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How to Handle a Catastrophic Car Accident

A catastrophic car accident can leave victims with life-long injuries and psychological trauma. In the aftermath of such a devastating event, it’s important to take the time you need to heal from your injuries and follow the proper steps to protect your rights. If the other motorist’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

Dealing with catastrophic injuries can be a slow, painful process that takes away your ability to care for yourself and earn an income. Seeking damages against the party responsible can help ensure you have the financial security you need to pay for medical treatment and rehabilitation to get your life back on track.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Unfortunately, driver negligence or distraction is a leading cause of car accidents. When motorists get behind the wheel of a car, they gain control of a vehicle that, if operated irresponsibly, has the potential to cause catastrophic damage to a person’s health and well-being. Sadly, many motorists do not understand or respect the responsibility that accompanies driving, and engage in activities that make them a danger to other drivers on the road.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:

While many car accidents are caused by human error, including those listed above, there are several non-driver related causes of car accidents, including the following:

  • Faulty traffic lights or confusing road signs

  • Poorly maintained roadways

  • Weather conditions

  • Animals

Proving Negligence and Liability

In order to recover damages from the other motorist in an accident, you must prove that they were behaving negligently before the crash. An attorney can help you with the required elements of a negligence claim, including proving that:

  1. The law required the defendant to be reasonably careful.

  2. The defendant was not careful.

  3. The defendant’s careless conduct caused your injuries.

  4. As a result of the defendant’s actions, you suffered injuries or losses.

In order to increase your chances of recovering maximum possible compensation, it’s important to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you navigate your state’s unique laws and guide you through the legal process.

Recovering Compensation after a Car Accident

Following the proper steps after a car accident can help your negligence claim succeed. In the aftermath of a crash:

  • Seek medical attention if necessary.

  • Contact the police.

  • Document the scene by taking photos and obtaining witness information.

  • Get repair estimates for property damage.

  • Contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you and your attorney are able to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries, you may be entitled to damages such as:

  • Hospital bills

  • Lost wages

  • Grievance costs

  • Therapy costs

  • Court costs

  • Vehicle repairs

In instances of catastrophic injury, it’s particularly important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights. Someone else’s negligent actions caused long-term damage to your health and way of life. Such careless behavior should not go unanswered.

Injured in a Catastrophic Car Accident? We’re Here to Help

Catastrophic injury is the most important work we handle at Morici, Longo & Associates. We work tirelessly to ensure negligent parties are identified and legitimate claims brought against them. We handle a variety of catastrophic injury cases, including traumatic brain injury, back and spine injury, amputation, scarring and disfigurement, burns, and more.

Our team of Chicago personal injury attorneys will fight to recover compensation for pain and suffering, disability, medical expenses, lost wages, and any damages that may occur in the future. We take on the insurance companies so you can focus on healing from your injuries.


If you or someone you love has received a catastrophic injury in a car accident, contact Morici, Longo & Associates at (312) 779-0366 for a consultation with our team today.

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