Bloomington Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Support For Families After A Tragic Loss

Losing a family member in a sudden car crash in or around Bloomington is devastating. You may be planning a funeral, sorting through personal affairs, and at the same time getting calls from insurance companies. In the middle of all this, you are left wondering what rights your family has and where to turn for answers.

At Haxel Law, we help families through fatal car accidents and wrongful death claims, so they do not have to face this alone. We listen to your story, explain your options in clear terms, and take on the legal and insurance burdens so you can focus on each other. With more than four decades of experience in Illinois personal injury and wrongful death cases, we understand both the emotional and financial impact of a fatal collision.

Attorney Martin Haxel has over 40 years of experience handling serious injury and death cases, including years spent representing insurance companies before founding Haxel Law. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured people and grieving families, and we offer free consultations and contingency fees, so there is no upfront cost to talk with us about what happened.

Call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online today to get started.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents in Bloomington and across Illinois often result from preventable circumstances. Understanding the most common causes can help families navigate the legal process and identify liability. Common factors include:

• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology are major contributors to deadly accidents. Even a few seconds of inattention can have fatal consequences.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs drastically reduces reaction time and decision-making ability. Illinois has strict DUI laws, and victims’ families may pursue claims against intoxicated drivers.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed and aggressive driving behaviors increase both the likelihood of crashes and the severity of injuries. Fatal collisions often occur when drivers disregard traffic laws.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog create hazardous driving conditions. Drivers who fail to adjust to the weather may be held liable for resulting fatalities.
• Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failures: Sometimes fatal crashes occur due to defective brakes, airbags, or other vehicle components. In such cases, manufacturers or maintenance providers may be responsible.
• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or unsafe lane changes are common causes of fatal accidents in Bloomington.

Fatal Car Crashes & Wrongful Death Claims in IL

In Illinois, families of individuals killed in car accidents may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for losses caused by the fatal crash, including financial support, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Illinois law allows certain family members to file claims, including:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents

If no immediate family member survives, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate may pursue the claim.

Proving Liability

To recover damages in a fatal car accident case, your Bloomington fatal car accident lawyer will need to establish that another party’s negligence or misconduct caused the death. This may involve:

• Examining police and accident reports
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
• Reviewing medical records
• Gathering witness statements

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Families may recover damages for:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of future income and support
• Pain and suffering of the surviving family members
• Loss of companionship and guidance

A skilled lawyer will help ensure your claim fully reflects both financial and emotional losses.

Ready to Help Your Family

When you are looking for help after a fatal crash, you need more than general promises. You need a legal team that understands how insurers approach these claims and how to build a strong case from the start. At Haxel Law, our background on both sides of personal injury and insurance defense gives us a clear view into the strategies that carriers often use to limit or deny fatal crash claims.

Attorney Haxel previously handled cases for insurance companies, which means we know what adjusters look for, which arguments they tend to raise, and how they evaluate wrongful death exposure. We use that insight to anticipate low settlement tactics, identify gaps in the insurer’s position, and gather the kind of evidence that can make those tactics less effective. Our goal is to position your case for the most meaningful recovery the facts and law will support, whether that is through settlement or litigation.

Over the years, we have obtained millions of dollars for clients in serious motor vehicle and work injury cases, including a $1.3 million recovery for a motorcyclist and substantial results for injured truck drivers and first responders. We have handled more than 100 trials and appeals, so if a fatal case in McLean County or Central Illinois needs to be filed in court or taken further, we are prepared to stay with you through that process. Families choose us because we combine this courtroom experience with personal attention, prompt communication, and a commitment to handling both large and small details.

We are based in Central Illinois and are involved in the communities we serve, including charitable work and local initiatives. Clients often tell us they value working with a firm that lives and works in the same region they do. They know we are not just a name on a billboard, but a team that values integrity, clear guidance, and honest conversations about what to expect at each stage of a fatal crash case.

To schedule a free consultation, call (217) 215-4166.