Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Why Choose Haxel Law?
At Haxel Law, we have extensive experience representing families in fatal accident and wrongful death cases throughout Springfield and the surrounding Illinois communities. Our firm is committed to:
- Personalized attention: Every case receives the care and respect it deserves.
- Proven results: We fight tirelessly for maximum compensation.
- Compassionate advocacy: We treat every client like family and stand by you every step of the way.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
Fatal Car Crash FAQs
How do I know if I have a wrongful death case after a car accident?
If your loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or DUI—you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. An attorney can review your case and determine your legal options.
Can multiple parties be held liable for a fatal crash?
Yes. More than one party can be responsible for a fatal accident. For instance, both a negligent driver and a vehicle manufacturer with a defective part could share liability.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the driver responsible for the fatal crash was uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover damages through your loved one’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other legal avenues.
How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, whether liability is disputed, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months; others take longer to reach a fair outcome.
What should I do immediately after a fatal car accident?
Contact law enforcement, preserve any available evidence, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.
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.