Vehicle collisions are a part of life and happen daily around Wheeling. Fortunately, most of them are minor and leave those involved with little damage. However, severe crashes may leave you with significant injuries and have catastrophic consequences for all motorists involved.
You may be eligible to collect compensation from the liable party or their insurance company to cover your losses if you were in a crash with a negligent driver. An experienced personal injury attorney at Bordas & Bordas could help. Schedule a free consultation with a Wheeling car accident lawyer at our firm today to review your case and learn more.
Leading Causes of Car Crashes
Car crashes happen everywhere and for many reasons, but they almost always involve negligence. When one party’s actions cause harm to others, they are liable for the damages. Some of the most typical causes of collisions include:
- Speeding – drivers traveling over the speed limit are more likely to lose control of their vehicle
- Driver distractions – are a substantial cause of accidents nationwide
- Alcohol – impairment significantly reduces concentration ability, judgment, and reaction time
- Reckless and aggressive driving – puts the driver and those around them at increased risk of car wrecks
- Running red lights and stop signs – a significant cause of fatal accidents
- Pedestrians – hazardous driving practices, such as distractions, put pedestrians and bicyclists at significant risk of life-threatening injuries and death
Accidents can leave you and your passengers with broken bones, head and brain injuries, and more. A Wheeling car accident attorney could investigate and review the available evidence to determine liability and help you build a solid case for damage recovery.
The Statute of Limitations and Modified Comparative Fault
Quick action to begin an investigation is essential for many reasons, including being vital for collecting evidence and court-enforced time restrictions. State law says the petitioner must commence an action within two years of the car wreck. Missing the deadline can severely limit your chance of recovering a settlement from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
The guidelines provide that the defendant may request the court to dismiss the case, leaving no other options for collecting your damages and losses. There may be exceptions when the injured party is under 18 or suffers mental impairment in the collision. Even so, quick action is always an effective way to prove the case successfully.
Modified Comparative Fault Rule
State laws follow the modified comparative fault rule if the court finds that more than one party is at fault. That means they will bar you from collecting a settlement if they find you are over 50 percent liable.
However, if you are under 50 percent responsible, they will reduce the settlement amount by that percentage and entitle you to collect the rest from the defendant or their insurance company. A dedicated car crash lawyer in Wheeling could handle the legal filings on your behalf and help calculate the potential damages under the modified comparative fault rule.
Meet With a Qualified Auto Accident Attorney in Wheeling Today
When a driver’s thoughtless actions behind the wheel cause a crash and others sustain injuries and losses, civil laws protect them by allowing them to recover their monetary losses. While determining fault for some motor vehicle collisions is straightforward, others may take skilled investigation and litigation to reach a fair settlement amount.
A seasoned Wheeling car accident lawyer could guide you through the process, providing sound legal advice and advocating on your behalf. Call today to schedule a free consultation and begin preparation right away.