Drowsy Drivers, Personal Injury, and Wrongful Death

 Posted on August 15, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Injured accident victims are not the only ones who can suffer due to another person’s careless, negligent act. The ripple effect extends to family members and friends, especially when a motor vehicle collision causes a fatality or permanent disability.

You may wonder how much a personal injury attorney can really affect your case. Attorney Dave Carlson of Carlson Law Group, P.C. is a former prosecutor and judge with a history of holding at-fault parties accountable for their actions. He understands from multiple perspectives how much difference an effective lawyer can make to the outcome of your case.

Case Highlights

As a Will County judge, Attorney Dave Carlson presided over many cases involving car crashes and truck accidents. Two specific cases demonstrate the widespread effects of negligent driving, how a diligent attorney is beneficial, and Attorney Carlson’s dedication to seeing justice done.

Truck Crash Kills 5

In 2014, a truck driver engaged cruise control at 65 mph and entered an active construction zone. Five people lost their lives in the resulting multiple-vehicle collision. An attorney found that the driver had been working too many hours and was in violation of hours-of-service regulations, but he had falsified his logbook. Family members of the five fatal victims made heart-wrenching statements during the sentencing hearing, expressing the various losses and devastation they experienced due to the truck driver’s negligence.

Fatal Car Accident Takes 2 Lives

In early 2024, a Crest Hill resident ran a red light at high speed without headlights at night, allegedly killing two people in a resulting collision. The defendant then attempted to flee the accident scene. The driver later appeared in Judge Carlson’s court for unrelated charges. The defendant had a history of unsafe driving and not appearing in court for criminal charges and citations. Against the Public Defender’s wishes, Judge Carlson sent the defendant to jail in compliance with the Illinois SAFE-T-Act.

Wrongful Death: Civil Suits Vs. Criminal Charges

When someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence, eligible survivors may qualify to file a civil wrongful death claim. In a successful claim, the survivors receive compensation for various damages, including funeral and burial expenses, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and the losses of consortium, financial support, and parental guidance. Punitive damages may also be awarded.

In addition to a civil lawsuit, the defendant may also face criminal charges brought by a government agency if they broke a law in causing the fatality. In criminal cases, the burden of proof is higher.

These two types of cases are independent of each other. The defendant may be held liable for damages in a civil suit but found innocent of the criminal charges.

A Knowledgeable Lawyer Can Make a Difference

As shown in the case of the truck driver falsifying his logbook, the attorney investigated the truck crash and found evidence that proved the driver was negligent. This is only one example of how a skilled attorney can help with your personal injury claim. Other things we do include:

• Help you decide your best course of action

• Ensure that any degree of fault assigned to you is accurate

• Serve as your spokesperson with insurance companies

• Negotiate a reasonable settlement offer

• Recommend taking your case to trial if the liable insurer will not cooperate

Working with a qualified attorney can help you maximize your compensation to hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligence.

Contact Us Today for Your Free Consultation With Our Effective Joliet, IL Wrongful Death Lawyer

While any lawyer can technically handle your case, not every attorney has the experience, unique perspective, dedication, and skill needed to provide effective legal representation. You can rely on Carlson Law Group, P.C. to protect your best interests while giving you the personal attention and respect you deserve. Call us at 815-710-3700 now to speak with our dedicated Will County, IL personal injury attorney.