Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois
Unfortunately, car accidents are a common issue, one that can change your life in a split second. You may need to sue after your car accident, but what caused it?
Determining the cause of your car accident can be vital to your lawsuit. Determining the cause of your accident can help you determine who’s liable for your injuries, so you can hold them accountable for your suffering.
If you or a loved one have suffered a car accident in Illinois, you may be eligible for compensation. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible following your accident and contact a reliable lawyer.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving involves anything where the driver is engaged in an activity other than simply operating the vehicle. Familiar examples include texting, talking on the phone, eating, reading, fiddling with the GPS, or changing playlists on the phone.
While many people engage in this behavior regularly and casually, it is not to be taken lightly. Many car crashes are caused by some form of distracted driving. If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, talk to your lawyer about holding them accountable.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol impairs the driver in dangerous ways. They are unable to make rational decisions, struggle with depth perception, and have delayed reaction time to stimuli. No matter the substance, driving under the influence is always a bad idea.
Driving under the influence is also a criminal offense. If the at-fault driver is charged with a DUI, talk to your lawyer about using evidence from their criminal trial to support your civil lawsuit.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Road rage is a form of aggressive driving where a driver perceives a slight committed against them by another motorist and acts dangerously. Examples include tailgating, intentionally cutting off other drivers, and even intentionally ramming another vehicle. Road rage can be dangerous and has resulted in deadly car accidents.
Recklessness is tied in with road rage, but sometimes can occur separately. Drivers who are overconfident in their abilities can sometimes drive recklessly because they believe they can do it safely. Unfortunately, this is not accurate. Examples of this include excessive lane changing or weaving, speeding, and not leaving adequate space between cars.
When another person endangers your safety and causes a car accident because of it, reach out for guidance from a car accident attorney.
Manufacturing Errors
In some cases, the condition of the roads and how they’re designed or made can lead to a car accident. Poorly-maintained roads with things like excessive potholes, uneven cement, and debris can also cause accidents. These accidents are also not the motorist’s fault.
Vehicle malfunction—be it issues from the manufacturer, a problem missed by a mechanic, or a design defect—are also not the fault of the driver. If you’ve suffered through either of these situations, talk to your lawyer about holding the manufacturer or other party responsible.
Protect Yourself After an Accident with a Lawyer
If you have suffered a car accident due to unforeseen circumstances or the negligence of others, you may be eligible for compensation. Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC has the resources and experience you need on your side for a successful case.
Ready to learn more? Seek out a free consultation. Call 815-656-4600 or complete the following online contact form for experienced counsel that you can trust.
