Illinois Local Accident Resources
Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports
Illinois Local Accident Resources
Was Someone You Loved Involved in a Fatal Accident in Illinois Today?
Has someone you love been a victim of a fatal car accident recently? Contact our team of Illinois wrongful death lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process to secure your justice and compensation. If someone you love has passed away due to a fatal car accident in Illinois today, you will find that recovery from such a catastrophic event can be challenging. After enduring the deadly crash of a loved one, you may have experienced severe emotional trauma and mental strain as a result. Your family may require additional financial support due to extensive medical and funeral bills as well as lost income if you relied on the person who passed away for financial assistance. There are some resources available to help you during this difficult time. If You Have Lost Income as the Result of a Catastrophic Accident If your source of income has been impacted due to a fatal car accident, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:
- Illinois Social Security Disability – Statewide resources for Illinois residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries.
- Supplemental Security Income in Illinois – Statewide resources for adult and juvenile victims who lack adequate financial aid resources in Illinois.
- Illinois Legal Aid Online – For individuals seeking additional information about the legal rights of car accident victims or looking for the assistance of a professional lawyer.
- Illinois State Bar Association – For residents of Illinois seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.
Need Help With Requesting an Official Copy of the Incident Police Report?
Suppose a loved one was involved in an Illinois wrongful death accident, and you would like to obtain a copy of the police report. In that case, you must first confirm that the Illinois State Police filed the report by checking the ‘Investigated By’ box on the motorist report. If they did, you must mail in a request with the following information: agency crash report number, date of the car accident, where the accident occurred, and the names of everyone involved. A payment of $5.00 must also be submitted with the request. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and still need a copy of the report, we can help you retrieve one. Our dedicated local car accident attorney will provide you with a free copy of your police incident report.
If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy
Accidents not only inflict terrible or fatal injuries on the body but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim’s mind. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:
- Illinois Psychological Association – Search statewide for psychologists who can help you recover from your traumatic experience or a friend/family member’s involvement with a motor vehicle accident.
- Illinois Therapists – Search statewide for therapists who can help you recover from your psychological trauma and emotional strain after a motor vehicle accident.
- Illinois Spinal Cord Support Groups – Regardless of the simple name, this website offers multiple links to support groups for victims suffering from traumatic or life-threatening brain or spinal cord injuries as a result of an accident.
If You Require Financial Aid for Incidences Resulting from Criminal Activity
You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:
- Crime Victim Compensation Program – Created by the Illinois General Assembly to provide financial services for victims of accidents caused by wrongdoing or criminal intent.
If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI
Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damage to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by statewide law, the Illinois DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for all drivers. Motorists may also face additional charges if their BAC ranges from 0.05% to 0.08% if the police officer has confirmed the suspect acts erratically. Currently, Illinois ranks 41 among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If a DUI incident has victimized you, a loved one, or a friend and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:
- MADD Illinois– Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Illinois. Call (877) ASK to speak with a national headquarters representative. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact the MADD Illinois office, call the Springfield Affiliate at (217) 523.6233 and the Downers Grove office at (630) 541.6099 or look up your closest affiliate at the MADD Directory.
Accident Prevention in Illinois
In recent years, the State of Illinois has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety – Promoted by the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, this program offers resources for preventing bicycle and pedestrian accidents and ensuing personal injuries. Links will direct you to instruction manuals, NHTSA safety tips, and accident statistics.
- Traffic Safety Facts – Featured on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State site, this resource links to fact sheets, quizzes, safety tips, and other educational articles to help residents stay safe on the roads.
Charities that Local Accident Reports Supports
At Local Accident Reports, we support several of these charities throughout Illinois. These compassionate professionals and volunteers touch the lives of victims dealing with the aftermath of life-changing accidents.
- Arrive Alive Tour – The staff tours schools and campuses to bring awareness to the deadly consequences of driving while texting, drunk, and distracted.
- Barr Harris – A grief center for children coping with traumatic experiences, such as violence, death, and divorce.
- Bereaved Parents of the USA – A non-profit organization founded by bereaved parents who provide long-term support for parents and families dealing with the death of a child.
- Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services – Founded in 1985, the Center helps people get through grief mourning via psychotherapy and bereavement counseling services.
- The Compassionate Friends – You can find support groups of parents, grandparents, and siblings who’ve suffered the loss of a son, daughter, or grandchild.
- Family Service Center – A non-profit mental health agency offering families counseling, education, crisis intervention, and outreach to support their mental and emotional well-being.
- National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving – NFTSD hosts events and activities focused on reducing teen-related motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Grief Resource Network – GSN offers bereavement services, support groups, and educational materials for community members coping with the loss of a child, spouse, or pet.
- Pillars Community Health – This organization gives individuals and families access to various health, social, and educational services.
- Stop Distractions – This grassroots non-profit aims to end accidents resulting from distracted drivers.
Important Questions Regarding Wrongful Death Cases
The experience of a loved one passing away suddenly hits families hard. The family members left behind can find it difficult to move forward. It is perhaps even more troubling when someone else’s reckless conduct caused the death. Often, the surviving family has numerous questions following such a tragedy. At Local Accident Reports, we seek to answer common questions about wrongful death claims.
What Is the Meaning of a Wrongful Death?
As per the Illinois statutes (740 ILCS 180/), wrongful death happens as a result of a “wrongful act, neglect or default.” Some of the most typical claims for wrongful death include:
- Vehicle collisions
- Medical negligence
- Work-related accidents
- Product malfunctions
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Civil cases include the claims categories listed above. On the other hand, some wrongful death instances are classified as criminal cases. It’s a criminal act when someone dies due to an assault or homicide.
What Actions Do I Take to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Lawsuits require a lot of time, effort, and legal savvy. When you know how the judicial system works, it is easier to prepare for a case. Fortunately, a skilled Illinois attorney can handle the legal legwork for you. Here’s a quick overview of the steps taken when pursuing a wrongful death claim.
- Get a Case Review: Most attorneys offer free consultations. During this meeting, you can share details of what happened. Also, you can share any relevant documents, such as accident reports, medical files, and witness statements. They will explain your rights, the related laws, and legal options. Free case evaluation can help you decide on a lawyer you want to represent you.
- Investigate the Case: As a plaintiff, you must prove your case. With that in mind, you must collect as much evidence as possible. These materials can range from eyewitness accounts to expert testimony. Sufficient proof increases the likelihood of winning a case or obtaining fair compensation.
- Engage in Negotiations: The truth of the matter is approximately 90% of wrongful death cases don’t go to trial. Most parties prefer settlements. It’s an appealing option for people who want to avoid an expensive, time-consuming, and stressful legal struggle.
- File a Complaint: Sometimes, settlement negotiations fall through. When either side rejects an offer, a jury or judge trial is the next step. At this stage, a formal complaint is filed with the circuit court. This legal document is filed in the county where the wrongful occurred or where the defendant resides. The complaint is a thorough account of the accident by an Illinois attorney seeking redress. This court record thoroughly accounts for the accident and the remedies you seek.
- Share Documents: In legal proceedings, opposing attorneys may have information the other side doesn’t. It’s common for them to engage in “discovery.” Each attorney requests evidence that could strengthen their client’s case. For instance, sworn witness testimonies are often exchanged.
- Go to Court: The lawyers present their cases to support the people they represent. The jury or judge then renders a verdict if a settlement has not been reached.
How Do I Establish Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case?
The person bringing the case is known as the plaintiff. They bear the burden of proof as defined by law. In these situations, proving a wrongful act took place requires meeting the following four legal requirements:
- Duty of Care: Under this theory, the person accused of causing the wrongful death, or the defendant, is accountable for acting in a way that would not endanger the victim. Assume the defendant was driving while intoxicated. The motorist had a duty to adhere to traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: You establish this condition by demonstrating the driver did not follow the expected road safety rules.
- Causation: In this case, the defendant’s acts must have directly contributed to the fatal crash. For instance, there’s substantial proof the driver’s drunkenness caused the demise of the deceased.
- Damages: The expenses the surviving family members incurred related to the fatal accident.
Evidence is essential to support your claim. That’s when an experienced lawyer can help you the most. They can gather compelling information to satisfy the four elements of negligence.
Who May Make a Claim for Wrongful Death in Illinois?
In most states, surviving family members can file a lawsuit. However, Illinois does things a bit differently. According to the law, only a personal representative or executor of the deceased person’s estate can file a lawsuit (740 ILCS 180/). What if the person dies without having a representative or estate plan? In this case, the court will appoint a personal representative. However, a family member can function in this role, but it’s not mandatory.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations limits your window of opportunity to bring a wrongful death claim. You have two years in Illinois to file. The day the departed loved one passes away is when the deadline begins. However, in cases involving a minor child or a death outside of Illinois, the timeframe could be extended.
Which Damages Am I Eligible to Receive?
In a wrongful death case, damages are the monetary reward that the surviving family may seek. Damages fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. The first category is compensation for future earnings, burial costs, and hospital bills. Second is financial support for the emotional and mental distress associated with the loss of a loved one. Finally, courts may impose punitive damages to punish a defendant and discourage egregious acts of misconduct.
How Is the Value of a Wrongful Death Case Determined?
The wrongful death of someone you love can have financial consequences. The compensation from a settlement or lawsuit can aid families in getting through difficult times. A claim’s value is based on tangible and non-tangible factors. These include:
- Cover burial costs
- Medical expenditures
- Lost income
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Degree of culpability
- Property damage
Other factors include the deceased’s age and health status. The claim needs an in-depth analysis to be calculated accurately.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take to Get Resolved?
Legal proceedings can last from a few months to several years. This is because each case is unique and difficult. For example, a wrongful death case could be resolved quickly after a fatal accident involving a car or pedestrian. However, a case where a semi-truck causes a fatality due to a faulty braking system, for example, could take longer to adjudicate. In this case, multiple parties, such as the manufacturer and the trucking company, could be liable. The amount of evidence, settlement negotiations, and dockets of court cases can also prolong the claim’s duration. A lawyer can tell you what to expect, but they cannot give a precise completion date.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Having legal representation is not required by law. However, it is strongly advised. An Illinois attorney is well-versed in local and statewide laws. Their professional training and skill set enable them to manage the legal process. They can take care of everything from filing the correct documents to representing you in a court trial. They have what it takes to fight for you, demand justice, and recover full compensation. Having a qualified attorney in your corner increases your chances of winning your case.
If My Loved One Was Partially at Fault, Can I File a Lawsuit?
You can as long as you meet Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule. If the departed person contributed less than 50% to the accident, you may be able to seek damages. Here’s an example of how this legal theory applies to a wrongful death claim: Suppose the total award amount is $200,000. If a deceased individual is 20% at fault, the compensation amount is reduced based on their level of negligence. In this scenario, the plaintiff (the party suing) will receive $160,000.
What Distinguishes Wrongful Death From Personal Injury?
Let us begin by examining their shared attributes. Both claims center on another person’s wrongdoing or negligence. The critical distinction is who is eligible to bring a claim. Illinois law requires a personal representative or the deceased person’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. In an individual case, the injured person files a lawsuit against the negligent party.
After a Car Accident: What Should You Do?
Traffic Statistics in Illinois
Numbers tell stories. Sometimes, these traffic data depict real-life horror stories. As of July 2023, The Prairie State has a population of 12,549,689. Unfortunately, too many Idahoans have suffered fatal traffic accidents. Whether driving, walking, or cycling, it helps to know more about the potential risks. Below, we highlight some key statistics to help raise awareness surrounding road safety.
- Dangerous Roads: The sobering reality is some highways are more dangerous than others. Four stretches of roads with the deadliest wrecks and injuries. Be careful when driving along Route 55/Stevenson Expressway, Dan Ryan Expressway, Elgin O’Hare Tollway, and Route 66/55.
- Road Fatalities: A deadly traffic crash occurs on every type of roadway. There are four types of roads to pay attention to when you travel. In 2023, the roads with the most fatal injuries are State/US Routes. City streets followed with 392 lives lost, followed by country/township (213) and Interstates (173).
- Motor Vehicle Fatalities: In 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crash report cited 1,275 fatal injuries and 1,176 fatal crashes. In the incidents, 302 victims used restraints, while 280 didn’t employ restraints or misuse them.
- Vehicle Crashes: The most fatalities in 2023 occurred among pedestrians (204). The other four main fatalities involved motorcyclists (160), semi-trucks (132), pedal cyclists (42), and work zones (23).
- Worst Driving Times and Days: Unfortunately, fatal crashes are a 24/7 occurrence. However, specific hours, days, and months see the most significant upticks in these tragic traffic events. Based on 2021 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics, the the day with the most fatal crashes is Sunday (161) in urban areas and Saturday in rural communities (69). The time of day with the most fatal wrecks is between 8:00 pm and 11:59 pm in urban settings (197). In rural locations, there were 80 deadly collisions between 12:00 noon and 3:59 pm.
- Holiday Accidents: Holidays are often when family and friends come together to enjoy their time together. Unfortunately, a fun-filled day can turn into fatal injuries, especially when alcohol is involved. Here’s a breakdown of 2021 Holiday fatal crash data: Fourth of July (21), New Year’s (19), Labor Day (18), Memorial Day (14), Thanksgiving (10), and Christmas (9).
- Drunk Driving: Nationwide, over 10,000 people lose their lives in alcohol-related auto accidents each year. In 2021, 276 crashes involved alcohol. Out of that number, 318 people were killed and 168 injured. Cook County had the drunk driving casualties (46), followed by Will County (26) and St Clair (25).
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has a Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The mission is to put in place programs and initiatives geared toward preventing serious crash injuries and deaths on the state’s roadways. These statistics and crash reports can serve as an eye-opener for all Illinois residents. The numbers reveal the need to make road safety a top priority. After all, there are real lives behind each stat and crash call. Bringing attention to roadway hazards can help us make better decisions. Safer choices are vital to preventing auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Illinois Grief & Trauma Resources
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Reach Out to Local Accident Reports Today
The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is incredibly painful, and it’s understandable if you’re uncertain about pursuing a wrongful death claim. At Local Accident Reports, our skilled Illinois wrongful death attorneys are ready to assist you. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, clarify your legal rights, and explore your options. We’ll be by your side from start to finish, ensuring your interests are fully protected throughout the legal process. While we can’t undo the past, we aim to help you obtain the financial compensation your family needs to alleviate any added burdens. Contact us at (888) 657-1460 to speak with an experienced attorney.
Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State
Car Occupants
460
Pickup and SUV Occupants
247
Large Truck Occupants
16
Motorcyclists
162
Pedestrians
145
