Springfield Car Accident Lawyer

Advocating for the Rights of Car Accident Victims in Springfield

A Springfield, IL, car accident attorney knows collisions can happen anywhere—from busy intersections like Stevenson Drive and Dirksen Parkway to major highways such as Interstate 55 and Route 97. Whether it’s a rear-end collision or a rollover accident, crashes can leave victims with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced car accident lawyers in Springfield, IL, are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and ensuring victims receive a fair settlement.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Car Accident Injury Cases in Springfield

Our Springfield car accident lawyers have helped countless clients secure the compensation they need after a serious crash. Some of our successful case results include:

• $1,600,000 – Recovered for a client who suffered a herniated lumbar disc requiring fusion surgery after being rear-ended by a negligent driver.
• $449,000 – Secured for a woman who sustained severe facial injuries after her head struck the windshield in a high-impact car crash.
• $250,000 – Obtained through an uninsured motorist coverage policy for a woman injured in a hit-and-run accident, ensuring she was compensated despite the at-fault driver fleeing the scene.

Our Law Firm is Committed to Serving Springfield Residents Injured in Car Accidents

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping Springfield car accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward after a crash. Our legal team has years of experience handling car accident cases, from minor fender benders to severe injuries caused by rollover accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

As experienced car accident attorneys, we serve injured victims throughout Springfield and Central Illinois. We aim to ensure every client receives the legal representation they deserve, whether negotiating with an insurance company or taking a case to court.

Important Motor Vehicle Accident Laws and Your Rights in Springfield, IL

If you’ve been injured in a Springfield car accident, understanding your rights under Illinois law is essential to protecting your ability to recover compensation.

Illinois Fault-Based Insurance System (625 ILCS 5/7-203)

Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages in a motor vehicle wreck. The minimum required coverage includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person;
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident;
• $20,000 for property damage.

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, uninsured motorist coverage (UM) may apply.

Comparative Negligence in Car Accidents (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. 

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. You cannot recover damages if you are 50% or more responsible.

Accident Reporting Requirements (625 ILCS 5/)

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers must report an accident to law enforcement if it involves:

• Injuries or fatalities;
• Property damage exceeding $1,500 ($500 if an uninsured driver is involved).

Failure to report can result in fines and possible license suspension. The Springfield Police Department accident report is critical evidence for your claim.

Distracted Driving Laws (625 ILCS 5/12-610.2)

Illinois bans handheld electronic device use while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or using social media while operating a vehicle can lead to fines and increased liability and serve as evidence of driver negligence in a car accident claim.

Speed Limits and Traffic Control (Springfield Municipal Code)

Springfield enforces strict traffic ordinances to promote safety, including:

• 30 mph speed limits in residential areas unless otherwise posted;
• Lower speed limits in school zones and construction areas;
• Strict enforcement of stop sign and red-light violations.

Violations of these laws can be used to establish negligence in an auto accident claim.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Springfield

Unsafe driving behaviors significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents, whether on Interstate 55, Route 97, or busy city streets like Dirksen Parkway and Stevenson Drive.

• Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone, is a major cause of crashes.
• Speeding and aggressive driving reduce reaction time, leading to serious injuries.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) impairs judgment and reflexes, increasing the risk of fatal injuries.
• Failure to yield, running red lights, and stop signs also contribute to accidents, especially at intersections like Jefferson Street and Veterans Parkway.
• Hazardous weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, further increase risks.
• Poor road conditions, including potholes and missing signage, can also contribute to collisions.

Types of Car Accident Cases Our Springfield Law Firm Handles

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our car accident lawyers in Springfield have extensive experience handling a wide range of motor vehicle accidents, including:

• Rear-End Collisions – Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating, these crashes can lead to neck injuries, back injuries, and whiplash.
• T-Bone Accidents – Typically occur at intersections when careless drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, resulting in severe car crash injuries.
• Head-On Collisions – Some of the most fatal accidents, especially when involving pedestrians, often leading to wrongful death claims and life-changing injuries.
• Rollover Accidents – More common in truck accidents and SUV crashes, rollovers can cause internal injuries, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents – Victims may need to file a claim under uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver flees the scene.
• Drunk Driving Accidents – DUI-related crashes often lead to severe injuries and require aggressive legal action.
• Truck Accidents – Commercial truck accidents on Interstate 55 and other major highways often result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries, even in low-speed crashes.
• Rideshare Accidents – Involving Uber or Lyft.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Springfield?

Taking the proper steps after a Springfield car accident can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your personal injury claim. Follow this guide to ensure your safety and legal rights.

Prioritize Safety: Check for Injuries and Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)

Assess yourself and your passengers for car crash injuries. If the vehicles involved create a hazard and can be moved safely, pull them to the side of the road.

Call 911: Report the Accident and Request Emergency Assistance

Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) requires reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,500. The Springfield Police Department will create an official police report, which is vital for your claim.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

Collect the following details:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Vehicle make and model

Document the Scene: Take Photos and Videos (If Possible)

Capture images of:

• The accident scene, including vehicle positions
• Property damage and road conditions
• Traffic signals or signs that may be relevant

Get Witness Contact Information

Witness statements can support your claim, especially if the at-fault driver denies responsibility. Ask for the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the car crash.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if Injuries Seem Minor

Some car accident injuries, like internal injuries or whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately. Getting medical treatment ensures your injuries are documented for your personal injury claim.

Do Not Admit Fault

Even if you feel responsible, avoid apologizing or making statements about fault. Illinois follows comparative negligence laws (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning admitting fault could reduce or eliminate your ability to recover compensation. Let a Springfield car accident lawyer handle discussions about liability.

How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Investigate Your Springfield Car Accident Claim

Building a strong car accident claim requires a thorough investigation and compelling evidence. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our car accident lawyers in Springfield, IL, take a detailed approach to gathering proof, establishing liability, and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

One of the first steps in our investigation is obtaining the Springfield Police Department accident report. This report contains critical details, including officer observations of the accident scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, citations issued to the at-fault driver, and a preliminary assessment of fault. We carefully review the report to ensure accuracy and use it to support your accident claim.

Witness statements can also play a key role in proving how a car crash occurred. Our legal team interviews witnesses to gather details about the other driver’s behavior, potential traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light, and weather or road conditions during the accident. These statements are beneficial when insurance companies attempt to dispute liability.

Another essential part of our investigation is analyzing vehicle damage and accident scene evidence. We examine the point of impact, skid marks, debris patterns, and traffic control devices to reconstruct how the accident happened. Additionally, we assess road defects, construction hazards, and missing signage that may have contributed to the crash.

For complex Springfield auto accident cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts who use advanced technology to analyze vehicle data, braking distances, and collision impacts. These specialists help determine how the accident caused serious injuries, such as back, neck, or internal injuries.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Springfield Car Accident

Knowing how to approach insurance interactions after a Springfield car accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

It’s essential to notify your own insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most policies require prompt reporting, and failure to do so could impact your car accident claim. When speaking with your insurer, avoid admitting fault or speculating how the crash occurred. Do not discuss the severity of your car accident injuries until you have undergone a complete medical evaluation.

Insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement that does not fully cover your damages. To protect yourself, never provide a recorded statement without consulting a Springfield personal injury attorney, and avoid accepting the first settlement offer, as it may be lower than what you deserve.

Common mistakes to avoid include delaying medical treatment, which could allow insurers to argue that your injuries were not serious, signing documents too soon without reviewing them with an attorney, and posting about the accident on social media, as insurers may use your posts to dispute your accident claim.

Some insurers engage in bad faith practices, such as delaying claims, offering low settlements, or denying valid claims without proper investigation. If an insurance company acts in bad faith, a Springfield accident lawyer can take legal action to hold them accountable and help you recover compensation.

Potential Compensation in a Springfield Auto Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a Springfield car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your financial losses and the physical and emotional pain of the crash.

Economic damages compensate for the direct financial impact of the accident, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-economic damages address the accident’s impact on your well-being, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If a Springfield auto accident results in fatal injuries, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover:

• Funeral expenses and burial costs
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Loss of companionship and emotional support

Why You Need a Springfield Car Accident Lawyer

After a Springfield car accident, dealing with insurance companies and the legal process can be overwhelming. Having an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the fair compensation you deserve.

A skilled car accident attorney will handle the complexities of your case, from gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements to negotiating with the insurance company. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims, but a lawyer knows how to counter these tactics and fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your attorney will take your case to court if necessary, ensuring you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Springfield Car Accidents

What Are Most Lawyer Fees for Car Accidents?

Most Springfield car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, your attorney receives a percentage of your settlement or court award, typically between 25% and 40%. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe nothing in legal fees. This fee structure allows car accident victims to pursue justice without financial risk.

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident Case in Illinois?

The timeline for settling a car accident claim varies depending on the severity of injuries, insurance negotiations, and whether the case goes to court. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or longer.

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

The value of a Springfield car accident settlement depends on factors such as the severity of damages. Minor injury cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, while cases involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death claims can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions.

What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Springfield, Illinois?

Under Illinois personal injury law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If the accident resulted in fatal injuries, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is also two years (740 ILCS 180/). However, cases against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Failing to file on time can result in losing your right to recover compensation.

Consult a Springfield Car Accident Attorney Near You! 

If you’ve been injured in a Springfield car accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced Springfield car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

We have successfully represented clients throughout Springfield and Central Illinois, holding negligent drivers accountable and securing fair settlements.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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“Hi, I was lucky enough to get Jonathan Rosenthal to represent me and the accident I had.It was very professional and I recommend him highly”

— Jennifer Manzella

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Related Practice Areas

• Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer
• Springfield Truck Accident Lawyer
• Springfield Uber Accident Lawyer 
• Springfield Construction Accident Lawyer
• Springfield Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Springfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney
• Springfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Springfield Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
• Springfield Slip and Fall Lawyer

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.