When someone is involved in an Illinois car accident, it’s important to understand what to expect when claiming compensation via a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance settlement. With this guide, readers will learn which laws affect auto accident claims, and they’ll get some tips on working with a car accident attorney in Granite City, IL.
Illinois Auto Accident Laws
After an auto accident, if a victim decides to file a claim against the responsible party, they should know about the statute of limitations.
- Claimants have two years to file a personal injury claim.
- They have five years after an accident to file a lawsuit for property damage.
An injury lawyer will have additional information on how the state’s laws may affect a client’s auto accident case.
Insurance Rules
After any accident in the state of Illinois, the auto insurance coverage will be important whether the victim is filing a claim under their policy or with the other person’s carrier.
- Illinois is a fault-based insurance state, and drivers can file liability or personal injury claims against at-fault drivers.
- The minimum insurance requirements for Illinois drivers are $20,000 per injury or death, $40,000 for multiple injuries and fatalities in a single event, and $15,000 in property damage.
Illinois also requires all drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage with a limit equal to their liability coverage, unless they’ve requested a lower limit in writing. Consult a car accident attorney in Granite City, IL for more specific rules.
Contact an Attorney
A driver may not need to hire an attorney if the case is straightforward and simple. For example, if there’s a fender-bender and the other driver’s insurer offers an adequate settlement, legal help may not be needed. However, if liability is disputed or if serious injuries have occurred, it’s best to discuss the case with a lawyer.
A competent accident lawyer knows how to handle insurance negotiations, how to avoid and anticipate obstacles, and how to protect clients’ rights at every step of the way. Call Becker, Schroader & Chapman, PC to request a consultation or click here for more details.
