Car accidents can have long-term financial consequences. If you were injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, a Joliet car accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.
When someone causes an accident due to reckless driving, they deserve to be held accountable. A failure to yield accident lawyer in Joliet from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can help you file a claim and obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
How a Joliet Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer Can Help
After an accident, a Joliet failure to yield accident lawyer can provide invaluable help. Specifically, they can assist with:
- Case investigation: Your lawyer can gather evidence, review traffic laws, and consult experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiations with insurance companies: Your attorney can handle communications with insurers to ensure your settlement covers all of your damages.
- Court representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for fair compensation.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
After a failure to yield accident in Joliet, you may be entitled to different forms of compensation depending on the extent of your injuries and damages. Common types of damages include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and ongoing treatment related to the crash.
- Lost wages: You can receive compensation for the income you lost while recovering from the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the collision.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your ability to earn in the future, you can seek compensation for loss of earning capacity.
A Joliet personal injury lawyer can help calculate your losses.
How Is Liability Determined in Failure to Yield Accidents?
In Illinois, drivers are legally required to yield the right of way in specific situations, such as at stop signs, yield signs, and when merging onto highways. If a driver fails to follow these rules and causes a collision, they may be held liable.
Liability is typically established using evidence from the accident scene, including police reports, traffic camera footage, photographs of vehicle damage, and witness statements. Sometimes, both drivers share responsibility, which can affect the amount of compensation you can recover.
Common Causes of Failure to Yield Accidents
Failure to yield accidents can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common ones include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not notice traffic signs or other vehicles, leading to right-of-way violations.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it difficult for drivers to yield when necessary.
- Ignoring traffic signs: Stop signs, yield signs, and traffic lights are designed to prevent accidents. Failing to obey them can result in serious crashes.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers who are impatient or aggressive may cut in front of others or refuse to yield, creating dangerous situations on the road.
- Poor visibility: Weather conditions, obstructed views, or nighttime driving can make it harder to see other vehicles and judge who has the right of way.
Steps to Take After a Failure to Yield Accident
Acting quickly after an accident can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Specifically, you should:
- Report the accident: Contact local law enforcement and file a police report.
- Collect evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from any available witnesses.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear until later. Your medical records will also be important for your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident, but avoid discussing fault.
- Consult a lawyer: Contact a failure to yield accident attorney in Joliet to discuss your legal options.
Preventing Failure to Yield Accidents
While you cannot control other drivers, these proactive steps can reduce your risk of being involved in a failure-to-yield accident:
- Driving attentively: Avoid distractions and always watch for traffic signs and signals.
- Obeying traffic laws: Follow speed limits, stop at intersections, and yield when required.
- Anticipating other drivers’ actions: Be cautious around aggressive or distracted drivers and maintain a safe following distance.
- Adjusting for conditions: Slow down during rain, fog, or poor lighting to allow more reaction time.
- Using defensive driving techniques: Expect the unexpected and be prepared to react safely to prevent collisions.
Contact a Failure to Yield Accident Attorney in Joliet
Failure to yield accidents can result in severe injuries and financial losses. An experienced Joliet failure to yield accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can help you put together a strong legal claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation to find out how you can get justice.
