing to impaired-driving accidents.

While some states have a similar statute for social hosts, that’s not the case for Illinois. 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?

There are different parties who can be held liable for causing a collision. Our Decatur car accident attorneys can review the evidence and determine who is responsible for the crash or contributed to the wreck.

• The Other Driver: The other driver involved in the collision may have been reckless, impaired, or otherwise negligent, resulting in the car crash.
• Another Motorist on the Road: Another driver who was on the road may have swerved into a lane, causing other motorists to react and a subsequent collision.
• Bars, Restaurants, and Businesses Serving Alcohol: Because of dram shop laws in Illinois, a business might be liable for overserving drinks to someone clearly impaired.
• Automakers and Auto Part Companies: Automakers and manufacturers of vehicle components can be held liable when they put defective products on the market.
• Local Municipalities: Road authorities in Macon 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 crash in the Decatur 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 carefully evaluate the ways the collision has affected your life and help you understand the true value of your accident claim.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to calculable material and financial losses associated with a car accident. Common examples of economic damages after a crash 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 typically harder 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

Punitive damages are a form of exemplary damages, meaning that they are intended to punish the negligent party for their actions rather than compensate a family for injuries and financial losses. To receive punitive damages after a car accident in Illinois, there must be clear and convincing evidence that the other party caused intentional harm or acted in a willful and wanton manner.

Punitive damages are rare. The car accident attorneys here at Onward Injury Law can let you know if you can seek punitive damages based on the circumstances of your case.

What to Do After a Car Accident in the Decatur Area

If you ever get into a car accident in the Decatur area, here are some tips on what to do. Following these steps can help improve the value of your settlement or lawsuit.

• Check If Anyone Is Hurt: Check if you or any passengers in your car have been injured in the crash.
• Get Yourself to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic and get all occupants to safety. You should also set down flares to alert other motorists of the accident site.
• Call 911: Notify law enforcement about the collision and make sure they send an ambulance in case of injuries.
• Exchange Information with Others: Exchange contact information with other motorists involved in the car crash and any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Take Photos and Videos of the Accident: Make sure you document the accident and the accident site. Get photos and video evidence from multiple angles, noting the crashed vehicles, the road conditions, and 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: Injuries aren’t always apparent right after a collision. Just to be safe, make sure you see a doctor to get checked out by a professional.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurer know that you were in a crash. Do not admit fault or offer your opinion. Just provide the facts.
• Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer: If you’ve been in a major crash, be sure to discuss what happened with our car accident attorneys here in Decatur.

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 Decatur, IL

At Onward Injury Law, we want to help Macon County families recover after they’ve been affected by a major collision. Whether you’ve survived a crash or lost a loved one, we’re ready to listen and offer our help.

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