The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that wrong-way accidents cause between 300 and 400 traffic fatalities annually. Far too many motorists are injured or killed due to the negligence and carelessness of wrong-way drivers each year. Suppose you or someone you love became a victim in a wrong-way freeway accident. In that case, you need a Park Ridge car accident lawyer to help you seek a settlement or court award to compensate you for your damages. 

What Causes Wrong-Way Freeway Accidents?

Wrong-way vehicle accidents are usually caused by some form of driver error, and a significant number occur because a driver mistakenly enters a freeway exit ramp. Some contributing factors to these mistakes can vary from one accident to the next, and your Park Ridge car accident lawyer can help determine the cause.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 58 percent of wrong-way drivers who cause an accident are driving under the influence (DUI). Almost 50 percent were confirmed to be alcohol-related, approximately four percent were under the influence of drugs, and more than three percent had been consuming alcohol. Other causes of wrong-way freeway accidents are caused by:

Most Americans have experienced a slip and fall before at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it is a minor event, and maybe it even happens on their own property. However, other slip and fall injuries are more serious and can occur on property that belongs to someone else. In the event that you have recently experienced a slip and fall resulting in injury, it is time to connect with an experienced Glenview slip and fall injury lawyer.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can result from many different circumstances. Illinois has its fair share of winter weather, which can often cause slip and fall accidents. However, property owners are still responsible for ensuring their property is reasonably safe for visitors and customers. They should shovel driveways and treat sidewalks to prevent ice, clean up water accumulation in entryways, and plow parking lots. 

A lack of property maintenance and repairs is another potential cause of slip and fall accidents. Sometimes, property owners ignore or do not take the time to fix or maintain their property as they should. Broken stairs or railings, torn carpet, or inadequate lighting can all lead to a slip and fall.

A very serious issue that deserves attention in the state of Illinois is pedestrian accidents. In 2021, there were over 10,000 pedestrian accidents, resulting in over 200 fatalities. It is important to understand the factors that cause these accidents. This helps increase safety and prevent more accidents from happening in the future.

Many factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Illinois. A good lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in a compensation claim.

Being Distracted Behind the Wheel

Drivers who are distracted by their phones, eating, or other activities are more likely to hit pedestrians. Distracted driving is a major cause of pedestrian accidents and continues to be a growing problem in Illinois. Even after Illinois’ anti-texting laws passed in 2012, nearly seven percent of all drivers are still found to use electronic devices while driving.

Personal injury claims arise when individuals suffer harm or injuries due to the negligence of other people or parties. Negligence is a cornerstone concept in personal injury law, referring to the failure of a person or entity to act with reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another party. There are five types of negligence commonly encountered in personal injury claims. It's crucial to contact a skilled Park Ridge personal injury lawyer if you believe you have suffered due to another person's negligence.

Ordinary Negligence

Ordinary negligence is the most common type of negligence in personal injury cases. It occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. This form of negligence can arise in various situations, such as slip and fall, car, or pedestrian accidents. To establish a claim of ordinary negligence, the injured party must demonstrate the following elements:

• Duty of care: The at-fault party owed the injured party a legal duty of care.

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Nearly 12% of drivers in Illinois are uninsured. If an uninsured motorist hits you, you can sue the at-fault driver for compensation. You could also pursue a settlement or take the case to the court, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. This article covers the basics of a car accident lawsuit and the options available to start a legal procedure. 

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After the imminent danger passes, you must call 911 for emergency support after a collision.