Car accidents often happen in the blink of an eye. No one expects to be involved in a car accident while driving home from work or picking up their kids from school, but the unfortunate reality is that not everyone exercises necessary caution while behind the wheel. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, you should not have to suffer any more than you already have.
Navigate through the topics below to find answers to your questions:
Illinois follows a traditional fault-based system when it comes to car accidents, meaning that the driver responsible for your accident must pay for your damages and the damages that other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians suffer during the crash.
All drivers in the state must carry the following minimum amounts of insurance coverage to uphold this financial responsibility:
You can choose to purchase more coverage if you wish, as well as additional policies to cover your losses in case you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries.
You have three main options to collect compensation after a car accident. You can file an insurance claim with the driver’s insurance company, or you can file a claim with your own insurance if you have appropriate coverage. You may also file a lawsuit in Illinois civil court against the at-fault driver.
In many car accident cases, the at-fault party settles the case out of the courtroom. However, you may have to proceed to trial if you receive inadequate settlement offers or the amount of damages you suffer exceeds insurance policy limits. The attorneys at Duncan Law Group can help you determine which pathway is best for you.
You can seek two types of damages when you file a car accident claim: economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to the tangible and objective losses you experience due to the car crash, while non-economic damages are the emotional and non-monetary losses.
Economic damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages during your recovery time, property damage, disability accommodations, physical therapy, and even transportation costs. On the other hand, non-economic damages may include the following:
In certain cases, you may also receive punitive damages in addition to your compensation needs. Courts award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for behavior that is willful and wanton, intentional, or fraudulent. For example, drinking and driving may constitute punitive damages in car accident lawsuits.
Calculating damages can be difficult, but help is available. Your attorney from the Duncan Law Group will help you determine which damages you may be eligible for and calculate an estimated amount to scrutinize settlement offers against.
All civil lawsuits in Illinois must adhere to a statute of limitations, or a deadline by which you must file your claim or the court will likely dismiss your case. Statute of limitations may seem restrictive, but actually help preserve evidence and witness testimony.
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. If your case involves a city or county government agency, you have one year to file. Contact Duncan Law Group as soon as possible to ensure you submit your paperwork before this deadline.
After an auto accident, you’re likely experiencing high amounts of adrenaline, shock, and heightened emotion. Even with everything going on, it’s important to get your bearings and collect the information you need to support your side of the story.
Whether you realize it or not, the personal injury legal process begins at the scene of your accident. That’s why it is important to stay prepared; so that you don’t make a critical error and compromise your ability to recover the damages that you need. Below, you will find a step-by-step outline of the car accident process with the facts and information that you need to answer the question, what should I do after a car accident?
It is likely that you have car insurance in order to protect yourself in case you are injured in an accident. Unfortunately, even those with insurance must take the proper steps to ensure that their claim is accepted and all rights are protected under the law. Working with a Chicago car accident lawyer if you have been in a crash can help you navigate these waters and come out with the highest possible financial recovery.
After you gather all of the relevant information about the accident, speak with your insurance company. Limit your conversation to the facts, though. Do not explain your actions, but simply state the facts and describe the accident. Avoid talking about your personal feelings, etc.
In order to ensure that you provide all the proper evidence of the other driver’s fault, insurance companies should be provided with copies of:
After being injured in a car accident, most people expect the insurance company to be on their side. The unfortunate truth is that most insurance adjusters only care about settling your claim as quickly, and for as little money, as possible. For this reason, you should not hesitate to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago before you settle your claim. You may be entitled to much more money than you are being offered, so it is important for you to explore your options. Duncan Law Group is not afraid to take your case to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to offer fair compensation.
With the help of a Chicago accident lawyer from Duncan Law Group, you can seek fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses that you have suffered. Contact our firm today to learn more!
Our firm represents clients injured in all types of auto accidents, including cases that involve:
You are entitled to recover a monetary award when you have been hurt in a car accident caused by another person. Working with our firm’s lawyers, you can recover compensation for medical bills and hospitalization costs, future medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Attorney Robert Duncan has been recognized by professional peers and past clients alike, all of whom have experienced his cunning ability to yield successful results for his clients. In fact, he has even been selected for inclusion in the Illinois Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list and named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 in both 2012 and 2013. Throughout his many years in practice, Mr. Duncan has also recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of his clients.
Some of Duncan Law Group’s most notable car accident cases include:
For all types of car accident claims and lawsuits, Duncan Law Group is here to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. A complimentary consultation regarding the details of your car accident can be scheduled with a Chicago car accident lawyer from the firm, so don’t wait to contact Duncan Law Group today.