What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault party was not insured, or did not carry enough insurance to cover your losses, there are still other avenues your car accident lawyer can take to help you get your medical costs paid. We may be able to file a claim against your underinsured or uninsured motorist policy. Maybe your health insurance or MedPay insurance will help pay for your medical care. We might even be able to file a personal injury claim against additional parties who contributed to your crash, like a vehicle manufacturer or another driver.

What if the other party left the scene of the accident?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash, our legal team will work with law enforcement to try to help you find that driver. In the meantime, we will help you file an uninsured motorist claim against your own coverage. We will also look for additional sources of recovery as well. Did your seatbelt work? Did your airbags deploy? Did your brakes work correctly? Was the stoplight working?

How Long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?

In Illinois, you generally have just two years to file a lawsuit after an auto accident. The clock began ticking on your lawsuit the day the crash occurred. The insurance company is probably going to try to delay processing your claim to get you to miss the filing deadline. If time runs out before you file a lawsuit, you will lose your right to recover compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I’m partially at fault for my accident?

You still have a legal claim for compensation if your role in causing the crash was 50% or less. If your claim is successful, your award will be reduced in accordance with your portion of fault. For instance, let’s say your case is worth $100,000, and you were determined to have been 20% at fault for the crash. Your award will be reduced by 20% (or $20,000), and you will recover $80,000.

Leg & Knee Injury Attorney in Bloomington, IL

A leg & knee injury is amongst the most physically debilitating and financially devastating injuries a person can suffer.

Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall, truck collision, or workplace incident, these injuries can sideline you for months — or permanently — leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and a drastically reduced quality of life.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious leg or knee injury due to someone else’s negligence, a Bloomington personal injury attorney at Dodds Law Office, PC is ready to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

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Common Types of Leg and Knee Injuries in Accident Cases

Leg and knee injuries vary widely in severity, but many require surgery, extended physical therapy, and long-term medical care. Common knee injuries seen in personal injury cases include:

ACL, MCL, and LCL tears
Torn meniscus
Fractured kneecap (patella)
Dislocated knee
Total knee replacement resulting from trauma

Common leg injuries include:

Femur, tibia, and fibula fractures
Crush injuries and soft tissue damage
Nerve damage
Partial or full amputation in the most severe cases

These injuries commonly arise from car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, construction site accidents, and dog attacks. Regardless of how your injury occurred, if another party’s negligence was responsible, you have the right to seek compensation under Illinois law.

What to Do After a Leg or Knee Injury Accident in Illinois

The steps you take immediately following an accident can significantly affect the strength of your personal injury claim. Here is what you should do:

Seek medical attention immediately — even if your pain seems manageable at first. Many serious knee and leg injuries worsen over time, and prompt medical documentation is critical to connecting your injury to the accident.
Report the incident to the appropriate party, whether that is a property owner, employer, or law enforcement.
Document the scene — gather witness contact information and photograph the accident scene and your injuries if you are able.
Avoid recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney, as these can be used to minimize your claim.
Contact a Bloomington personal injury lawyer at Dodds Law Office, PC as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights from day one.

Damages You Can Recover in an Illinois Leg or Knee Injury Claim

Victims of serious leg and knee injuries are often entitled to significant compensation. Under Illinois personal injury law, liable parties may include a negligent driver, a property owner who failed to maintain safe premises, a trucking company, a product manufacturer, or a careless employer.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault. Recoverable damages typically include:

Medical expenses — past and future costs for surgeries, hospitalizations, physical therapy, and assistive devices
Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
Pain and suffering and loss of a normal life
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive damages in cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Time is a critical factor in any personal injury case. Key points to understand under Illinois law include:

Most personal injury victims have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit
Failing to act within this window can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case is
Exceptions may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your injury
The sooner you act, the better positioned your attorney is to preserve evidence and identify all liable parties

Do not wait to get legal advice. Contact Dodds Law Office, PC as soon as possible so we can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Call leg & knee injury lawyer Terry Dodds now at (309) 829-9300, if you have been injured in an accident or due someone else’s negligence.

Why Choose Dodds Law Office, PC for Your Leg or Knee Injury Case

At Dodds Law Office, PC, attorney Terry Dodds brings a comprehensive, strategic approach to every personal injury case.

Our goal is to win by telling your story in a way that resonates — presenting the facts clearly, exposing the flaws in the opposition’s case, and educating jurors and insurance adjusters about the real impact your injury has had on your life.

We develop tailored legal strategies designed to maximize your chances of a positive outcome, whether through a fair settlement or a courtroom verdict.

With extensive courtroom experience and a deep commitment to our clients, we fight hard from the moment your case begins to ensure your rights are fully protected.

We Will Maximize Your Leg & Knee Injury Claim

A serious leg or knee injury can change your life in an instant. You should not have to face the complex legal system alone while simultaneously recovering from a devastating physical injury.

At Dodds Law Office, PC, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation accident victims in Bloomington and throughout Illinois need to move forward.

Attorney Terry Dodds offers free consultations, so there is no cost or risk to learning your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started — because there is too much on the line to leave your future to chance.

Client Testimonials

I chose to retain Mr. Dodds after a long first conversation about my situation and what it ment for me. Every sense he has always taken the time to explain everything to me so that I understood what was going on, as well as having my best interest at stake. I am overall very pleased with my outcome and would recommend you retain him. He cares, and you can tell by the late hours he works/ responds to your communication to him as well as when he is speaking to you. 10/10 recommend.

Kristen Smith

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