Loves Park Auto Accident Leaves One Dead

Two vehicles collided head-on near the intersection of Windsor Road and Gables Drive, according to a WREX 13 news report. The crash left one dead and two injured. Each year, approximately 60,000 people are injured in auto accidents in Chicago and according to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation almost 1,000 were killed in 2013 alone. Drivers are responsible not only for their own safety but also the safety of others both on and off the road. When a driver’s negligent or reckless behavior causes the death or injury of another, Illinois state law requires that driver be held accountable.

What To Do If You Are in an Auto Accident

Depending on the severity of the collision, your emotional and physical state may be damaged. That being said, it is important to keep the following things in mind if you or someone you know is injured in an Illinois auto accident:

• Stay at the scene – fleeing the scene of an accident is against the law in several states, and Illinois is no exception. Serious criminal charges may be filed against a hit-and-run driver. if the crash resulted in fatalities, the consequences will be particularly harsh.
• Make sure everyone is ok – first and foremost, the physical well-being of all involved (including drivers and passengers) should be verified before assessing any property damage. Next, seek medical attention immediately (or instruct someone to do so if you are unable to yourself) and make sure not to move anyone who is unconscious or complaining of neck or back pain, unless a life-threatening hazard demands it.
• Take pictures – if you are able to, take photographs of the damaged vehicle as soon as possible. These images will assist the insurance company when assessing your claim and an attorney should you need to take legal action because before-and-after photos can be powerful evidence should the case go before a jury if the case does go to trial.
• Call the police – if there is physical injury, property damage or, tragically, a death, law enforcement should be called right away. Once an officer arrives at the scene, a report should be requested and filed; make sure to take down the names and badge numbers of all responding officers for your records.
• Stay quiet – do not speak to anyone about the accident with the exception of your attorney, the insurance company and law enforcement. If you are represented by legal counsel, no third parties should be speaking with you directly about the crash unless your lawyer has agreed to this.
• Record all medical treatment – it is important to keep a detailed account of all medical providers that treat you, including physical therapists, chiropractors, doctors, and others. Record medications prescribed and ask for copies of all medical reports and bills. Moreover, note how the injuries sustained have affected your daily living. This will help your attorney in proving pain and suffering, damages that may be obtained beyond medical expenses and loss of wages.

Car Accident Attorney Available in Illinois

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, or you’ve lost a loved one because of another’s driver’s carelessness, contact an experienced Rockford auto accident attorney today. The legal professionals at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. understand the challenges auto accident victims face when trying to navigate through the aftermath of a severe crash; these attorneys will assist every step of the way compassionately and aggressively on clients’ behalf. Call (815) 315-9845 today to schedule your initial free consultation.