at fault car accident in ill what lawyer should i use

by Prof. Edison Mertz IV 4 min read

What if you were only partially at fault in a car accident?

Mar 24, 2016 · It does not need to be, however, and we can help you decide what your next steps should be. Contact an experienced DuPage County car accident lawyer today to discuss your options in pursuing financial compensation. Call 630-920-8855 to schedule your free initial consultation at Martoccio & Martoccio and get the assistance you need to put your life back …

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

You should not delay in discussing your car accident with a qualified auto accident lawyer Illinois. Anthony Bruning has decades of experience protecting the rights of injured accident victims, so please call our office today at 314-735-8100 to schedule your free consultation. NOT READY TO CHAT WITH A ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY? For more information, use these …

What should I do if I'm involved in an accident?

Jan 03, 2019 · Your attorney will likely also interview any witnesses who saw the crash and help corroborate your version of events. Ultimately, hiring a lawyer after a car accident is always a good decision, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. To learn more, call our law firm at (713) 224-4878 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.

What should I do if I'm sued for a car accident?

Jul 11, 2019 · Accident claim lawyers will advise you on the right moves. They’ll also be with you as you record statements with the police to avoid contradictions. Letters that you send to at-fault drivers insurance providers should’ve your lawyer’s assent. Sometimes, insurance companies are reluctant to pay your dues. Such scenarios necessitate a legal suit, and it’s upon your lawyer to …

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How long after a car accident can you sue in Illinois?

two yearsThe harshest limit in any legal case is the statute of limitations (time limit) for filing your case. In Illinois, there are two different time limits: an injured party has two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury and five years to file for property damage.Dec 7, 2018

What happens if it's your fault in a car accident?

What Happens If You Are At Fault In a Car Accident? If you are at fault in a car accident, you will need to pay for the losses of the other driver, and anyone else injured or harmed in the crash. You would be responsible for paying medical bills and other damages.Feb 7, 2022

Is Illinois a no-fault state for car accidents?

Illinois is NOT a “no-fault” state when it comes to car insurance. It has an at-fault (or tort) system with comparative negligence laws. If a driver is found more than 50 percent at fault for causing an accident, he or she must compensate the other party for damages.Jun 2, 2021

How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Illinois?

Insurance companies in Illinois have at least 45 days to settle a claim and make a payment after the claim is filed. Illinois insurance companies must also acknowledge a claim within 15 days.Mar 7, 2021

Do you have to pay excess if accident is your fault?

You only have to pay excess when you claim on your own insurance. That means if you had a bump (that was your fault), and there was no damage to your car, you wouldn't have to pay excess for the other driver's claim. Your insurer would pay for the whole thing. Even if the accident was your fault.

Does insurance pay if it's your fault?

If you are considered at fault for an accident or loss, your insurer won't be able to recover their costs if they've paid for your repairs. Not only that, the third party or their insurer will probably claim back their own costs from your insurance company.Sep 17, 2018

Do insurance rates go up after no-fault accident Illinois?

Generally, a no-fault accident won't cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the at-fault party's insurance provider will be responsible for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. If your insurer doesn't need to fork out money, your premiums won't go up.Apr 21, 2021

How long does a car accident stay on your record in Illinois?

In Illinois, for example, chargeable accidents come off your record after 4 to 5 years. If the accident resulted in a DUI conviction, however, it never comes off and counts against you for the rest of your life.

Is Illinois a no pay no play state?

Currently, Illinois is not a No Pay, No Play state. You may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages. But it's important to remember that each case is unique and you may not know what you're entitled to. This is why it's imperative to have a reliable auto accident lawyer at your side.Nov 27, 2019

Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?

Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.May 28, 2020

How do I settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a LawyerSpeak to the insurance adjuster. Before you can start working toward a settlement, you need to speak with the insurance adjuster to find out what they're willing to cover after you file your claim. ... Craft your demand letter. ... Do your due diligence before going to court.

How long does Lawsuit take to settle?

Often a case will last a year from the date of filing the complaint to settlement. It could also be six months. In only a minority of cases will a personal injury lawsuit take two to three years to settle.Jul 15, 2021

What is Comparative Negligence in Houston Car Accidents?

Texas is one of many states that follow comparative negligence laws. These laws allow plaintiffs to recover damages after car accidents even if they were partially to blame for causing those accidents.

Does Comparative Negligence Still Matter With Multiple Defendants?

When a plaintiff faces multiple defendants in a lawsuit, the comparative negligence statute will still apply; the plaintiff’s fault percentage may not exceed the combined fault of the defendants.

Proving Fault in a Car Accident Claim

A car accident can happen extremely quickly, and it may be difficult to determine fault immediately after an accident.

Involve the Police

Consider calling the authorities using the usual emergency numbers. This scenario should apply whether the accident is minor or severe. An investigator’s account will be crucial in your bid to an insurance claim.

Have a Witness Account of the Accident

In most cases, people pass by when accidents occur. They witness all the occurrences but keep it to themselves. After all, they have no interest in the whole saga.#N#It’s upon you to approach the witnesses and interrogate them. This way, you’ll acquire vital information from them.

Capture the Scene in Photographs and Videos

Recent technological advancements have made it easy for you as a motorist to gather vital information. Images and videos offer the best evidence. In case the suspect disputes them, experts can analyze them to determine the source.#N#The technique is crucial in instances where authorities don’t show up.

Obtain Relevant Information from the Other Driver

The second driver’s information is vital when dealing with accident scenarios. Failure to obtain the necessary details means you have to cater for the expenses, ex: car repair, and medical bills.#N#Most drivers are willing to share their information the moment they realize it’s their fault.

Contact Your Insurance

Analyze your existing policy to ensure that you understand what’s covered and what’s not. If you find the systems too complicated for you, consider visiting an expert.#N#Always be in touch with your insurance agent. These are people to guide you on the right moves.

Beware of State Laws

States have unique requirements when it comes to prompt-payment. The law specifies the time that an insurer should take to pay you for the damages.#N#In some states, the payment is prompt as required.

What to do if a vehicle is involved in an accident?

If a vehicle is involved, only move it if it is creating a safety hazard or you are required to do so by law. DON'T throw away or hide any evidence. Anything that may be relevant to the accident or injury must be preserved. DON'T discuss the accident with anyone.

What to do if you don't have an attorney?

If you have an attorney, don't speak with an insurance company representative—either yours or that of the other party. Let the attorney handle it. If you don't have an attorney, be very careful what you say. Get tips for the first call with an insurance adjuster after an accident.

Why do you need a police report?

Having a police report will also help if , later , the plaintiff exaggerates or changes his or her story. (Obviously with certain kinds of accidents, like a slip and fall, law enforcement shouldn't be notified, and won't get involved.) DO cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency responders.

Reasons Why You should get a lawyer after a car accident your fault or not your fault

There are so many benefits as to why you should hire an attorney after a car accident that is or not your fault.

You can still get compensated even if you are at fault

Now, let’s come to the other side of a car accident i.e. when you are more guilty for the accident than the other side. In this case, the victim will be claiming settlement money to compensate for his or her losses and damages.

How to decide if you need to hire an attorney after a car accident

If you are more of a victim in the accident than the guilty, then it is better to hire a car accident lawyer.

Recap on Whether or Not To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident attorney who is well-established in the industry has a large network of experts and other people who may help to make your case stronger.

What happens if you are at fault for an accident?

If you were at fault for the accident, you’ll almost certainly see a bump in your premium ( that’s the amount you pay for coverage ). And if you carry only a minimum amount of coverage, and injuries and other losses stemming from the crash exceed that coverage, you could personally be on the financial hook for the difference.

What happens if you have enough insurance?

If you’re carrying enough insurance to cover all losses caused by the accident, your insurance company will defend any claim made against you (including a personal injury lawsuit filed in court).

Is it easy to figure out who was at fault in a car crash?

Even at the scene of the most minor car accident, where no one is hurt and the vehicles just “traded paint,” things can be hectic and nerves can be on edge. It isn’t always easy to figure out who was at fault (or mostly at fault) for the crash, and the accident scene isn’t the proper time and place for making those kinds of determinations.

Is it possible to be at fault for a car accident?

If it turns out that you were pretty clearly at fault for your car accident, it’s not the end of the world, but it could end up costing you a certain amount of both money and hassle, depending on the specifics of your situation. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re legally responsible for someone else's injuries, vehicle damage, and/or other losses after a car accident.

Have you been involved in a car accident that was your fault?

If it turns out that you were clearly at fault in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you should bother hiring a lawyer or not. The answer is, of course, yes. Causing a car accident isn’t the end of the world, but it could end up costing you a significant amount of money—and hassle, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me If I Was at Fault?

If a car accident is wholly or partially your fault, a lawyer can help you in dealing with your insurance company—even if your case doesn’t go to court.

How Do I Know If My Case Entitles Me to Benefits?

Which benefits you can receive entirely depends on the nature of your situation. However, regardless of whether the car accident was wholly your fault or not, in most cases you’re still eligible to receive benefits.

Are You Ready To Hire An Accident Lawyer?

If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer in Richmond Hill, Michelle Linka and her team can help.

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