# Joliet Car Accident Lawyer | Free Case Reviews

**Table of Contents***[*Expand*]*

1. What Can a Joliet Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
2. What Types of Compensation Can You Receive?
3. What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?
4. How Is Fault Determined?
5. What if I Am Partially At Fault?
6. Common Causes of Car Accidents in Joliet
7. Common Car Accident Injuries
8. What to Do After a Car Accident in Joliet
9. Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney in Joliet

A serious car accident can cause both physical and emotional trauma. If you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, a [Joliet personal injury lawyer](https://www.postmanlaw.com/joliet-il/personal-injury-lawyer/) can help you recover damages.

Postman Law has won over $3 billion for injury victims. If you were hurt in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, a **car accident lawyer in Joliet** can handle your claim and help you obtain compensation.

## What Can a Joliet Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

The car accident claims process can be stressful, especially if you are dealing with serious injuries. A Joliet car accident lawyer can step in and:

- **Investigate the accident**: A lawyer can gather police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to prove how the collision occurred.
- **Calculate your damages**: A lawyer can calculate both your short-term and long-term damages and determine your claim’s true value.
- **Negotiate a settlement**: A lawyer can manage conversations with insurance companies and fight for compensation that reflects the true extent of your damages.
- **Prepare your case for trial**: If negotiations are unsuccessful, a lawyer can prepare your case for court and advocate for you at trial.

For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Joliet, call [844-767-8626](tel:+18447678626)

## What Types of Compensation Can You Receive?

Every accident claim is different. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

- **Medical expenses**: You can recover compensation for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and future medical care.
- **Lost wages**: You can recover income you lost during your recovery.
- **Reduced earning capacity**: You can recover additional damages if your injuries permanently compromise your ability to earn a living.
- **Pain and suffering**: You can recover compensation for the physical pain caused by your injuries.
- **Emotional distress**: You can recover damages for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional effects of the crash.
- **Property damage**: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.
- **Loss of enjoyment of life**: You can recover additional compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- **Punitive damages**: In limited situations involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct from the at-fault party, punitive damages may be available.

Joliet Car Accident Lawyer Near Me [844-767-8626](tel:+18447678626)

## What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?

Per [735 ILCS 5/13-202](https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050k13-202.htm), you generally have **two years**from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file within this window, you will likely forfeit the right to recover damages altogether.

While two years may seem like plenty of time, waiting to file your claim can make it more difficult to obtain important evidence and witness testimony. A car accident attorney in Joliet can help make sure you file on time.

[Click to contact](/contact/) our Personal Injury Lawyers in Joliet today

## How Is Fault Determined?

To recover compensation for a car crash, you must prove that the other driver acted negligently or recklessly and caused the collision. Useful types of evidence generally include:

- Police accident reports
- Photographs and videos
- Surveillance footage
- Traffic camera recordings
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Expert accident reconstruction testimony

## What if I Am Partially At Fault?

Illinois follows a modified [comparative fault](https://www.postmanlaw.com/faqs/how-comparative-fault-impacts-your-settlement-in-illinois/) system that allows you to seek damages for a car crash as long as you are **50% or less at fault** for the accident. However, if you share liability, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

If you are found to be **more than 50% responsible**, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party. For example, if your damages total $100,000, and you are determined to be 10% at fault for the crash, your recovery would be reduced to $90,000.

## Common Causes of Car Accidents in Joliet

Most car crashes can be traced back to human negligence. Some of the most common [causes of car accidents](https://www.postmanlaw.com/faqs/what-are-the-top-5-causes-of-car-accidents/) in Joliet include:

- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Poor weather conditions combined with careless driving
- Defective vehicle components

## Common Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes can result in a variety of injuries, such as:

- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Psychological trauma

## What to Do After a Car Accident in Joliet

The actions you take after a car accident can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. You should:

- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, the roadway, and your injuries (if you are able).
- Exchange contact information with witnesses.
- Visit a doctor, even if you feel fine.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid discussing fault.
- Consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement.

## Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney in Joliet

All kinds of expenses can arise after a car crash. If you were hurt in an accident you didn’t cause, a Joliet car accident attorney from Postman Law can gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you secure a fair settlement.

Schedule a **free case review** to get help with your claim.

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Source: https://www.postmanlaw.com/joliet-il/car-accident-lawyer/