Approximately 4.5 million people were injured in car accidents in 2019. Car accident victims are often faced with significant financial losses, including vehicle repair costs and medical bills. Many are unable to work while they recover from their injuries. Some suffer catastrophic injuries that leave them permanently disabled. Car accident victims may be able to recover financial compensation for their losses through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

However, not all car accident injury claims are the same. When a car accident is caused by a government employee, a government entity may ultimately be responsible for compensating the victim. Unfortunately, bringing a successful claim against the government can be even more challenging than bringing a claim against an insurance company. Claims against the local, state or federal government are subject to special rules and tight deadlines. If you or a loved one were injured in a wreck and a government worker is at fault, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for help.

Sovereign Immunity in Illinois Car Accident Claims

Being hurt in a car crash is always a surprise, but you may be even more surprised if the crash was caused by a government employee. If you have found yourself in this situation, you may wonder if you have the same rights as other crash victims.

While the brain is one of the most important organs in the body, it is also one of the most sensitive. Even though the skull provides protection for the brain, there are many ways that serious brain injuries can occur, and they can drastically affect a person’s health and well-being. A person who suffers from a brain injury may experience issues such as memory loss, sleep disorders, sensory issues, problems with balance and coordination, mood disorders, personality changes, seizures, or intellectual disabilities. By understanding the causes of brain injuries, victims can determine their legal options for receiving compensation that will allow them to address their symptoms and make a full recovery.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many of the most serious brain injuries involve trauma such as a blow to the head. These traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can occur in situations such as:

• Car accidents - While motor vehicles have safety features such as airbags that are meant to protect against brain injuries, drivers and passengers may still be injured by striking their head on a steering wheel, dashboard, the frame of a vehicle, or other objects. These injuries are more likely to occur in high-speed collisions, rollover accidents, or collisions involving large vehicles such as commercial trucks or buses. Motorcyclists or pedestrians who are involved in collisions are also likely to experience serious brain injuries.

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Originally published: October 24, 2018 -- Updated: December 6, 2021

UPDATE: While punitive damages, as described below, may be available in some cases, these types of damages are generally only awarded in situations where a person committed an egregious violation of the law or knowingly acted in a way that put others at risk of serious harm. While punitive damages may be available in some car accident cases involving distracted driving, they may also be awarded in cases where a drunk driver caused injuries to others, since all drivers should be aware of the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

 Spinal cord injuries can be detrimental to a victim and their family. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim may suffer lifelong disability accompanied by continuous treatment and medical bills. Victims should not have to face these challenges alone. A knowledgeable attorney can help injured victims understand their options and help to hold the responsible parties accountable. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can also help the victim understand what caused their injury and what types of symptoms they may experience.

What Are The Most Frequently Seen Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Damage to the spinal canal nerves or spinal cord can permanently change an injured individual’s life. A severe spinal cord injury arises when the spinal cord itself or the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments within the spinal column are damaged. The most commonly seen cause of a spinal cord injury is a serious motor vehicle accident. However, there are many other events that may result in this type of catastrophic injury, including:

• Violence, such as stab wounds or gunshots

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New and used vehicles are purchased every day. Drivers rely on their vehicles to get them safely from place to place. When vehicle manufacturers and sellers fail to uphold safety expectations, auto defects in the products may lead to catastrophic accidents and exacerbate any sustained injuries.

Honda Seat Belt Defects Lead to Substantial Settlements for Victims

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., better known simply as Honda, has faced significant ridicule and court challenges regarding seatbelt defects seen in their vehicles in recent years. 

In 2015, a 27-year old woman was riding as a passenger in a Honda Odyssey when the vehicle was struck by a pickup truck. She suffered a broken spinal column. The woman, now a quadriplegic, was awarded a settlement of $37.6 million.