Were you or a loved one injured in Belleville, IL, due to someone else’s negligence? You might be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of helping victims recover millions of dollars after life-changing accidents.
With over 21 years of combined experience, our legal team understands the legal system inside and out. Our Belleville personal injury lawyers will handle your claim from start to finish so that you can focus on recovering. Contact our Belleville law office today at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Why Should I Hire Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers To Handle My Belleville Personal Injury Case?
Navigating the legal system after a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts. Hiring an experienced lawyer in Belleville, Illinois, ensures that your rights are protected and that you have an advocate fighting for the compensation you need and deserve.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have built a reputation for delivering results for our clients. Our team is known for:
- Comprehensive Investigations: We gather all the evidence necessary to build a strong case for our clients, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements.
- Top-Tier Negotiation Skills: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who don’t accept lowball offers from insurance companies.
- Trial Experience: If your case goes to court in St. Clair County, we are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every client with care and respect, ensuring their questions and concerns are addressed.
When you choose our Belleville personal injury attorneys, you gain a team of legal professionals dedicated to securing justice for you. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can help.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury law in Illinois covers situations where someone’s carelessness or wrongful actions cause harm to another person. You might have a valid claim if:
- Another Party Was Negligent: This means they failed to take reasonable care. For example, a distracted driver running a red light and causing an accident has acted negligently.
- You Suffered Damages: You need to have real, verifiable losses as a result of the injury. This could include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
- Negligence Led to Your Injuries: There must be a direct link between the other party’s actions and your injuries.
Examples of common personal injury cases include car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and defective products. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, reach out to our Belleville law firm for a free case review. We’re here to help you understand your rights.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Belleville?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, hiring an Illinois personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why you may want to consider hiring a lawyer:
- Level the Playing Field: Insurance companies and large corporations have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Hiring a personal injury attorney ensures you have someone on your side who knows how to navigate the legal system and fight for you.
- Get Access to Experts: Personal injury lawyers often work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial experts to strengthen your case.
- Get Protection Against Blame: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are partially at fault. A lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame.
- Make the Recovery Process Easier: Dealing with legal paperwork and negotiations can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to heal. Your lawyer will handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer increases your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in Belleville
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we are proud to represent clients in a wide variety of personal injury cases. Here are just a few of the practice areas we handle:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury in Illinois. Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision, a multi-vehicle accident, or a DUI crash, our Belleville car accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders face unique risks on the road, often resulting in severe injuries in the event of a crash. Our lawyers understand motorcyclists’ challenges and are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Due to their size and weight, commercial truck collisions often cause catastrophic injuries. Our team has the resources and experience to take on trucking companies and their insurers.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable to traffic accidents. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle while walking, our lawyers can help you hold the driver accountable and recover damages.
Construction Accidents
The construction industry is inherently dangerous, with workers facing risks like falls, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials. Our lawyers can help injured workers seek compensation through workers’ compensation claims or third-party lawsuits.
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the driver and the rideshare company. We have experience navigating these cases to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe consequences of personal injury accidents. These injuries can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or any violent blow to the head. Our personal injury attorneys in Belleville understand the devastating effects of TBIs on victims and are here to assist.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are those that permanently alter a person’s ability to live independently or perform everyday tasks. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury cases. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation.
These are just a few examples of the types of cases we handle. If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our Belleville office for a free case review.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Belleville, IL?
Many accident victims worry about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. However, most personal injury attorneys, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything unless we win money damages for your case.
- Percentage-Based Fees: Our fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or jury award. In most cases, the fee will be around 33-40%.
This arrangement allows you to hire an experienced attorney regardless of your financial situation. Our personal injury lawyers in Belleville will also be incentivized to maximize the value of your claim. Contact us today to learn more about our fee structure and how we can help you.
What Damages Are Available to Belleville Accident Victims?
Injury victims in Belleville may recover several types of damages to compensate for their losses. These fall into three main categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as:
- Medical Bills: compensation for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages: compensation for income lost during your recovery period
- Property Damage: payment for repair or replacement of damaged property
- Future Expenses: costs of long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or home modifications
These damages are often easier to calculate, as they have bills, receipts, and other documents attached to them.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: damages for the inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement or Scarring: compensation for permanent physical changes resulting from your injury
While non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate, they may be worth even more than economic losses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or intentional. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
How Much Is My Belleville Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of a personal injury case in Belleville depends on various factors unique to each situation. Our experienced Belleville personal injury lawyers evaluate every case thoroughly to ensure that no damages are overlooked. Here are the primary factors that influence the worth of your claim:
- The Severity of Your Injuries: Serious injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations often result in higher compensation due to the extensive medical treatment required.
- Economic Losses: The total amount of lost wages, medical bills, and property damage can directly impact your claim’s value.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of quality of life are subjective but can significantly increase your case’s worth.
- Liability and Evidence: The strength of the evidence supporting your claim and the clarity of liability can affect how much you can recover.
- Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits may cap the amount you can collect from them.
Our team will meticulously calculate the value of your case, often collaborating with financial experts to ensure that you pursue the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?
You can still recover compensation in Illinois even if you are partially at fault for your injuries. However, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means:
- You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if you are 40% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $60,000.
Insurance companies often try to assign more blame to victims to reduce payouts. Our award-winning Belleville personal injury attorneys can protect you from unfair accusations and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Illinois?
The statute of limitations in Illinois usually gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, your case may be dismissed, and you could lose your right to compensation.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Two examples include:
- Cases Involving Minors: If the victim is under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended.
- Government Claims: If your claim involves a government entity, shorter deadlines and specific procedures may apply.
Because an exception can significantly affect your case if applicable, acting quickly is crucial. Contact our Belleville personal injury lawyers to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence is the foundation of most personal injury claims and refers to a failure to act with reasonable care under the circumstances. To prove negligence, four key elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty to act reasonably to prevent harm. For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and operate vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care, such as by driving distracted or speeding.
- Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm due to the defendant’s actions, such as medical expenses or pain and suffering.
As the injured party, you will have the burden of proof to assert your claim. Our attorneys will gather evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert reports, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Will My Personal Injury Case in Belleville Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, there are circumstances where a trial may be necessary, including:
- Disputed Liability: If the at-fault party denies responsibility, your lawyer may need to present evidence in court.
- Unreasonable Settlement Offers: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit might be the best option.
- Complex Cases: Cases involving multiple defendants or intricate legal issues may require litigation.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often leads to better settlement offers because insurance companies know we are ready to fight for our clients in court if necessary.
How Long Will My Injury Case in Belleville, Illinois Take?
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case can vary widely based on several factors, including:
- The Complexity of the Case: Cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability often take longer.
- The Recovery Process: It’s generally advisable to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling to ensure all future medical expenses are accounted for.
- Court Availability: If your case goes to trial, scheduling and court delays can extend the timeline.
While some cases are resolved in a few months, others may take years. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will provide regular updates and work diligently to move your case forward as efficiently as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Belleville Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve skilled legal representation. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
With millions of dollars recovered and over two decades of combined experience, our Belleville personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.