Holder Law Group Has the Experience and Tenacity to Handle All Types of Vehicle Accident Cases

A motor vehicle accident can be a life altering experience. Even low collision accidents can cause substantial physical harm to drivers and passengers in automobiles. These types of accident cases happen every day across Champaign-Urbana and across central Illinois. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or other motor vehicle accident, seek medical treatment immediately. After seeking the proper medical attention, fell free to call the Holder Law group to see if you are entitled to a recovery. 

The Holder Law Group’s litigation team, lead by accident lawyer Betsy Holder, is well versed in handling automobile collisions and representing victims involved in said accidents throughout central Illinois. In fact, Betsy Holder has spent her entire career assisting the injured. Holder Law Group is with you every step of the way, from handling insurance companies, negotiation medical bills and liens, maximizing the valuation of your damages and, pursing arbitration and litigation. 

We are a hands-on law firm with a wide range of practice areas, but our passion is personal injury and we are with our clients every step of the way. Our goal is to provide our clients with as much legal information and expertise during the legal process so that they are prepred to make the best choices throughout every part of their case.

Call The Holder Law Group for a FREE consultation at 217-840-2652. You don’t pay, unless we win and the attorney never takes home more than the client.

Who Are Motor Vehicle Accident Victims?

Victims in an automobile or motorcycle may include the vehicle’s driver, passengers, by-standers, and even the spouse of an injured person.

All motorcycle and auto-accident victims may be able to recover money from the other driver, the owner of the car if they are not the drive, the drivers employer if the person who injured you was in the course and scope of their employment at the time of the collision, as well as your own insurance company’s underinsured or unisured motorist coverage policy.

If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, you do not need to provide them with any information other than your basic contact information. Nor should you feel pressured to provide them with an immediate description of your injuries. The Holder Law Group can help you negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company or decide whether your case should be heard in court.

Types of Injuries Common in Car and Motorcycle Accidents:

• Brain Injuries including Postconcussion Syndrome
• Chest Injures
• Spine Injuries
• Whiplash Injuries
• Arm, Leg, Shoulder, and Joint Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Aggrevation of Pre-existing Conditions

With years of experience and an immense knowledge of the local court rules and, the Holder Law Group is your home-town and local choice to protect your rights after an car accident. Champaign accident attorney Betsy Holder’s track record speaks for itself and Holder Law Group is to provide the highest level of care and counseling. Remember, when you or a loved one are hurt, your best choice for an attorney is local–Holder Law Group.

Experienced Champaign-Urbana Car Accident Lawyer | Holder Law Group

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Holder Law Group After Your Champaign-Urbana Car Accident?
• Navigating Car Accident Claims in Champaign County
• Protecting Your Rights Under Illinois Law
• Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
• How Our Champaign-Urbana Attorneys Fight for You
• Injured in a Champaign-Urbana Car Accident? Contact Holder Law Group Today

A car accident in Champaign or Urbana can represent a sudden, profoundly disruptive event, inflicting not only physical pain but also significant emotional distress and financial uncertainty. In the aftermath of such an incident, navigating the complexities of insurance claims and the legal system can feel overwhelming. Holder Law Group stands as a dedicated, local, family-owned law firm, deeply committed to assisting accident victims throughout Central Illinois during these challenging times. The firm provides immediate access to legal guidance, aiming to inform individuals about their rights and assess whether they may be entitled to financial recovery for their injuries and losses.  

For those affected by a car accident, obtaining prompt legal advice is crucial. Holder Law Group offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of an individual’s situation. Interested parties can contact the firm at 217-840-2652 to explore their options.  

Why Choose Holder Law Group After Your Champaign-Urbana Car Accident?

Selecting the right legal representation after a car accident is a critical decision. Holder Law Group offers a unique combination of local commitment, proven legal skill, and a genuinely client-centered approach, distinguishing itself as a strong advocate for accident victims in Champaign and Urbana.

Local Roots, Proven Results

Holder Law Group is fundamentally a Champaign-Urbana law firm, established and operated by a family with deep, multi-generational ties to Champaign County, spanning over six generations in various community roles. This profound local connection informs the firm’s practice, blending “small-town service with big-city results”. This philosophy translates into providing clients with personalized attention and direct access to their lawyers, hallmarks of community-based service, while simultaneously leveraging the experience and tenacity required to secure significant financial recoveries often associated with larger, metropolitan firms.  

The firm concentrates its litigation practice on serious personal injuries, with a significant focus on representing victims of automobile accidents, trucking collisions, and motorcycle accidents. Their commitment lies in protecting and vindicating the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligence of others. This local focus and personalized service model stand in contrast to the potentially less personal approach of larger firms based outside the Central Illinois area, such as those from Chicago. Clients benefit from representation that understands both the local legal landscape and the personal impact of an accident within the community.  

Led by Experienced Litigator Betsy Holder

The firm’s car accident litigation team is led by attorney. Ms. Holder brings over eleven years of private practice experience focused almost exclusively on personal injury law, dedicating a substantial portion of her practice to representing victims of car, motor vehicle, and trucking accidents throughout Central Illinois. Her career includes foundational experience as an associate attorney at Phebus & Koester, LLP (now Koester & Bradley, LLP) and later heading the personal injury litigation department at Steigmann Law, PC.  

Ms. Holder possesses extensive knowledge and experience handling common and often complex car accident injuries, particularly whiplash and spinal injuries affecting the thoracic and lumbar regions. This specific expertise, combined with her broader background in personal injury and medical malpractice (including a notable seven-figure recovery in a failure-to-diagnose case), equips her to manage cases involving significant medical complexities. Her skill set extends beyond the courtroom to include alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, offering clients potentially less stressful and costly paths to successful outcomes. Individuals seeking direct consultation can reach Betsy Holder at betsy@holderlawllp.com, Cell: 217-840-2652, or Office: 217-693-4929. Further details about her background are available on the firm’s website. Offering such direct access underscores the firm’s commitment to accessibility, a value often difficult to find at larger legal practices.  

Client-Focused Approach

Holder Law Group emphasizes a “hands-on approach” with clients, ensuring they are accessible and responsive, promising availability almost 24 hours a day to answer questions and provide legal services. Clients benefit from direct contact with their lawyers, fostering clear communication and a strong working relationship. The firm maintains a selective caseload, a deliberate choice allowing them to dedicate maximum attention and resources to each client they represent, ensuring high-quality service. This contrasts with high-volume practices where clients might feel overlooked.  

The firm adopts a holistic approach, recognizing that a serious injury impacts multiple facets of a client’s life. Beyond pursuing the primary legal claim, the team assists clients in navigating related challenges, such as managing medical bills and liens, and addressing other unforeseen legal issues that often arise after a significant personal injury. This comprehensive support system aims to alleviate the burdens faced by clients during their recovery. Furthermore, Holder Law Group demonstrates a strong commitment to the Champaign-Urbana community through pro-bono work and dedicated service to the local Latino community, offering translation services for Spanish-speaking clients to ensure accessibility for all community members. More information on the firm’s philosophy can be found at www.holderlawllp.com.  

No Fee Unless You Win

Understanding the financial strain that often follows an accident, Holder Law Group operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and car accident cases. This means clients “don’t pay, unless we win”. The firm offers free initial case evaluations to assess potential claims without any upfront cost.  

Significantly, the firm makes a specific pledge that distinguishes its fee structure: “the attorney never takes home more than the client”. This policy directly addresses a common concern among potential clients regarding legal fees, ensuring that the firm’s financial success is directly tied to maximizing the client’s recovery and that the client remains the primary beneficiary of any settlement or award. This structure removes financial risk for the injured party and fosters a relationship built on shared goals and trust.  

Navigating Car Accident Claims in Champaign County

Motor vehicle accidents are a daily reality across Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois. Statistics from sources like the(https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/resources/safety/crash-reports.html) indicate a high frequency of crashes in the region. It is important to recognize that even collisions occurring at lower speeds can result in substantial physical harm to drivers and passengers. Understanding the common causes, types, and locations of accidents locally can provide valuable context for those affected.  

Common Causes and Types of Local Accidents

Data and local studies, such as those by the(https://ccrpc.org/transportation/), reveal patterns in Champaign-Urbana car accidents. Driver behavior is identified as the leading cause, often occurring in clear weather conditions rather than solely due to adverse weather. Common contributing factors include:  

• Distracted Driving: This remains a primary cause nationally and locally, encompassing texting, phone use, adjusting GPS or radios, eating, drinking, and engaging with passengers while driving.  
• Speeding: Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions (e.g., weather, construction, road design) is a significant factor, particularly noted on busy roads like University Avenue. Failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash is a common driver error cited in local accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impairment from alcohol or drugs significantly increases accident risk by slowing reaction times and impairing judgment. DUI remains a serious concern in Champaign County, contributing to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
• Failure to Yield: Accidents frequently occur at intersections and merging lanes when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Busy intersections near Prospect Avenue are noted hot spots. This is a leading driver error locally.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): This behavior reduces reaction time and often leads to rear-end collisions, particularly in congested areas.
• Rear-End Collisions: This is statistically the most frequent type of crash reported in Champaign County, including within the cities of Champaign and Urbana. These often result from inattention, distraction, or tailgating.
• Angle and Sideswipe Collisions: These types of accidents are also common, particularly at intersections.
• Other Driver Errors: Improper lane changes, disobeying traffic signals, and general reckless driving also contribute significantly to local accidents.

Certain intersections in Champaign-Urbana have been identified in traffic studies as having higher crash rates and severity, earning “very high priority” ratings. These include Prospect Avenue & Bloomington Road (highest crash volume), Lincoln Avenue & University Avenue, Cunningham Avenue & University Avenue, Mattis Avenue & Bradley Avenue, and State Street & Springfield Avenue. Awareness of these hazardous locations underscores the daily risks drivers face locally. Mentioning these specific locations demonstrates a deep understanding of the community’s traffic patterns and risks, which can be particularly relevant to individuals injured at these known trouble spots. While poor weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice do contribute to accidents , the majority of crashes in Champaign County occur during clear weather and on dry roads, reinforcing the prevalence of driver error as the primary cause.  

Types of Vehicles and Accidents We Handle

Holder Law Group is equipped to handle serious personal injury cases arising from a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents. The firm’s experience encompasses collisions involving:  

• Standard Automobiles (Cars)
• Commercial Trucks (Semi-trucks, Tractor-trailers)  
• Motorcycles
• Buses
• Pedestrians
• Bicycles
• ATVs and Off-Road Vehicles
• Rideshare Vehicles (Uber/Lyft)

This broad scope ensures that individuals injured in nearly any type of traffic-related incident can seek knowledgeable representation from the firm. A comprehensive overview of the firm’s personal injury practice areas is available here: View All Personal Injury Practice Areas.  

Protecting Your Rights Under Illinois Law

Following a car accident, understanding and protecting one’s legal rights is paramount. Illinois law outlines specific procedures, deadlines, and principles that govern car accident claims. Taking the correct steps immediately after a crash and being aware of legal timelines can significantly impact the ability to recover fair compensation.

Critical Steps After a Champaign-Urbana Crash

The actions taken in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can be crucial. Holder Law Group advises individuals involved in a crash to prioritize the following steps:

• Seek Medical Treatment Immediately: Obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions may not present symptoms immediately. Prompt medical attention documents injuries and links them to the accident.  
• Report the Crash: Illinois law requires reporting a crash to the police if it results in injury or death, or if property damage exceeds $1,500 (or $500 if any vehicle involved is uninsured). A police report creates an official record of the incident.
• Gather Information: If physically able, exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with all involved drivers. Obtain contact information for any witnesses. Use a smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Be Cautious with Insurance Companies: Limit communication with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. Provide basic contact information but avoid giving recorded statements or detailed descriptions of injuries immediately after the crash. Do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the accident. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and early statements can be used against the claimant.
• Contact an Experienced Local Attorney: Consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer before providing extensive information to insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers. Holder Law Group offers free consultations to discuss the case and advise on the best course of action. Timely legal advice helps protect rights and preserve the value of a potential claim.  

Illinois Statute of Limitations: Don’t Delay Your Claim

Illinois law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing lawsuits related to car accidents. Missing these deadlines generally results in the permanent loss of the right to seek compensation through the courts. The key deadlines for car accident claims in Illinois are:  

• Two (2) Years for Personal Injury: Lawsuits seeking damages for physical injuries or wrongful death must be filed within two years from the date the accident occurred. (See(https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K13-202))  
• Five (5) Years for Property Damage: Lawsuits seeking compensation solely for damage to a vehicle or other property must be filed within five years from the date of the accident. (See(https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K13-205))

It is critical for injured individuals to be aware of the shorter two-year deadline for personal injury claims, as this is often the most significant component of a car accident case. While certain exceptions may apply (such as cases involving minors, individuals with legal disabilities, defendants who leave the state, injuries not reasonably discovered immediately, or claims against government entities which have shorter notice requirements), these exceptions are complex and narrowly applied. Relying on a potential exception is risky. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that anyone injured in a car accident consult with an attorney well before the two-year deadline approaches to ensure their rights are protected.  

How Fault is Determined: Illinois Comparative Negligence

Illinois operates under a legal standard known as “modified comparative negligence” (or modified comparative fault) to determine liability and allocate damages in accidents where more than one party may share responsibility. This system employs a 51% bar rule. (See(https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-1116) and information from the Illinois Department of Insurance ).  

Under this rule, an injured person can recover damages from another at-fault party only if the injured person is determined to be 50% or less responsible for causing the accident. If an individual is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation. This means that even if someone bears some degree of fault for an accident, they may still have a valid claim for damages, provided their share of fault does not exceed the 50% threshold.  

Furthermore, if an injured party is found partially at fault (but 50% or less), their recoverable damages will be reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault. For example, if an individual is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found to be 20% at fault for the accident, their final recovery would be reduced by 20%, resulting in an $80,000 award.  

Determining the percentage of fault can be a complex process involving detailed investigation, analysis of police reports, evaluation of witness statements, review of traffic laws, and sometimes the use of accident reconstruction experts. Insurance companies actively investigate accidents to assign fault in a way that minimizes their liability and potential payout. Given these complexities and the potential impact on compensation, having experienced legal counsel is vital. An attorney can gather and present evidence effectively, challenge unfair fault assessments by insurers, and advocate to minimize the client’s assigned percentage of fault, thereby maximizing their potential recovery.  

Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries

The primary objective of Holder Law Group in representing car accident victims is to help them recover the maximum possible compensation for the full range of injuries and losses sustained. Illinois law permits victims of negligence to seek recovery for various types of damages resulting from an accident. Crucially, Illinois does not impose statutory caps on the amount of compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) that can be awarded in personal injury cases, unlike some other states. This allows juries or settlement negotiations to determine compensation based on the actual extent of the victim’s losses, which is particularly important in cases involving severe or permanent injuries.  

Types of Damages You May Recover

Compensation in Illinois car accident cases generally falls into three main categories: Economic Damages, Non-Economic Damages, and, in certain circumstances, Punitive Damages.  

• Economic Damages (Special Damages): These compensate for the tangible, calculable financial losses incurred due to the accident. They are typically documented with bills, receipts, and financial statements. Examples include:  
  • Past and future medical expenses (e.g., emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices like wheelchairs).  
  • Lost wages and income due to time off work during recovery.
  • Loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to a previous job or limit future employment opportunities.
  • Property damage, primarily the cost to repair or replace the damaged vehicle.
  • Other related out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., transportation to medical appointments, necessary home modifications).
• Non-Economic Damages (General Damages): These compensate for the intangible, non-monetary losses resulting from the accident, which affect the victim’s quality of life but are harder to assign a precise dollar value. Examples include:  
  • Pain and suffering (both physical pain and emotional anguish).  
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
  • Loss of a normal life / Loss of enjoyment of life (the diminished ability to participate in and enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and life’s pleasures). This acknowledges the impact beyond physical pain.  
  • Disfigurement and scarring (compensation for permanent changes in appearance).
  • Physical impairment or permanent disability.  
  • Loss of consortium (compensation for the negative impact on relationships, typically claimed by a spouse or close family members for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy, often relevant in severe injury or wrongful death cases).
• Punitive Damages (Exemplary Damages): These are awarded relatively infrequently and serve a different purpose than compensatory damages. They are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious, reckless, or intentional misconduct (such as driving under the influence or extreme recklessness) and to deter similar conduct in the future. Obtaining punitive damages requires meeting a higher burden of proof, demonstrating clear evidence that the defendant acted with deliberate harm or a conscious disregard for the safety of others. While not common, they can be substantial when awarded.  

The following table summarizes the main types of damages potentially recoverable in an Illinois car accident claim:

Understanding these potential categories of compensation helps victims recognize the full scope of their potential claim. The fact that Illinois places no caps on compensatory damages provides assurance that severely injured individuals have the legal avenue to seek recovery commensurate with the true extent of their losses.  

How Our Champaign-Urbana Attorneys Fight for You

Holder Law Group provides comprehensive legal support, guiding clients “every step of the way” through the complex process of a car accident claim. Successfully resolving a claim requires more than simply filing paperwork; it demands meticulous investigation, adept negotiation with insurance companies, and the readiness and skill to proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.  

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Building a strong case begins with a thorough investigation and the careful collection of evidence. Holder Law Group undertakes a detailed case evaluation, meticulously gathering crucial documents and information such as official police reports, witness statements, photographs and video footage of the scene and vehicles, comprehensive medical records and billing statements, and all relevant insurance policy information. In cases requiring deeper analysis, the firm consults with experts, including accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze crash dynamics and medical professionals who can provide expert opinions on the nature and extent of injuries and long-term prognosis. This diligent evidence-gathering process forms the foundation for establishing liability and proving the full extent of the client’s damages.  

Handling Insurance Company Negotiations

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects for unrepresented accident victims. Insurance adjusters, while often appearing helpful, represent the interests of their company, which typically involves minimizing claim payouts. Holder Law Group assumes responsibility for all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. The firm leverages its extensive experience to counter common insurance tactics aimed at undervaluing claims or unfairly assigning fault. They fight vigorously to achieve a fair settlement that fully compensates the client for all economic and non-economic damages incurred. This relieves the client of the stress of dealing directly with adjusters and ensures their interests are protected by experienced negotiators.  

Litigation Expertise Led by Betsy Holder

While many cases are resolved through settlement, Holder Law Group is always prepared to take a case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. The firm possesses significant litigation experience, led by(http://www.holderlawllp.com/betsy-holder), whose background is heavily focused on personal injury and car accident trials. This includes a deep understanding of local Champaign County court rules and procedures, providing a distinct advantage in litigation. Furthermore, the firm is adept at utilizing alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, which can sometimes provide efficient and effective resolutions outside of a formal trial setting. This readiness for trial often strengthens the firm’s negotiating position, as insurers know they face experienced litigators willing to pursue the case fully.  

Keeping You Informed

Throughout the entire process, Holder Law Group prioritizes clear and consistent communication with clients. The firm is committed to explaining the legal procedures, developments in the case, and available options in understandable terms, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their claims. This commitment to transparency, combined with the firm’s emphasis on accessibility and direct attorney contact, ensures clients feel supported and knowledgeable from initiation through resolution. Clients can discuss their case by contacting the firm through various channels, including the Contact Us page.  

Injured in a Champaign-Urbana Car Accident? Contact Holder Law Group Today

If an individual or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident within the Champaign-Urbana area or surrounding communities in Central Illinois, seeking prompt legal guidance is essential. Holder Law Group urges affected individuals to contact the firm immediately to protect their rights and explore their options for compensation.

Holder Law Group offers significant advantages to car accident victims:

• Free, No-Obligation Consultation: Discuss the case details with an experienced attorney at no cost.  
• No Fee Unless You Win: Representation is provided on a contingency fee basis, removing upfront financial barriers, with the added assurance that the attorney’s fee will not exceed the client’s net recovery.
• Local, Experienced Representation: Benefit from a firm deeply rooted in the Champaign-Urbana community, led by attorneys like (http://www.holderlawllp.com/betsy-holder) with extensive experience in Illinois car accident law.
• Compassionate, Client-Focused Service: Receive personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.
• Direct Access to Attorneys: Communicate directly with the lawyers handling the case.

Do not delay in seeking legal help, as strict time limits apply to filing claims. Contact Holder Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 217-840-2652  
• Email: Betsy Holder directly at betsy@holderlawllp.com
• Online Contact Form: Available on the firm’s website via www.holderlawllp.com/contact
• Office Address: 505 West University Avenue, Champaign, IL
  • (Conveniently located near West Side Park with available private parking)

Holder Law Group remains committed to fighting for justice and securing the maximum compensation possible for their neighbors injured in Champaign County. As the firm believes, “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied”. Taking action promptly is the first step toward recovery.