Each state has its own set of traffic rules, restrictions, and regulations. However, accidents are inevitable. If you happen to get into a car accident in Chicago, then you must understand your rights in order to defend yourself.
Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers is always ready to assist clients through every situation, ensuring that their worries are addressed and that they will be properly compensated for the damages. Contact us today to learn more.
Minimum Auto Coverage Insurance in Chicago
If the individual involved in a car accident has insurance, then it’s possible that their insurance provider will cover all or at least a portion of the medical and repair costs. In Chicago, there is a minimum price range that motorists must meet before they can purchase auto insurance. See our brief guide below for reference:
- If an incident involves property damage, then a $20,000 minimum is required.
- If an insured individual is subjected to bodily harm during a car accident, then a $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimum is required.
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident are also required for uninsured motorists involved in accidents that cause bodily harm.
- Uninsured motorists must also meet a $15,000 minimum for property damage incidents, with a $250 deductible.
Take note that these numbers are subject to change, depending on the insurance provider. Kindly contact your provider to receive an exact estimate.
Things To Consider About Car Accidents in Chicago
There are many factors to consider if you experience a car accident in Chicago. You must keep the following in mind:
Conditions To Decide Liability
If you’re ever involved in a car accident, then you must file a claim right away to receive compensation. There are three ways to do so in Chicago:
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault party
- File a first-party claim (directed at your insurance provider)
- File a third-party claim (directed at the at-fault party’s insurance provider)
In Chicago, the driver that is at fault will be held responsible for any damages sustained during the car accident. The party at fault must provide financial compensation to those affected by the car accident. If multiple people were responsible for the accident, then the overall cost of compensation will be divided among the group. From there, the at-fault parties will be assessed according to comparative negligence to determine the liability of each one.
Rights to Compensation
Understanding your rights is the first step to receiving the compensation that you are entitled to. Since the parties at fault will be held liable for the damages sustained in the car accident, then you can file a third-party claim to their insurance provider to cover the costs. However, it can be difficult to obtain the full amount for larger sums, as a portion will go to your insurance company instead. You can still receive the full amount upon negotiating with your insurance company.
In this situation, it is best to have experienced Chicago car accident lawyers to support your case and assist you during the process. Rest assured that we will help you receive the fair and just compensation that you require.
Limited Time for Compensation
It’s best to file a claim as soon as possible after the car accident has occurred. If you intend to file a lawsuit, then please take note that lawsuits for bodily harm sustained in a car accident are only valid for two years after the incident. Similarly, lawsuits that involve property damage from a car accident can only be filed within five years after it has occurred. Insurance claims will still be valid after this timeframe but waiting too long could put you at a disadvantage and possibly result in lower compensation or fewer opportunities to negotiate.
Car Accidents in Chicago are Drastically Increasing
According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Illinois experienced an 18.4% increase in fatalities due to car accidents in the first nine months of 2021. This is alarming as it is significantly higher compared to the 12% national average. Approximately 993 people died in Illinois within the first nine months, while the NHTSA confirmed that over 1,350 fatalities were recorded by the end of the year. Similarly, there were also over 36,000 hit-and-run incidents in 2021, amounting to approximately 100 incidents per day.
Work With Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
With the increasing rate of traffic accidents over time, it’s crucial to know what to do in order to receive appropriate compensation. Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers has dealt with various cases of traffic incidents over the years. We take pride in our ability to help all of our clients understand their rights and assist them in receiving their due compensation for each incident.
Work with our team today. Contact us or visit our website for more information.