Decatur, IL Car Accident Lawyers
Call Our Macon County Car Accident Attorneys
} helps people across Macon County, Illinois, including here in Decatur, handle car accident claims. If you were hit by a reckless or negligent driver, come to our firm right away to discuss your legal options. It’s likely that you will be dealing with medical bills and missed wages, which will put you into a difficult financial situation as you try to recover. It would be our honor to represent you as we pursue every dollar you need to stay financially afloat and appreciate a sense of justice. Get over 40 years of personal injury experience on your side!
Schedule a free case consultation with our Decatur car accident attorneys by calling (217) 215-4166.
Illinois Car Accident Laws
Illinois car accident claims are governed by a combination of statutes and case law that can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. One of the most important rules to understand is Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law. Under this rule, you may recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Illinois also has strict statutes of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving property damage generally have a five-year deadline. Failing to act within these time limits can result in losing your right to compensation entirely.
Additionally, Illinois requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. Unfortunately, minimum coverage is often insufficient when serious injuries occur, which is why working with an experienced Decatur car accident lawyer is so important.
Where Do Crashes Often Occur in Champaign?
Although this section title references Champaign, serious crashes occur throughout Decatur and Macon County, particularly in high-traffic and high-speed areas. Common crash locations include:
- Major roads such as U.S. Route 36 and U.S. Route 51
- Busy intersections with frequent congestion
- Areas near shopping centers and restaurants
- Residential neighborhoods with speeding or distracted drivers
- Highway on-ramps and off-ramps
Understanding where accidents frequently occur can help identify dangerous patterns and support claims involving negligent driving, poor road design, or inadequate traffic control.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Most car accidents are preventable and caused by careless or reckless behavior. Some of the most common causes of crashes in Decatur include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, using GPS, or eating
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield at intersections or during lane changes
- Tailgating and following too closely
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Fatigued driving
Identifying the cause of your accident is critical to proving liability and building a strong claim.
Common Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and back damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Burns and scarring
Severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. A Decatur car accident lawyer can help ensure these future costs are properly considered in your claim.
Recovering Compensation After a Crash
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Haxel Law, we fight to pursue full and fair compensation for our clients, which may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto victims. Having an experienced Decatur car accident lawyer on your side can level the playing field and protect your interests throughout the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
Get Your Case Ready With Us
The driver who hit you has probably already talked to their insurance company, which has likely started to investigate the crash. Its goal? To stop you from getting any compensation and coverage. If you want to protect your rights from what the opposition will do to defeat your injury claim, call Haxel Law and see how we can help – the consultation is free. With our legal representation, we know you’ll start feeling much more confident about what the future might hold.
Let’s fight for the full recovery that you deserve. Call our Decatur car accident lawyers at (217) 215-4166 now.
Car Accident Claim FAQs
What should I do after a car accident in Decatur, IL?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to police, document the scene if possible, and contact a Decatur car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How much is my car accident case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the accident has impacted your life.
Do I have to go to court to recover compensation?
Many car accident claims are resolved through settlements. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover compensation under Illinois’ comparative negligence law, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
How long will my car accident case take?
Some cases resolve in a few months, while others—especially those involving serious injuries—may take longer. Your lawyer can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
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.