Peoria, IL Car Accident Lawyers
We Represent Injured Drivers with Tough Cases
Not every car accident case is straightforward. Some involve serious injuries, disputed liability, uninsured drivers, or even multiple parties. Case complexities can leave you wondering what your rights are and who you can trust to help. At Haxel Law, we’ve spent many years standing up for injured drivers in Illinois, especially when the odds seem stacked against them.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash in or around Peoria, let us deal with the insurance companies and the legal system. You focus on recovery. We’ll focus on results.
Call our Peoria car accident attorneys at (217) 215-4166 today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
How Did the Other Driver Cause Your Crash?
Nearly all crashes are the result of careless or reckless driving, not just “accidents.” When someone behind the wheel fails to act responsibly, innocent people pay the price, which is even more frustrating because it could have been prevented with more care. We’ve helped clients injured by all types of driver errors, and we’re here to help you, too.
Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the GPS)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Unsafe lane changes or turning without signaling
What Can Prove Liability in a Car Accident Case?
To hold the other driver legally and financially responsible, you’ll need to prove they were at fault. You’ll want to gather, preserve, and use compelling evidence—something our legal team knows how to do efficiently and thoroughly.
Helpful evidence in a car accident claim may include:
- Police reports and traffic citations
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage
- Eyewitness statements
- Cellphone records showing distraction
- Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists
Damages in a Car Accident Claim
A car accident can impact your life in more ways than one, from steep medical bills and lost wages to emotional stress and long-term disability. Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for these losses, and we work tirelessly to make sure nothing is overlooked or undervalued. Your complete and fair recovery is the goal.
Typical damages in a car accident claim may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Funeral costs and wrongful death damages, if applicable
What Happens If You Are Partially Responsible?
In some car accidents, fault isn’t clear-cut. If you were partly responsible for the crash, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re barred from recovering damages. Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still receive compensation if you were 50% or less at fault.
Your compensation, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 25% at fault, your final recovery would be $75,000.
Will the Auto Insurance Company Offer a Settlement?
Soon after your crash, you might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company offering a quick settlement. It might sound convenient, but in most cases, the first offer is far below what you actually need to cover your losses. Insurers count on you being overwhelmed or in pain, so you are more likely to accept any amount of money.
Don’t sign anything before speaking with an attorney. At Haxel Law, we can review every settlement offer sent to you with your best interests in mind. We know how to identify lowball tactics, and we won’t let the insurance company take advantage of your lack of familiarity with the claim process. Once you accept a settlement, there’s usually no way to un-accept it, so let us protect your rights from the start.
Call the Team with Decades of Practical Experience
Haxel Law has proudly represented injured drivers throughout Illinois for more than four decades. In that time, we’ve built a reputation for tackling difficult car accident cases and securing real results for our clients. We don’t just process claims, we stand up for people and families who deserve nothing the best after a serious accident.
Contact our Peoria car accident attorneys today for your free consultation. Dial (217) 215-4166 at any time.
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.
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.