Lake County Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident in Lake County, you need legal representation. Working with the at-fault driver’s car insurance carrier can be more challenging than you think, and civil claims often require professional legal help. By retaining a Lake County car accident lawyer, you can be confident that your attorney can work to help you receive the compensation you need.
Connolly Injury Law: Your Trusted Personal Injury Team
At Connolly Injury Law, our skilled legal team has been successfully serving residents of Illinois for years. We understand just how complex a personal injury claim may be, which is why we work tirelessly to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you are owed. If you or someone you love has been involved in a Lake County car accident that caused injury, do not wait to ask how Connolly Injury Law can help you.
Who Will Compensate You for Your Injury?
Following a car accident in Lake County, you are probably facing high medical bills and lost income due to your recovery at home or in a hospital. You may also be dealing with pain and suffering due to the negligence of the other driver. In a car accident claim, monetary settlements primarily come from the following two sources:
- The at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
- Civil court claims.
When the at-fault driver has adequate car insurance coverage, those policies can be an important source of income. Drivers in Illinois are required under state law to carry car insurance policies that pay at least $25,000 for bodily injury. Many policies can pay much more than the mandated state minimum.
Although insurance companies are supposed to pay fair settlements, they often put profits above helping injured victims by offering less than what is owed. An insurance carrier may even try to falsely blame you for causing the accident. This is why many people rely on personal injury attorneys to negotiate settlements on their behalf. Insurance companies are far less likely to engage in misleading tactics when an attorney is involved.
In cases where the car insurance carrier makes a fair settlement, your claim may be resolved after you receive payment from the other driver’s car insurance. In cases where the at-fault driver engaged in serious misconduct or does not have proper car insurance coverage, your attorney can explore the possibility of taking direct legal action.
Additionally, a civil court claim can lead to compensation that pays for your past, recent, and future medical bills, as well as any other financial losses you suffered due to the negligent driver. If you’re unsure how you will be compensated or which type of compensation is right for you, it’s crucial that you speak with a skilled lawyer.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lake County
The causes of car accidents in Lake County are similar to the causes of vehicle collisions found elsewhere. Distracted driving remains a leading cause of car accidents in this country.
- Distracted Driving. Distracted driving has been a top factor in car accidents for decades. Smartphones are one common cause of distracted driving these days. When someone takes their eyes or attention off the road, even for a second, the consequences could be disastrous for any nearby drivers.
- Speeding has long been a leading cause of car accidents in Illinois. When someone drives above the speed limit or faster than conditions permit, they place other drivers in danger. High speeds reduce the reaction time drivers have to respond to changing road conditions. For example, if an object is on the road, the speed of an approaching car will determine how much time they have to maneuver or slow down.
- Mechanical Problems. Mechanical issues can also cause car accidents. Commercial trucks are required to undergo regular inspections, but some trucking companies may skimp on these requirements. When a trucking company fails to properly maintain its fleet, the consequences for anyone hurt in a resulting trucking accident can be catastrophic.
Following a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer can review the truck’s inspection and maintenance logs to see if state laws and company protocols were followed.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Illinois
Illinois operates under the legal framework of comparative negligence for personal injury cases. This means that fault can be shared among multiple parties involved in an incident, and the amount of compensation a plaintiff can receive is adjusted based on their degree of fault.
As long as the plaintiff is 50% or less at fault, they have grounds for taking legal action as a plaintiff in a civil court claim. It is important to remember that, under this framework, the settlement you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if the courts determine that the other driver is 80% at fault and you are found to be 20% at fault, the other driver’s insurance carrier may only offer to pay 80% of your total damages. In that case, a $10,000 settlement would entitle you to receive $8,000.
Benefits of Hiring a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer
An attorney does more than litigate and negotiate. They have your interests in mind, and you can rely on them to provide counsel and advice on a range of topics related to your injury. Without legal representation, you may not be able to be fully compensated for your injuries. Car insurance carriers are in the business of earning profits. They do this in part by finding ways to undercut injured car accident victims seeking compensation.
By having an attorney negotiate settlements on your behalf, you can greatly reduce the chances that the insurance carrier tries to delay or lowball your claim. Your attorney can calculate the total value of your settlement. If you have never filed an insurance claim following a serious accident, you may not be aware of the full compensation that you are owed.
A settlement should do more than pay for your past medical bills. Fair compensation should account for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs. You may have more than one avenue for compensation. In cases where the driver committed serious misconduct or is underinsured, your lawyer can explore the possibility of taking action through the courts by filing a personal injury claim on your behalf.
If you are recovering from a serious accident, you are probably juggling multiple challenges. Hiring an attorney can take some of the burden off of you. Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay for legal representation until you win a settlement.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does Settling a Car Accident Case Take in Illinois?
A: The length of a car accident case depends on how complex the case is and how willing the at-fault party is to pay fair compensation. Some cases can be settled within weeks, while other cases may take several months or even years (if court action is needed) to settle. It is an unfortunate reality that some people and insurance companies will go to great lengths to withhold compensation from injured drivers and passengers.
Q: When Should You Accept a Personal Injury Settlement?
A: You should accept a settlement under the advice of your attorney if the settlement offer fully and fairly compensates you for your injuries. Your personal injury attorney can be a valuable source of advice and insight if you are not sure whether you should accept a settlement or not. One key thing to keep in mind when reviewing a settlement is whether the compensation will pay for future medical treatments you may need.
Q: Can You File a Claim Against Someone for a Car Accident in Illinois?
A: Yes. Illinois’ personal injury laws allow victims of car accidents to become plaintiffs in civil court claims. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can take direct legal action against the at-fault driver and demand financial compensation for your injuries. Financial compensation can be sought for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you incurred.
Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in Illinois?
A: Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this filing deadline could mean that you are not able to use the courts to seek compensation for your injuries. During your consultation with a car crash attorney, they can review your case to see if you are eligible to take legal action in civil court.
Q: Is Illinois a No-Fault State?
A: Yes. Illinois is a fault-based system. The driver who causes a car accident is financially liable for the damage and bodily injury they cause. Once fault has been established, the at-fault driver’s car insurance carrier is responsible for paying injured drivers and passengers for their injuries. Although that process sounds straightforward, injured workers often require legal assistance to ensure that the insurance providers pay out what they are required to by law.
Schedule Your Lake County Car Accident Consultation Today
If you were hurt in a car accident in Lake County, our team can help you navigate an insurance or civil claim. We have helped many Lake County residents find fair compensation following a tragic car accident, and we can do the same for you. To work with the legal team at Connolly Injury Law, please contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.
