Costs and Loss: The Burden of Car Crashes in Illinois

Automobiles are an integral part of our everyday lives. We often count on our cars to get us to our jobs, to our homes, and everywhere in between. To a large extent we depend on cars in instances when it might take too long to wait for public transportation, or when we simply find it more convenient to use a more personal method of travel. With the convenience that comes with private automobiles, there are also many risks. One such risk is the chance that a collision with your car might change your life in an instant.
Student Lives Lost in Automobile Crash

Take, for example, the lives of Desiree Wease and Demonte Wigfall. 13 WREX News reported on these two individuals when they died as a result of a car crash. Those two, and two others in the car, attended Rockford University. The car was traveling on I-90 South toward Chicago when it lost control and struck two semi-trucks. The other two individuals in the car suffered injuries, but were expected to recover. The president of Rockford University said all of the students were very active in the university. According to MyStateline.com a vigil was held for the two students who lost their lives. The candlelight vigil was held at the Fisher Memorial Chapel on the university’s campus.

Frequency and Cost of Car Crashes in Illinois

Although this terrible incident is troubling, it is not altogether unique. The data in the 2014 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics reported that in 2014 alone there were 296,049 crashes involving motor vehicles. This comes out to an alarming 811 traffic crashes per day in 2014. To break that down even further, every hour more than 9 persons were injured. In general people assume they are more likely to get into a crash if there is inclement weather, however the vast majority, 79.5%, of crashes instead occurred on dry roadways.

Not only can these accidents likely happen to you, but the impact they come with might be significant. The 2014 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics also points out the 2014 total estimated costs of crashes in Illinois totaled $5.8 billion. Simple property damage would cost upwards of $9,440, while an incapacitating injury would leave you with over $73,760 in damages. A fatal injury, like those occurring to the Rockford University students, might cost over $1.5 million. With such a large amount of potential damages at stake, it is important that you contact a licensed auto accident attorney in Illinois.

What to do if Involved in a Car Crash

Auto accidents can be jarring since you could be left seriously injured and it might be difficult to think afterward. If you can, you want to be able to get a copy of the accident report filed by the police officer at the scene of your crash. This, as well as any additional information you get at that time should be passed on to your attorney. Any information may be used to help build your case. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Fisk & Monteleone LTD. are familiar with the type of help you will need proceeding with your claim. If you or a loved one is suffering from the aftereffects of an auto accident you should contact us today at 815-209-9030. They can help you in your desperate time.