Car accident in Illinois: Read these critical details
Accidents and on-road mishaps often impact innocents. If you were involved in a car crash in Illinois, you may have the hardest time handling the circumstances. Before anything else, ensure you call 911 if someone is seriously hurt. You are required to notify the police and must remain at the scene. It is also wise to consult an attorney and get their advice on how to deal with the circumstances. You can check the website of any top injury law firm in the state and schedule a free consultation. Here are some critical details that require your attention.
Understand the fault system
Illinois follows the fault-based system. If a driver was drunk, reckless, or negligent and caused the accident, they are accountable for the losses endured by victims. You must understand that the fault-based system also means that the victim is required to establish the fault of the other party. If you want to bring a lawsuit against the other driver, you should have evidence.
The contributory negligence rule
If you and the other driver share the fault or blame for the crash, respective percentages will decide who gets to file a claim. For instance, if you are more than 50% at fault, you don't get to sue the other party. For a lower share, you can file a lawsuit, but the final compensation will be proportionately reduced according to the percentage of blame. These calculations are complex, and you need an attorney to determine whether and how you can recover a settlement.
The statute of limitations
There is a deadline for car accident lawsuits in Illinois, although you are expected to act as soon as possible for insurance claims. You will have two years to file a civil lawsuit in court for your injuries, and if you want to sue for property or vehicle damage, the time cap is five years. Make sure you adhere to these deadlines. Insurance claims are usually the first step, and you can file them immediately after the crash.
Get a lawyer
No matter whether you are partly to blame for an accident, don't start the legal battle without a lawyer on your side. A competent and reliable attorney will ensure you have complete support for each step and there are no issues with the paperwork. They will also keep an eye on other aspects, like time limits, and will also deal with the claims adjuster.
Don't leave your car accident claim to fate – call an attorney now!