Will County Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can have life-altering consequences for any victim involved. Anyone caught up in a serious wreck will have to contend with medical bills, lengthy recovery periods, and concerns about their personal future. By working with a Will County car accident lawyer, you can restore a semblance of certainty to uncertain times. A car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you are rightfully owed so that you can prioritize your healing.
At Connolly Injury Law, we combine our passion with our superior legal skills and experience to provide clients with powerful representation during tough times. We know that car accidents can be overwhelming and even traumatizing, which is why we’re ready to help you with the legal aspects of your situation. You do not have to deal with the aftermath of a car accident alone. See how our team can represent you today.
Proving Fault Following an Illinois Car Accident
Following an accident, it is crucial to establish fault. Illinois is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, meaning that the person who causes the accident is financially responsible for the damage or injury that they cause.
The steps you take following a car accident can strengthen your claim for compensation. For example, you should not engage in conversations with the at-fault party other than to share contact and insurance information. This is to ensure they do not use any of your words against you.
Additionally, the at-fault party’s car insurance may try to contact you. Anything you say to the insurance carrier representative could also be used against you. Do not sign anything they send to you without consulting with an attorney.
One important piece of evidence can come from the police report. Police reports are made following a serious car collision. If you are questioned by a police officer, remain neutral and factual about what happened. Do not try to ascribe blame. It is better for the facts of the case to speak for themselves.
Evidence That Can Help You Prove Fault
It may seem abundantly clear to you who caused the accident, but the courts and insurance carriers rely on a variety of evidence to ensure they establish fault correctly. The following are important pieces of evidence to obtain:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Surveillance camera footage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
Possible Sources of Compensation Following a Car Accident
Often, the first source of compensation following an accident is the at-fault party’s insurance policy. Drivers in Illinois are required to maintain liability insurance that can pay a minimum of $25,000 to any party injured in a car accident. However, many insurance policies provide much higher coverage.
A car accident attorney can negotiate a settlement on your behalf that covers your past and future medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that you incurred. If you accept a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, this can also resolve the claim process.
In cases where the driver committed gross misconduct, your attorney can consider taking direct legal action against the at-fault driver. Driving while intoxicated or reckless endangerment are two acts of misconduct that can open a driver to liability in civil court. Your attorney may also recommend taking direct legal action when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. By filing a personal injury claim, your lawyer can work to hold the at-fault party responsible.
Benefits of Legal Representation in Personal Injury Claims
If you are seeking fair compensation for your injuries, having legal representation is critical. An attorney understands your legal rights and the responsibilities of the at-fault driver. Without an attorney, you may not know the full extent of what you can include in a settlement. You have the right to compensation for past and future medical costs. If you were seriously injured, you might require retraining so you can learn how to work with physical limitations or disabilities.
FAQs
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
A: The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. There are very few exceptions to this legal deadline. Failing to file your case in time will likely mean that you are not eligible to use the courts to seek compensation from the at-fault party. If you are worried about missing legal deadlines, consult with a personal injury attorney who understands the rules and requirements for filing claims in court.
Q: What Is the Minimum for Bodily Injury Liability in Illinois?
A: The minimum for bodily injury liability in Illinois is $25,000. Drivers are required by law to maintain liability coverage that can compensate injured drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. Medical bills can quickly surpass this minimum requirement. This is why people who are injured in a car accident often hire personal injury attorneys to handle the claim settlement process.
Q: How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Illinois?
A: Following a car accident in Illinois, fault is determined through a variety of means. Testimony and written statements from the parties involved in the accident are important factors that can help to determine fault. Police reports, photos, surveillance videos, and witness statements can also be used to piece together the moments that led to a car accident.
Q: What Is the Comparative Negligence Law in Illinois?
A: The comparative negligence law in Illinois allows fault to be assigned to multiple individuals involved in an accident, not just one. This means you have the opportunity to request damages after an accident as long as you are 50% or less at fault. The amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re unsure how this will affect your settlement, consult a lawyer who can help you better understand comparative negligence laws
Schedule Your Will County Car Accident Consultation Today
You should not have to live with the consequences of someone else’s negligent driving. If you were hurt in a car accident, you can hire an attorney to review your case and determine the strongest source of compensation for your injuries. Even when the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, you may still have legal options.
The team at Connolly Injury Law can represent you through the claims process. We have helped many injured drivers and passengers receive the compensation they need to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and more. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.
