Springfield Distracted Driving Attorney
Trusted Representation for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in Springfield, IL
Distracted driving is a growing issue on Springfield's roads, often leading to devastating accidents that leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. At Haxel Law, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence. With years of experience and a deep commitment to our community, we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, our Springfield distracted driving lawyers are here to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive legal advocacy.
Call (217) 215-4166 today to speak with our Springfield distracted driving lawyers and get the justice and compensation you deserve!
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Driving requires a driver’s full attention. Even a momentary distraction can have catastrophic consequences. According to state and national data, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicular accidents. It endangers everyone on the road, from other drivers to pedestrians and cyclists.
Common distracted driving behaviors, such as texting or reaching for an object, significantly increase the risk of collisions. When a driver’s focus is diverted from the road, reaction times slow or they fail to notice hazards altogether, causing accidents that could have been easily avoided.
How Distracted Driving Affects Victims
Distracted driving accidents can result in serious consequences for victims, including significant injuries, loss of income, emotional trauma, and even permanent disabilities. These impacts extend into nearly all areas of life, making recovery a long and costly battle.
This is why it’s critical to hold distracted drivers accountable and ensure victims receive fair compensation for their losses. At Haxel Law, we understand how life-altering these accidents can be, and we are here to fight for justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 217-215-4166 today!
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Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Illinois?
Illinois is a fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for any resulting damages. Common liable parties in car accident claims include:
- Other drivers: If another driver caused your injuries by acting negligently, they may be liable for damages in a car accident lawsuit.
- Manufacturers: If a faulty part or defective product contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be partially or fully liable for resulting injuries.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable for damages.
- Government entities: If inadequate signage or poorly maintained roadways contributed to the accident, local government entities may be responsible for damages.
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What Steps Should I Take After a Car Crash?
Knowing what steps to take after a car crash is paramount to recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. If you were hit by a negligent driver, it’s important to exercise your rights by taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are top priorities after an accident. Seeking immediate medical care is a must to rule out serious underlying injuries and establish formal documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident: If no one has done so already, be sure to report the accident to local law enforcement. The official police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Take pictures of the accident scene: If possible, take photos or videos to document the extent of your injuries and any damage to your vehicle.
- Exchange contact information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Refrain from giving any statements to insurers: If insurers are calling you immediately after an accident, it's important to refrain from providing any statements until your lawyer can be present.
- Consult with an experienced attorney: Seeking sound counsel is a must to establish liability in your claim and recover a fair settlement for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident (735 Comp. Stat. § 5/13-202). Failure to file within this deadline can result in the loss of eligibility for benefits, making it crucial to seek sound counsel as soon as possible after a crash. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal intricacies of these cases to guide your steps wisely throughout the claims process.
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Should I Accept the Insurer’s First Settlement Offer?Every claim is different. Most of the time, it’s best to avoid settling for the insurance company’s first settlement offer. Insurers have a reputation for taking advantage of victims by evading fair payouts and protecting their bottom line at all costs. Securing experienced counsel is essential to recovering full and fair compensation. Your lawyer can negotiate effectively with other involved parties to pursue the maximum settlement you deserve.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving often stems from activities that take the driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving. Here are some of the most prevalent causes of distracted driving accidents we encounter in Springfield, IL:
- Texting and Smartphone Usage: Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for even five seconds can be equivalent to driving the distance of a football field blindfolded.
- Reaching for Objects: Stretching to grab something from the backseat or floorboard can take both hands and eyes away from driving.
- Rubbernecking: Turning to look at accidents, billboards, or scenery while driving is a frequent cause of crashes, especially on busy roads.
- Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving may seem harmless but can easily lead to mistakes.
- Adjusting Vehicle Controls: Changing the radio station, updating GPS directions, or fiddling with air conditioning are common distractions that take drivers' attention away from the road.
- Interacting with Passengers: Conversations or distractions caused by passengers can divert focus from driving responsibilities.
Each of these seemingly minor activities can lead to disastrous outcomes. If you were injured because of a distracted driver, our Springfield distracted driving accident attorneys are ready to help.
Why Choose Haxel Law?
Haxel Law is more than just a Springfield personal injury law firm—we are a proud part of this community. With decades of experience, founder Martin Haxel and our legal team have fought for fair compensation for accident victims. When you choose us, you’re choosing a firm that values relationships, results, and relentless advocacy. Here’s why clients trust us to handle their most critical cases:
- Local Roots: Our dedication to serving Springfield residents comes from being part of this community. You’re not just another case number to us; you’re a neighbor, a friend, and someone we’re committed to helping.
- Extensive Experience: Martin Haxel’s background includes decades of personal injury legal experience, giving him insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate and how to push back against their tactics.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the toll that an accident takes on your life. We take the burden off your shoulders by handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
- Trial-Ready Representation: While many cases are resolved during negotiations, we’re not afraid to go to trial if that’s what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Free Consultations: We believe everyone deserves access to justice. That’s why we offer free case evaluations to assess your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
Take Action Today
Distracted drivers should be held accountable for their actions. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, don’t wait to take action. Illinois law limits the amount of time you have to file a claim, so contact Haxel Law today to preserve your rights and start the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Haxel Law Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters who are more interested in protecting their profits than treating you fairly. This is where Haxel Law steps in.
Here’s how we can help you through this challenging time:
- Case Investigation: We gather all relevant documentation and evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimonies, to build a strong claim.
- Expert Negotiation: Our team handles all communication with insurance companies, negotiating aggressively to ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
- Court Representation: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
- Personalized Guidance: From start to finish, we keep you informed about the progress of your case and ensure you understand your rights and options.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
Turn to Haxel Law for expert guidance, proven results, and a commitment to serving the Springfield community. Justice matters, and we’re here to make sure you get it. Our Springfield distracted driving attorneys are ready to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call (217) 215-4166 now or fill out a contact form online to schedule your free case evaluation. At Haxel Law, we’re on your side every step of the way.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.