Being in a serious car crash can be a major disruption to your life, health, and livelihood. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle wreck in Southern Illinois and believe that another driver was at fault for causing that crash, you owe it to yourself to discuss what happened with an experienced Marion, IL car accident lawyer. Our compassionate legal team at Prince Law Firm is prepared to help you and your family through the legal process and answer any questions you may have. Initial consultations are always free.
Every Illinois driver has a duty of care to drive responsibly. At the bare minimum, that means obeying traffic laws, maintaining the speed limit, and remaining fully alert when on the road. When drivers breach this duty of care, and their actions result in a car accident, the injured victim is well within their rights to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Injury lawsuits are civil actions and can be filed in addition to or independent of any criminal charges.
At Prince Law Firm, our car accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of victims who are injured by other negligent parties. We can help hold the responsible party accountable for the actions that harmed you and negotiate with any relevant insurance companies to secure a settlement for you. Also, we can represent your best interests in court in Williamson County. So, contact us if you need help.
National and Illinois Car Cash Statistics
Data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, published in 2023, outlines how the total cost of vehicle crashes in 2019 resulted in losses totaling over $340 billion. That includes losses associated with 36,500 fatalities, 4.5 million nonfatal injuries and 23 million damaged vehicles. TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, published a report during the summer of 2024, highlighting how the combination of serious and fatal auto accidents in 2023 caused $460 billion in total damages, which included economic and quality-of-life losses.
Every year we see more fatalities that happen on our highways and roads—despite the fact that vehicle safety technology is better than it’s ever been.
Here in Illinois, we see our fair share of fatal accidents. As reported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 1,241 individuals died in car wrecks in Illinois during 2023. This number is higher than the same statistics from both previous years.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Marion, IL
The vast majority of car crashes are considered preventable. That means that negligence was the prevailing contributing factor to the accident.
Here are some of the most common causes of negligence-related car wrecks in Southern Illinois:
- Speeding – Speeding is a major factor in many accidents because it affects how much time a driver has to brake, slow, or otherwise react to a given situation. According to the 2022 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report, 31.8% of all accidents were the result of speeding. Of that number, 43.8% were fatal crashes, and 36.7% resulted in serious injuries.
- Aggressive Driving – Driving aggressively leads to unpredictable moves, which can make it difficult for other drivers to react in time. Aggressive drivers are also more likely to speed or ignore traffic rules or posted signs.
- Distracted Driving – Using a cell phone, texting, eating, picking up a dropped item, or even talking to a passenger are all common examples of distracted driving that cause car accidents. These behaviors are completely preventable.
- Drunk Driving – Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs remains one of the top causes of car accidents nationwide as well as in our state. The Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report referenced above outlines how 21% of the fatal crashes that occurred in our state in 2022 were alcohol-involved.
- Failing To Follow Traffic Laws – Traffic laws are put into place to keep everyone on the road safe. When a driver fails to recognize or follow posted signs or local traffic laws, they may cause an accident.
- Defective Vehicles or Parts – Sometimes, there can be a crash caused by a mechanical failure. Oftentimes, these crashes are caused by defective auto parts, such as seatbelts, airbags, braking systems, gas pedals, or faulty tires, which may necessitate the filing of a product liability case.
Whether you believe one of the factors above contributed to causing your wreck or some other factor did, consider reaching out to a Marion, IL car accident lawyer in our office for assistance. This is especially the case if you suffered any of the following injuries and have both physical damage to your vehicle as well as injuries that you need to recover compensation for. Meeting with our attorneys is complimentary and risk-free, so reach out now.
Common Car Crash Injuries
Being involved in a wreck can cause a wide variety of debilitating injuries. Here are some of the common injuries that often result from a car accident in Williamson County:
- Burn injuries
- Abrasions, lacerations, friction injuries, and puncture wounds
- Broken bones and dislocations
- Internal organ damage, including internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries which may result in damage to the spine or spinal cord
- Head and brain injuries
- Emotional trauma
After being in a car crash, it’s common for the body to experience a rush of adrenaline and endorphins. These sensations may mask pain or other injury symptoms, potentially causing an accident victim to feel fine after a wreck. Regardless of how you feel after your collision, getting prompt medical care is crucial.
Those medical records will become important documentation in your Murphysboro auto accident claim. By delaying medical care or not going to all your follow-up doctor’s appointments, you may jeopardize the compensation you need to make a complete recovery.
What Does It Take To Prove Liability for a Southern Illinois Wreck?
Under Illinois law, a driver who caused a crash may be held liable for negligence if the victim and their car accident attorney can prove four elements:
- Duty
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
These four elements are crucial to any car accident case and can be proven with a combination of solid evidence, third-party witnesses, and expert testimony that can accurately relay how and why the crash occurred and how the responsible party was negligent.
Damages Recoverable in Williamson County Car Crash Cases
Anyone injured in a Marion car accident who can successfully establish the elements of negligence outlined above in their own case may be entitled to receive financial compensation that can go towards the following accident-related costs:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Property or vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or loss of enjoyment of life
- Other potential damages
In terms of the latter, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral and burial costs if a car crash claimed the life of your loved one.
You can expect the car accident attorney in Marion, IL that you meet with to assess your particular crash-related losses and advise you on what you may be able to recover compensation for during your initial consultation with them.
How a Marion, IL Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A motor vehicle collision can cause you to suffer catastrophic injuries in a matter of a few seconds. It can also suddenly remove a close family member from your life.
Suffering life-altering injuries or losing a loved one in a motor vehicle collision that was not your or your now-deceased loved one’s fault can cause you and your family significant grief and financial distress. You don’t have to add more to your plate, and you can navigate the legal process necessary to recover compensation on your own.
Get in touch with a Marion, IL car accident lawyer as soon as possible, as the statutory deadline for filing a claim in our state may be quickly running out. Our injury lawyers will be happy to assist you in any way we can and utilize our more than 20 years of experience to make sure you and your loved ones have the freedom and peace of mind you need to move forward. Contact us at Prince Law Firm today.
