Category: Motor Vehicle Accidents

After an accident with an uninsured driver, knowing how to file an uninsured motorist claim can help you protect your rights. Even though Illinois mandates automobile insurance, many drivers don't have sufficient coverage. In an accident involving an uninsured driver, you might need to seek benefits from your own insurance provider. To do so, you will need to have a good grasp of the law, your insurance policy, and the steps to take when handling a situation involving an uninsured driver.

If you get in a car accident that results in serious injury, you might wonder who pays for medical bills after a car accident. You are responsible for ensuring the bills are paid when you seek medical treatment. However, financial recovery is a combination of your funds, your health insurance, your auto insurance, the at-fault driver's insurance, and the at-fault driver themselves. This is particularly true if you hire an Illinois car accident attorney to assist with your claim.

There are many types of car accident injuries that victims suffer. These injuries range in severity, and heavily influence the value of a car accident claim. More severe injuries can increase a victim’s losses, and have a long-term effect on his or her life. It’s important to be aware of the impact of car accident injuries and what kind of compensation those injuries qualify for when starting a claim. 

Car accident settlement amounts depend on factors such as the insurance coverage held by the motorists involved, liability, and the severity of the injuries and property damage. However, other factors may also play a role. For example, punitive damages may be calculated in a settlement if the other party was acting recklessly and in conscious disregard to others.

In a December 2023 decision, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the city of Chicago cannot be held responsible for bicycle accidents caused by potholes if there are no bike lanes or signage indicating that the street was intended for bicycle use. This decision has a significant impact on bicyclist safety in the state, and it’s important to know its ramifications.