Orland Park Car Accidents Attorneys

Lawyer in Orland Park for Injured Victims of Car Crashes

Have you ever stopped to consider how many car accidents happen every day? Motor vehicle accidents are so common that only the most serious crashes are mentioned on television or in the newspaper. A car crash, however, does not need to make headlines in order to change the course of your life. On an average day in Illinois, more than 150 people are injured in car accidents—or about one every nine minutes. This totals more than 60,000 injured victims every year, each of whom must figure out how to deal with the consequences of their injuries.

If you have recently suffered injuries in a car crash, you may be entitled to collect compensation to help you put your life back together. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we can provide the skilled guidance and aggressive representation you need every step of the way. We have extensive experience representing car accident victims in the Chicagoland area, and we know what it takes to ensure that those responsible (for your injuries) are held fully accountable.

Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer for Car Accidents in Northern Illinois

Attorney John S. Fotopoulos works closely with clients who have been injured in all kinds of car accidents. He and his team understand that a devastating accident can happen in a matter of moments, especially when negligence is involved. Some reasons car crashes often occur in the Chicago area include:

• Speeding and aggressive driving: Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors on the Chicago roadways pose significant risks to everyone’s safety. When drivers exceed posted speed limits or engage in aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or road rage incidents, they dramatically increase the likelihood of serious accidents occurring. These reckless actions reduce reaction times and make it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
• Drunk driving or drugged driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on our roadways. Impaired drivers experience decreased coordination, slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced ability to process information, making them a severe hazard to themselves and others. These substances fundamentally alter a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly.
• Using a cell phone or texting while driving: The use of mobile phones and texting while driving has become an increasingly prevalent cause of accidents in recent years. When drivers take their eyes off the road to read or send messages or become mentally engaged in phone conversations, they significantly increase their risk of causing a collision. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in traveling hundreds of feet without proper attention to road conditions.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of behaviors beyond just phone use, including eating, adjusting the radio, interacting with passengers, or focusing on events outside the vehicle. Any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of driving creates dangerous conditions that can lead to serious accidents. These distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive in nature, all of which compromise a driver’s ability to respond to road conditions.
• Driver fatigue or inexperience: Driver fatigue and inexperience are significant contributors to vehicle accidents. Tired drivers exhibit many of the same impairments as intoxicated drivers, including delayed reaction times and poor decision-making abilities. Similarly, inexperienced drivers may lack the skills and judgment necessary to handle challenging road conditions or emergency situations, making them more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Defective auto parts: Defective auto parts can lead to catastrophic failures while driving, even when operators are following all safety protocols. Whether it’s faulty brakes, tire defects, steering system failures, or other mechanical issues, these defects can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles without warning. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their components meet safety standards and to issue recalls when defects are discovered.
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance: Poor vehicle maintenance can result in dangerous mechanical failures that lead to serious accidents. When owners neglect regular maintenance such as brake service, tire rotation and replacement, fluid checks, and other essential upkeep, they put themselves and others at risk. Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for ensuring safe operation and preventing accidents caused by mechanical failures.

When negligent actions such as these cause injury to a person, the victim has the right to seek financial compensation. Obtaining compensation, however, is rarely easy. The process can be complicated, time-consuming, and stressful, especially for a person who is trying to heal physically. Our team understands the challenges you may be facing in the wake of a car accident, and we will do everything we can to make the claims process run smoothly for you.

Common Types of Car Crashes that Occur in Orland Park

Car accidents can happen in many different ways, and each type presents unique challenges and dangers for those involved. Here are the most common types of crashes we see in Orland Park:

• Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes another from behind, often due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. Even at lower speeds, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, particularly whiplash and other neck injuries. The trailing driver is typically presumed at fault, though there are exceptions when multiple vehicles are involved or when a lead driver makes an unsafe maneuver.
• Sideswipe accidents When vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, the result is a sideswipe accident. These crashes commonly occur during lane changes or merges and can be particularly dangerous on highways. While initial impact may seem minor, sideswipe accidents often lead to loss of control and secondary collisions that can be even more severe.
• T-bone (side-impact) crashes Among the most dangerous types of accidents, T-bone crashes occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle. These accidents frequently happen at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield. The limited protection on vehicle sides makes occupants especially vulnerable to serious injuries in these crashes.
• Head-on collisions Though less common than other types, head-on collisions are often fatal or result in severe injuries due to the combined force of vehicles traveling in opposite directions. These accidents typically occur when drivers cross center lines, travel the wrong way, or lose control of their vehicles. Fatigue, intoxication, and distraction are common contributing factors.
• Rollover accidents Vehicles can roll over due to sharp turns, high speeds, or collisions with other objects. SUVs and tall vehicles are particularly susceptible due to their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and can eject occupants who aren’t wearing seatbelts.
• Multi-vehicle pileups These complex accidents involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways or during adverse weather conditions. Determining fault can be challenging as multiple collisions may occur in rapid succession. These accidents frequently result in extensive property damage and multiple injuries.
• Intersection accidents Intersections are hotspots for collisions due to crossing traffic patterns and multiple turning movements. These accidents can involve various impact types and often result from failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging turns. Poor visibility and confusion about right-of-way contribute to many intersection crashes.
• Hit-and-run crashes When a driver flees the accident scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid, it becomes a hit-and-run. These accidents are particularly challenging for victims who may struggle to identify the responsible party. Special investigation techniques and uninsured motorist coverage often become crucial in these cases.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Orland Park Car Crash

The moments following a car accident are critical, and taking the right steps can significantly impact your health and potential legal cases. Here are the essential actions you should take:

• Check for Injuries and Call 911: Your first priority should be assessing injuries and calling emergency services. Even if the accident seems minor, having police documentation is vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Police will create an official accident report, which becomes a crucial piece of evidence for your case.
• Document the Scene: While waiting for emergency services, document everything you can about the accident scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles, capturing damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. Video documentation can also be helpful, especially for showing the overall accident scene context. Be sure to note weather conditions and time of day, as these details may be important later.
• Exchange Information: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers from all parties involved. Get contact information from any witnesses as well. Keep conversation minimal and stick to exchanging necessary information only. If the other driver becomes confrontational, wait for police to arrive to assist with information exchange.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a medical professional immediately. Many injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and head trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. UChicago Medicine Orland Park has a state-of-the-art outpatient care center. Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn are also nearby facilities with advanced trauma centers.

What to Avoid after an Orland Park Auto Accident

After a car accident, certain actions can seriously harm your ability to recover fair compensation. Here are critical mistakes to avoid:

• Delaying Medical Care: Postponing medical treatment is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make after an accident. Insurance companies often use gaps in medical care to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical attention creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
• Discussing Fault: Refrain from making statements about fault or apologizing, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. Don’t discuss details of the crash with other drivers or witnesses, and avoid posting about the accident on social media. What you say immediately after an accident can be used against you later. Direct all questions about the accident to your attorney or insurance company.
• Posting on Social Media: In today’s digital age, the impulse to share details about your accident on social media can be strong. However, insurance adjusters and defense attorneys regularly monitor social media accounts for information they can use to dispute claims. Even innocent posts about daily activities or photos showing you engaged in physical activities can be misconstrued to minimize your injuries. It’s best to avoid social media entirely until your case is resolved.
• Signing Documents Without Legal Review: Insurance companies may quickly send settlement offers and release forms after an accident. Never sign any documents without having them reviewed by an experienced attorney. These documents often contain complex legal language designed to limit your rights and may prevent you from seeking additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen over time.
• Giving Recorded Statements: Another thing insurance adjusters may do is try to pressure you to provide a recorded statement, claiming it’s necessary to process your claim. However, these statements are often used to find inconsistencies or admissions that can be used against you. Politely decline to give recorded statements until you’ve consulted with your attorney, who can protect your interests and prepare you for any necessary statements.

Putting the Pieces Together

At Fotopoulos Law Office, we realize that you need more than just a legal professional to help with your case. You need an attorney who knows the law, but also one who is compassionate and sensitive to your needs. That is what you will get from our firm.

We take the time to listen to you and to understand how your injuries are affecting your life. This allows us to begin building a case designed to get you the compensation you need to move forward. If a quick resolution is possible, we will work towards that goal, but we will not sacrifice your needs in favor of a fast settlement. We will advocate on your behalf in pursuit of compensation for:

• Medical bills, including future care needs
• Lost wages
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage

In cases involving fatal auto accidents, we work on behalf of surviving family members to seek compensation through wrongful death actions.

Contact Our Orland Park Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a member of your family has been injured in a car accident, contact our office. Schedule your free consultation and case evaluation by calling 708-942-8400 today. Our firm serves clients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Palos Heights, Mokena, Joliet, Alsip, Will County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.