Chicago Speeding Accident Attorney

Understanding how speeding car accidents happen and what to do after a crash can protect your rights. Acting quickly can improve your chances of winning a personal injury claim. The right legal team can investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and take legal action if needed.

Understanding Speeding Accidents

How Speeding Leads to Accidents

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road. When drivers go too fast, they need more distance to stop. This makes it harder to avoid hitting other cars, pedestrians, or obstacles.

At high speeds, crashes are more violent. A motor vehicle accident at 20 mph may cause minor damage, but at 60 mph, it can be deadly. Speeding car accidents also make safety features like airbags and seat belts less effective.

Weather conditions make speeding even more dangerous. Rain, snow, and ice reduce traction, increasing the chance of losing control. Speeding on wet or icy roads often leads to fatal crashes.

The faster a car moves, the worse the impact. Victims in high-speed crashes face greater injuries, higher medical bills, and longer recoveries.

Common Causes of Speeding-Related Crashes

• Running late – Drivers in a hurry ignore speed limits to save time.
• Distracted driving – Some drivers speed without realizing it while texting or adjusting the radio.
• Aggressive driving – Road rage and reckless behavior lead to excessive speeds.
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, causing drivers to speed.
• Empty roads – Less traffic at night or early morning tempts drivers to go faster than safe limits.
• Poor road design – Some roads encourage speeding due to wide lanes or absence of speed enforcement.

Where Do Speeding Accidents Happen Most in Chicago?

Chicago sees speeding car accidents in many areas, but some locations are more dangerous than others. High-speed crashes happen often on highways like I-290, I-90, and I-55, where drivers exceed limits. Expressways encourage faster speeds, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

Urban streets also see many speeding crashes. Busy roads like Western Avenue and Cicero Avenue have frequent auto accidents due to speeding at intersections. Pedestrians and cyclists are at greater risk in these areas.

Parking lots can also be dangerous. Drivers rushing to find spaces often ignore speed limits, causing crashes. Even at lower speeds, these accidents lead to car accident injuries like broken bones or head trauma. Enforcement of speed limits is strict in Chicago, but speeding remains a major cause of crashes. Victims of reckless drivers may have a strong personal injury claim if they suffer harm in a crash.

Common Injuries in Speeding Accidents

High-speed crashes cause more severe injuries than other car accidents. Victims often need long-term medical care and may struggle with daily activities. Some injuries heal over time, while others lead to permanent disabilities.

Understanding the effects of speeding car accidents can help victims seek proper treatment and legal support.

Serious and Life-Threatening Injuries

Speeding increases the force of impact, making injuries more severe. Many victims suffer:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Head trauma from crashes can cause memory loss, cognitive issues, and permanent brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine may lead to paralysis or lifelong mobility issues.
• Internal injuries – High-speed impacts can rupture organs, causing life-threatening conditions.
• Broken bones – The force of a motor vehicle accident often fractures arms, legs, ribs, or the pelvis.
• Severe burns – Fires and explosions in high-speed crashes can cause serious burns, leading to scarring or infections.

These injuries often require extensive medical care. Victims may face high medical bills and long recovery periods.

Long-Term Effects of Speeding Accidents

Many car accident victims suffer permanent damage from speeding crashes. Even after recovery, the effects of an accident can last a lifetime. Chronic pain is common after a serious car accident. Injuries like spinal damage or nerve injuries can cause ongoing discomfort. Some victims need pain management treatment for years.

Lost mobility is another long-term effect. A car crash can lead to paralysis or limited movement, making daily activities difficult. Some victims require wheelchairs or assistive devices for life. Mental health struggles often follow serious injuries. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression affect many crash survivors. They may fear driving or struggle with the trauma of the accident.

The financial repercussions are also significant. Long-term medical care, therapy, and lost wages create significant financial and emotional stress. Victims often seek compensation through car accident claims to cover these costs.

Determining Liability in a Speeding Accident Case

How to Prove the Other Driver Was Speeding

Showing that another driver was speeding can strengthen a car accident lawsuit. Several types of evidence can help prove this:

• Police reports – Officers often note if a driver was speeding at the crash scene.
• Traffic cameras – Footage from intersections or road cameras can show how fast the driver was going.
• Skid marks and crash damage – Investigators analyze tire marks and vehicle damage to estimate speed.
• Witness statements – Bystanders may have seen the speeding driver before the car crash.
• Black box data – Many cars have event data recorders that track speed before impact.

A Chicago car accident lawyer uses these forms of evidence to prove the case. Without proof, the insurance company may deny the claim or offer a low settlement.

Can Multiple Parties Be Liable?

More than one party can be responsible for a motor vehicle accident. While the speeding driver is often at fault, other factors may play a role. If a vehicle defect caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable. Faulty brakes, accelerator issues, or defective tires can lead to speeding car accidents. In these cases, victims may file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer.

Poor road conditions or missing signs can also contribute to a crash. If a city or state fails to maintain safe roads, they may share responsibility. In some car accident cases, government agencies or contractors can be held accountable.

If another driver’s actions force the speeding driver into a dangerous situation, they may also share liability. A car accident lawyer investigates all possible causes to determine who should pay for damages.

How a Chicago Speeding Accident Attorney Can Help

After a speeding car accident, victims may struggle with injuries, medical costs, and lost wages. Dealing with the insurance company can be stressful, and proving fault is not always easy. A car accident lawyer can handle the legal process while victims focus on recovery.

Investigating the Crash and Collecting Evidence

Strong evidence is key in car accident claims. A Chicago car accident lawyer will investigate the crash to prove liability. This includes:

• Reviewing police reports for details about speeding or reckless driving.
• Gathering traffic camera footage or surveillance videos.
• Examining the accident scene, including skid marks and road conditions.
• Interviewing witnesses who saw the car crash happen.
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts to determine vehicle speed.

The more evidence available, the stronger the case. A lawyer ensures that no detail is overlooked.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay less than a claim is worth. They may blame the victim or argue that the injuries are not severe. Without legal help, victims may accept a low settlement.

A car accident attorney negotiates with the insurance company to seek full compensation. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, the lawyer can take the case to court.

Having an attorney levels the playing field. Insurance adjusters use tactics to reduce payouts, but an accomplished lawyer knows how to fight back.

Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary

If negotiations fail, filing a car accident lawsuit may be the next step. A lawyer prepares the case by gathering medical records, expert testimony, and crash reports.

The lawsuit process includes filing legal documents, responding to defense arguments, and presenting evidence in court. Some cases settle before trial, but if needed, a Chicago car accident lawyer will fight for the victim in front of a judge or jury.

Taking legal action can help victims recover the full amount they deserve. Without a lawyer, proving fault and securing compensation can be much harder.

Compensation for Speeding Accident Victims

Compensation depends on the severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and case evidence. The goal is to ensure victims receive fair payment for their losses.

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs

Injuries from speeding car accidents can require emergency care, surgeries, and long-term treatment. Medical costs can add up quickly, especially for severe injuries. Compensation may cover:

• Emergency room visits – Ambulance fees, ER care, and initial treatment.
• Hospital stays – Costs for surgeries, overnight stays, and intensive care.
• Rehabilitation – Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and follow-up treatments.
• Medical equipment – Wheelchairs, braces, or assistive devices.
• Future medical expenses – Ongoing care for permanent injuries.

A car accident lawyer will ensure all medical bills are included in the claim. Victims should not have to pay for injuries caused by someone else’s reckless driving.

Lost Wages and Financial Impact

Many victims miss work after a motor vehicle accident. Some may never return to their previous jobs due to lasting injuries. Compensation for lost income helps victims stay financially stable.

Victims may recover:

• Lost wages – Money lost during recovery.
• Reduced earning capacity – If injuries prevent returning to the same job.
• Job retraining costs – If the victim must switch careers due to disabilities.

Financial stress can be overwhelming after an accident. A car accident attorney fights for fair payment to cover lost income and future earnings.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Not all losses are financial. Victims also suffer physically and emotionally after a serious car accident. Compensation for pain and suffering helps address these damages.

Factors that affect pain and suffering payments include:

• Severity of injuries – More serious injuries lead to higher compensation.
• Emotional distress – PTSD, anxiety, and depression caused by the crash.
• Impact on daily life – How the accident affects relationships, hobbies, and quality of life.

Calculating pain and suffering damages is complex. A Chicago car accident lawyer will fight to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their trauma.

What to Do After a Speeding Accident in Chicago

The steps taken after a speeding car accident can affect a victim’s health, finances, and legal case. Quick action helps protect rights and increases the chances of a successful personal injury claim.

Following the right steps can make a difference in proving fault and securing fair compensation.

Immediate Actions at the Scene

After a car crash, safety comes first. If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Call 911 right away. A police report provides an official record of the accident. Officers will document the scene, take witness statements, and determine if the other driver was speeding.

If injuries allow, gather evidence. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Exchange information with the other driver but avoid admitting fault. Witness statements can also help prove liability in car accident claims.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some car accident injuries take hours or days to appear. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Medical records are key evidence in car accident cases. They link injuries to the crash and show the need for treatment.

Delaying care can hurt a personal injury claim and give the insurance company a reason to deny compensation. Treatment may include emergency care, physical therapy, or ongoing rehabilitation. Victims should follow all medical advice and keep records of doctor visits, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.

Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer

After receiving medical care, speaking with a car accident lawyer is the next step. An attorney can review the case, explain legal options, and handle car accident claims. A Chicago car accident lawyer gathers evidence, negotiates with the insurance company, and fights for full compensation.

If the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, a car accident lawsuit may be necessary. Victims should not deal with legal battles alone. An attorney can take on the legal work while they focus on healing. Acting fast ensures important evidence is preserved and deadlines for filing claims are met.

FAQs

Contact a Chicago Speeding Accident Attorney Today

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers has a team of experienced Chicago car accident attorneys ready to fight for you. We handle everything from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance companies. If needed, we will take your case to court to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.

Do not wait to take action. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Call us today for a free consultation. Let us help you recover and move forward after your accident.