Plainfield Car Accident Lawyers

I was very pleased working with the office of Newland & Newland LLP. I am grateful for the hard work and commitment of Gary and his entire team. I would highly recommend the services of Newland & Newland LLP.

Every year, thousands of people across Illinois are hurt in car accidents that could have been prevented. In Plainfield, the rapid growth of the community over the past two decades has brought more vehicles onto local roads, more congestion at intersections, and more opportunities for careless driving that can put people at risk. When a driver acts recklessly or fails to prevent an accident, the people around them can pay the price.

People who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents can take steps to recover compensation from the driver who was responsible for causing their injuries. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we help car accident victims in Plainfield and the surrounding communities determine how to proceed, and we work to protect their rights and obtain the full compensation they deserve. Our lawyers will handle the legal process from start to finish so that a victim can focus on healing.

Why Negligence Is at the Root of Most Car Accidents

A car accident usually does not happen randomly without any way to prevent it. The vast majority of motor vehicle collisions are caused by driver negligence. All drivers have a "duty of care" that they owe to others on the road. When a driver violates that duty by speeding, driving while impaired, ignoring traffic signals, or engaging in other unsafe behaviors, they can be held responsible for causing an accident. A victim will typically need to prove that negligence by another party was the cause of an accident and the injuries they suffered. By doing so, they can recover compensation for the damages caused by the person's negligence.

Driver Fatigue

Most people understand that drunk driving is dangerous. Fewer may realize that sleep deprivation and fatigue can involve similar impairments. Fatigued drivers are likely to experience slowed reaction times and other issues that can lead to accidents. In some cases, drivers may experience microsleep, briefly losing consciousness for a few seconds. This can be incredibly dangerous when a vehicle is moving at full speed.

Fatigued driving is common among long-haul truck drivers, but it can also affect many other people. Graveyard shift workers, parents of young children, people who are driving home late at night, and anyone who has gone too long without adequate sleep can become dangerously tired or drowsy.

Distracted Driving

Illinois law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Drivers who use their phones to read and send text messages, make phone calls, look up directions, check social media, or use other apps will be more likely to cause dangerous car accidents.

Distractions behind the wheel can extend well beyond phone use. Eating, adjusting a radio or environmental controls, reaching into the back seat, personal grooming, and other activities can take a driver's attention away from the road long enough to cause a crash.

Safety researchers have grouped distracted driving into three types: visual distraction (looking away from the road), manual distraction (using hands for non-driving activities), and cognitive distraction (mentally disengaging from the task of driving). Many issues that affect drivers involve all three of these types of distractions.

When our law firm investigates a distracted driving accident, we look at cell phone records, vehicle data, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to reconstruct what the driver was doing in the moments before the collision. We will work to ensure that victims can obtain compensation for damages caused by a distracted driver.

Drunk and Drugged Driving

As in most other states, drivers in Illinois are prohibited from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. However, impairment can begin well before a driver reaches that threshold. Any amount of alcohol can lead to slower reaction times, reduced coordination, visual problems, and other impairments that can affect a person's ability to drive safely.

Drug impairment can be just as dangerous for drivers as alcohol use. Substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription painkillers, or even some over-the-counter drugs can affect a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drugged driving cases may involve toxicological evidence and other factors that may play a role in establishing fault.

When a drunk driver or a driver who was under the influence of drugs causes an accident, they may face criminal charges as well as civil liability for the injuries suffered by a victim. A criminal conviction or the evidence introduced during a criminal proceeding can play a role in a civil personal injury claim. Our attorneys will use all available evidence to build the strongest possible cases for our clients.

Traffic Violations and Other Forms of Negligent Driving

Multiple types of traffic violations and driving behaviors can lead to car accidents. Speeding is one of the most common factors in these cases. Drivers may exceed the speed limits, or they may drive too fast during conditions such as snowstorms or heavy rain. At higher speeds, vehicles will have longer stopping distances, and drivers may be unable to slow down in time to avoid collisions.

Driver negligence can lead to accidents in intersections throughout Plainfield. Running red lights and stop signs, making improper turns, and following too closely can lead to serious collisions. Accidents may also occur because drivers do not check their mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes, pass other vehicles unsafely, or engage in aggressive maneuvers. A driver may also be liable for an accident caused by a failure to keep their vehicle maintained correctly.

The Impact of a Car Accident on a Victim's Life

The injuries that can occur in car accidents may range from whiplash or other soft tissue injuries to bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, internal trauma, and damage to the spinal cord. A victim may require emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical management. The effects of an accident can last for months or years. Some people may never fully recover, and they may face permanent limitations that affect their ability to work, care for their families, and enjoy the lives they had before being injured.

Injury victims may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include financial losses related to an accident, such as the costs of medical care, lost wages, or damaged property. Non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other issues that may not have involved monetary losses. Our attorneys work to ensure that our clients will be fully compensated for all of their damages

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases in Plainfield

Contact Our Plainfield, Illinois Car Accident Attorneys

Negligent drivers can cause serious harm in car accidents. Fortunately, they can be held accountable for the damages suffered by victims. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can provide the legal help needed to secure compensation for the damages a person has suffered due to a driver's negligence. Contact our Plainfield motor vehicle accident laywers at 815-620-0546 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can evaluate your claim and help you understand your options, and we will work to obtain compensation on your behalf.