Car Accident Lawyer in Franklin County, IL

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Franklin County, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Chicago Injury Lawyer specializes in personal injury cases. Our Chicago Injury Lawyers are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve suffered injuries in a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash, or a hit-and-run, we will aggressively pursue justice on your behalf. Our legal team has years of experience handling car accident claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court when necessary. We understand the devastating impact of car accidents and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Common Accident-Prone Areas in Franklin County

Understanding high-risk areas can help prevent accidents. Some of the most accident-prone roads and intersections in Franklin County include:

• Illinois Route 148 & IL Route 149 (West Frankfort) – A known hotspot for accidents due to high traffic volume and challenging intersections.
• Interstate 57 – A major highway running through Franklin County, where high-speed collisions are common, especially in poor weather conditions.
• Main Street & Benton Public Square (Benton) – Congested downtown areas with frequent pedestrian-related accidents, particularly during busy shopping hours and public events.
• Route 37 & Rend Lake Road – A stretch of road known for visibility issues and a high number of rear-end collisions.
• State Highway 14 – This highway has several sharp turns and poorly lit sections, contributing to nighttime crashes.

These areas have seen significant accident rates, making legal representation crucial if you’ve been injured in a crash. If your accident occurred in one of these locations, we will collect all available evidence to support your claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Franklin County

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority. Visit a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment:

• Franklin Hospital (Benton) – 201 Bailey Ln, Benton, IL 62812, offering emergency care and trauma services.
• Herrin Hospital (nearby in Herrin) – 201 S 14th St, Herrin, IL 62948, with a specialized team for accident-related injuries.
• Marshall Browning Hospital (Du Quoin) – 900 N Washington St, Du Quoin, IL 62832, provides urgent and long-term care services.

Document the Scene

• Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Gather witness contact information and ask for their accounts of what happened.
• Note important details, including weather conditions, road signs, and traffic signals.
• If available, check for any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident.

Report the Accident

• Contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (618) 438-8211 or your local police department to file an official report.
• Obtain a copy of the police report for your records and future legal proceedings.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Before speaking with insurance companies, consult a Chicago Injury Lawyer to protect your rights. The insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize payouts, but our job is to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

How Franklin County Courts Handle Car Accident Claims

Car accident claims in Franklin County are typically processed through:

• Franklin County Courthouse – 901 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812, where most civil cases, including personal injury lawsuits, are handled.
• Cases are overseen by the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, which has jurisdiction over personal injury claims.
• Most cases settle out of court, but if necessary, our legal team is prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you are owed.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Franklin County

Legal Expertise for Car Accident Cases

• Rear-End Collisions – Often caused by distracted driving; we help prove liability and seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
• T-Bone Accidents – Common at intersections, requiring strong evidence, accident reconstruction experts, and legal arguments to establish fault.
• Hit-and-Run Cases – We assist in tracking down responsible parties, working with law enforcement, and filing uninsured motorist claims.
• Drunk Driving Accidents – Holding reckless drivers accountable under Illinois law (IVC § 11-501) and seeking punitive damages to deter future negligence.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents – Complex cases where multiple parties may share liability, requiring extensive legal investigation.
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents – Ensuring injured pedestrians and cyclists receive proper legal protection and compensation.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Our team will:

• Conduct a detailed investigation of your accident.
• Collect police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements.
• Represent you in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.

Illinois Car Accident Laws and Your Rights

• Comparative Negligence – Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (IVC § 2-1116). If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Statute of Limitations – You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (IVC § 13-202), so it is crucial to act quickly.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, we help you file a claim under your uninsured motorist policy (IVC § 143a).
• Wrongful Death Claims – If a loved one was killed in a car accident, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.

Areas We Serve in Franklin County

We proudly serve car accident victims in:

• Benton
• West Frankfort
• Christopher
• Sesser
• Zeigler
• Orient
• Ewing
• Royalton
• Thompsonville

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)