Hiring a Chicago car accident attorney can make the process of filing a lawsuit much easier. If you are new to the area and have never filed a lawsuit, the process can seem daunting. A professional will help you understand the process, keep you informed of your case’s progress, and collect evidence as soon as possible. Immediately after an accident, try to gather any evidence. If possible, do so at the scene of the accident. If this is not possible, have someone you trust gather the information for you.
Distracted driving causes auto accidents
While texting while driving is becoming increasingly popular, it’s not the only distraction that drivers face on the road. Research shows that using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of an accident by three times compared to those who don’t text while driving. Distracted driving is an increasing global problem that is likely to worsen in the years to come. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents are self-driving cars, mobile phones, and gaming consoles.
Statistics show that distraction-related crashes result in a staggering amount of injuries and fatalities. While this number may not seem large, it’s alarming to note that the percentage of driver-distracted crashes is higher in younger age groups. Moreover, distracted driving is the number one cause of fatal crashes among 20 to 29-year-old drivers, while the lowest rates are observed among those between 15-19 years old. Distracted driving is dangerous at any speed. It’s estimated that sending a text or checking email while driving takes a driver’s attention off the road for five seconds, the equivalent of traveling a football field at 55mph.
In the United States, nine percent of fatal car crashes are caused by drivers who are distracted. In fact, nine percent of teens killed in crashes were distracted drivers. Experts categorize distractions into three categories: visual distractions, which focus the eyes off the road, and cognitive distractions, which focus the mind away from driving. All three forms of distraction can lead to car crashes. And since distracted driving can be dangerous, it’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Illinois car accident liability threshold is 49 percent
While most states have their own rules on the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover after a car accident, Illinois adheres to a modified comparative negligence standard. Basically, this means that you can collect damages even if you were 49 percent at fault. However, your award may be diminished by the percentage of fault you bear. In other words, if you were 30 percent at fault, you would only be eligible for 70 percent of the total damage award.
If you are at fault in a car accident, you can still claim damages. Moreover, Illinois law requires motorists to carry at least one type of liability insurance. The minimum amount of liability coverage in Illinois is $25k for one person, $50k for two or more drivers. In addition to liability insurance, it is also required for drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage may have demanding claim filing requirements, so make sure you consult an attorney if you have questions about this.
Let’s say that the other driver was speeding when he crashed into Driver A. If the other driver had a broken brake light, he would be found 49% at fault. If you were speeding, your damages would be reduced by 49%. Therefore, if you were speeding, you’d be able to collect only $1,530, as the other driver was only 49 percent at fault. If the other driver’s insurance company finds you at fault, you won’t be able to collect your full damages. In this situation, the insurance company will decide which party is at fault and pay the claim.
The deadline for filing a lawsuit after an accident in Illinois is two years. The deadline varies based on the type of harm caused. If you were injured in a car accident, you must file your lawsuit within those two years. Otherwise, you’ll forfeit any future damages you might have received. So, it is important to act quickly after an accident. If you wait too long, it will be too late to file a lawsuit.
Evidence to prove fault
For the car accident claim to succeed, you will need to show fault on the part of the at-fault party. Evidence can range from medical bills and lost wages to an insurance company lawyer’s testimony. It may also include eyewitness statements and security camera footage from a nearby gas station. Evidence that points to negligence can help your attorney win a large settlement. Listed below are some ways evidence can help your car accident case.
Distracted driving is a common cause of auto accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While cell phones are often thought of as a form of driver distraction, it can also include changing the radio station, opening a food wrapper, or looking for a drink holder. It is crucial to determine who was at fault in a car accident so that the responsible party can receive adequate compensation. Evidence that demonstrates negligence will help your Chicago car accident attorney establish liability and maximize compensation for your car accident claim.
Eyewitness statements are crucial in proving who was at fault in a car accident. While eyewitness statements are important, you should not be directly involved in the crash to testify. Lay witnesses are often taken from the other car but are not necessarily considered to be the absolute facts of the case. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, are hired professionals who can reconstruct the scene of the crash and provide insight into what occurred.
An experienced Chicago car accident attorney will know the Illinois Rules of the Road and ordinances that govern vehicles. They will be able to advise you on the legal options based on Illinois laws and the circumstances surrounding the accident. They can help you decide how much compensation you deserve for your injuries. In Illinois, you can be held partially responsible if the accident was your fault. In this case, a judge will determine how much of the fault you share with the other party.
Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver
During the initial stages of a lawsuit, the at-fault driver has a certain period of time to respond to the complaint. At this point, they can admit or deny the allegations, make a counterclaim pointing to their own role in the accident, or even dismiss the case. An experienced Chicago car accident attorney can gather evidence in support of their client’s claims, including police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records.
If you are involved in a car accident and were injured, you should immediately contact a Chicago car accident attorney. The lawyer at Taxman Pollock Murray & Bekkerman, LLC can evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action. Whether or not filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver is necessary is up to you, but it is crucial to seek the legal counsel of an attorney immediately.
A Chicago car accident attorney will be able to collect all medical expenses associated with your accident. Damaged property can include your car and your property. Insurance settlements rarely cover these costs, so hiring a lawyer is vital. Even if you were only slightly injured, it is wise to consult with an expert witness to assess the fair amount to recover. A medical professional or accident victim with experience in the same field can testify to the extent of your injuries.
If the at-fault driver was drinking at the time of the accident, your lawyer will be able to prove that the at-fault driver was at fault. In many cases, eyewitness information will help determine who was at fault. Accident reconstruction experts can help you determine the exact details of the accident. The Chicago car accident attorney filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected.
Dealing with the insurance company
If you are involved in an accident, your next step is to contact a Chicago car accident attorney. Insurance carriers are trained to minimize payouts by asking questions about the accident and your injuries. If you feel as though you were at fault, they may try to convince you to agree to a settlement or accept less compensation than you deserve. If that’s the case, you need to deal with the insurance company in a professional manner.
If the accident was minor, you may not need an attorney, but if you are severely injured, you should consider contacting an attorney. Your lawyer can help you evaluate the extent of your injuries and determine whether you need legal representation. If you’re unable to work, you could face an inability to pay bills and have to seek medical attention. You can also use the services of a personal injury attorney for answers to questions and solutions to lost income.
You may try to handle your claim yourself, but if you are seriously injured, you should hire a Chicago car accident attorney. Your attorney will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, gather evidence from the scene of the accident, and handle the communication with the other parties. If you’ve suffered significant injuries, you may not have the resources to pursue the compensation you deserve. Your Chicago car accident attorney will work with insurance companies and other third parties on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
If you’re a victim of a car crash, Illinois’s modified comparative negligence law can help you make a successful claim. You can seek damages if you’re at least 50 percent at fault. This is important because you may not know all the factors that led to the accident. Your Chicago car accident attorney will be able to investigate all of the contributing factors and fight for your full compensation.
