You are driving home after a very stressful day. It was destined to be a long one when your alarm refused to go off, there was nothing to grab for breakfast, and your coffee spilled while you were juggling your car keys. Now that the day is at an end, all you want to do is get home, eat, and catch a half-hour of your favorite show.
Then you get stopped at a red light…and another…and another. Now, starving, you approach a green light, but, oh, it turned yellow. You can catch it, and that’s what you decide to do. The light is still yellow when you cross into the intersection. Success…
CRASH.
For many people, a car accident is the most traumatizing experience of their life. This article should give you a good idea of what to expect, from the moment of impact to the moment you decide to file a lawsuit. Here are 5 things to know if you are in a car accident in Illinois.
You are driving home after a very stressful day. It was destined to be a long one when your alarm refused to go off, there was nothing to grab for breakfast, and your coffee spilled while you were juggling your car keys. Now that the day is at an end, all you want to do is get home, eat, and catch a half-hour of your favorite show.
Then you get stopped at a red light…and another…and another. Now, starving, you approach a green light, but, oh, it turned yellow. You can catch it, and that’s what you decide to do. The light is still yellow when you cross into the intersection. Success…
CRASH.
For many people, a car accident is the most traumatizing experience of their life. This article should give you a good idea of what to expect, from the moment of impact to the moment you decide to file a lawsuit. Here are 5 things to know if you are in a car accident in Illinois.
1. What is the first thing I should do after a car accident in Illinois?
1. What is the first thing I should do after a car accident in Illinois?
Car accidents in Illinois are shocking and traumatizing (I suspect they are just as traumatizing outside of Illinois, but that’s a story for a different day). You always want to stay calm, compose yourself, and be responsible. If you have been injured, your immediate safety is your first priority. Try to get out of the path of oncoming traffic, if possible. However, if you are unable to move, do not attempt to. Call or wait for help.
If you are injured at all, you should go to the hospital.
If you have not been significantly injured, pull your vehicle up as close to the accident as possible, but do not obstruct traffic. Be aware of dangers, such as traffic and fire.
Once you are safe, try to provide assistance to other passengers, pedestrians, or motorists that have been injured. Be careful when attempting to move an injured person. Wait for an ambulance, if you can. Report injuries to 911. If there are no injuries, inform the local police of the accident.
Car accidents in Illinois are shocking and traumatizing (I suspect they are just as traumatizing outside of Illinois, but that’s a story for a different day). You always want to stay calm, compose yourself, and be responsible. If you have been injured, your immediate safety is your first priority. Try to get out of the path of oncoming traffic, if possible. However, if you are unable to move, do not attempt to. Call or wait for help.
If you are injured at all, you should go to the hospital.
If you have not been significantly injured, pull your vehicle up as close to the accident as possible, but do not obstruct traffic. Be aware of dangers, such as traffic and fire.
Once you are safe, try to provide assistance to other passengers, pedestrians, or motorists that have been injured. Be careful when attempting to move an injured person. Wait for an ambulance, if you can. Report injuries to 911. If there are no injuries, inform the local police of the accident.
2. How will I remember information for later (for insurance claims/trial)?
2. How will I remember information for later (for insurance claims/trial)?
It is important to exchange information with the person(s) involved in the accident, but, also, with witnesses to the accident, in case you need them to testify on a later date.
Gather names, addresses, and contact information, as well as driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and auto insurance information. It may be wise to take pictures as well. Just saying.
It is important to exchange information with the person(s) involved in the accident, but, also, with witnesses to the accident, in case you need them to testify on a later date.
Gather names, addresses, and contact information, as well as driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and auto insurance information. It may be wise to take pictures as well. Just saying.
3. Should I notify my insurance company if it wasn't my fault?
3. Should I notify my insurance company if it wasn't my fault?
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of whether it was your fault or not. In addition to your cooperation, most insurance policies require a timely notification of claims.
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of whether it was your fault or not. In addition to your cooperation, most insurance policies require a timely notification of claims.
4. What does the law say about my car accident in Illinois?
4. What does the law say about my car accident in Illinois?
What happens if you are in a car accident in Illinois that is 90% the other person’s fault, but 10% your fault? Answer: You should be able to recover 90% of the damages.
Illinois is what we call a comparative fault state. That means the amount you recover for an injury is reduced by the percentage of your own negligence. As in the example above, 100% of your damages is reduced by 10%, due to your own negligence, and you are left with 90%.
If you are 50% at fault or more, you get nothing. Always be on your best behavior.
What happens if you are in a car accident in Illinois that is 90% the other person’s fault, but 10% your fault? Answer: You should be able to recover 90% of the damages.
Illinois is what we call a comparative fault state. That means the amount you recover for an injury is reduced by the percentage of your own negligence. As in the example above, 100% of your damages is reduced by 10%, due to your own negligence, and you are left with 90%.
If you are 50% at fault or more, you get nothing. Always be on your best behavior.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a car accident in Illinois?
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a car accident in Illinois?
For personal injury, you have two years from the date of the car accident in Illinois to file a lawsuit. In some situations, it is two years from the date you discovered your injury. For property damage (to your vehicle, for example), you have five years from the date of the accident.
For personal injury, you have two years from the date of the car accident in Illinois to file a lawsuit. In some situations, it is two years from the date you discovered your injury. For property damage (to your vehicle, for example), you have five years from the date of the accident.