By choosing Carlson Bier, you are engaging a group with an impeccable track record for handling personal injury claims due to vehicular accidents. We posses profound knowledge and experience in Illinois law, ensuring every legal avenue is meticulously explored to attain favorable outcomes on your behalf. Furthermore, we strive relentlessly for justice; from thorough gathering of evidence and sharp negotiation skills until maximum compensation is delivered. Our dedication matches our expertise as we truly value each client’s individual ordeal post-accident scenario. Rooted firmly in an undying pursuit for justice, this team echoes its resilience and tenacity through countless successful lawsuit resolutions that speak volumes about their unparalleled competence. Specializing chiefly in car accident cases, the law experts at Carlson Bier understand how traumatic a vehicle collision can be. Such an unfortunate incident often leaves victims grappling with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens stemmed from medical bills and lost wages. This is where our legal prowess kicks into gear to assertively secure your rightful compensation. Assiduously analyzing every nuance of your case, we meticulously build a strong argument designed to counteract denial tactics insurance companies might employ. Our objective? To ensure you receive maximum settlement or thrive in the courtroom if negotiations come up short. One thing setting us apart is our comprehensive understanding of car crash dynamics – no two accidents are identical. Factors influencing these incidents range from speeding, careless driving, distracted driving to poor weather conditions and design defects in vehicles themselves all contribute uniquely to each situation. Highlighting key things instrumental to making your claim robust:* Timely Collection of Evidence: Post-accident trauma may cloud judgement but it’s crucial not losing sight of gathering cogent evidence – photos or videos of the accident scene inclusive. * Prompt Medical Attention: Even ‘minor’ injuries should be diagnosed by healthcare professionals soon after the accident – this establishes evidence linking injuries directly to the accident. * Informing Insurance Carrier: Report the accident promptly within specified time-limits ensuring eligibility for coverage benefits. * Seeking Legal Counsel: Consulting qualified legal counsel like Carlson Bier ensures best set options based on unique circumstances. Another critical aspect is debunking common misconceptions surrounding car accidents; they aren’t always resultant from other drivers’ negligence alone — Other entities could hold liability too! Pedestrian negligence, government entity failures to maintain safe road conditions or car manufacturer negligence for design defects can also be accountable. Having handled countless personal injury cases diving into varied depths of complexity, Carlson Bier doesn’t merely serve as your legal shield; we guide you through the labyrinth law world with unwavering support that helps minimize uncertainty and stress. Our understanding of intricate legal procedures coupled with deep empathy towards victims’ circumstances allows us to tackle issues with a well-rounded perspective further intensifying our pursuit for justice. Trust is an integral part of this relationship-building process. As knowledgeable advisors, dedicated representatives, and empathetic confidantes, we stand by every client supporting them at each juncture throughout this journey. Steering clear of making unrealistic promises, remaining honest about case prospects and setting feasible expectations lie at the core of our practice’s ethical guidelines set in strict alignment with Illinois law. CCC Servs. , Inc. , 2020 IL App (2d) 190411, 171 N. E. 3d 61Background: Insured motorist filed action against insurer for declaratory judgment seeking construction of automobile insurance policy issued to insured and that was in effect when insured was injured by an underinsured driver. The Circuit Court, DuPage County, Bonnie M. Wheaton, J. , granted the insurer’s motions for summary judgment. Insured appealed. Holdings: The Appellate Court, Zenoff, J. , held that:1 medical payments reduction clause in automobile insurance policy conflicted with underinsured motorist provisions so as to render reduction clause ambiguous, and thus medical payment benefits were deductible from insured’s damages;2 law firm representing insured did not create common fund or common funds when it reached settlement with underinsured motorist, and thus law firm was not entitled to recover fees under common-fund doctrine; and3 collateral estoppel did not bar automobile insurers from litigating whether common-fund doctrine applied in insured motorist’s declaratory judgment action. Affirmed in part and reversed in part. Maier v. CC Servs. , Inc. , 2019 IL App (3d) 170640, 132 N. E. 3d 795Background: After insured, who was injured in automobile collision with another driver, recovered full liability limits of driver’s policy, she filed amended complaint for declaratory judgment against her own automobile insurer, alleging that insurer breached contractual duty to pay for insured’s damages in accordance with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in insured’s policy and that insurer acted in bad faith in denying insured such coverage. The Circuit Court, La Salle County, Troy D. Holland, J. , granted the insurer’s motion to dismiss claims as time-barred. Insured appealed. The Appellate Court ruled that neither the insurer nor the insured could add amended policy provisions to the court record. It was decided that the policy’s requirement for a written arbitration demand applied to both uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. The court found that a letter from the insured’s attorney to the insurer wasn’t a valid arbitration demand nor a proof of loss to toll the statute of limitations. Finally, the insurer was permitted to use the defense based on the two-year statute of limitations period. The court’s decision was affirmed. Econ. Premier Assurance Co. v. Country Mut. Ins. Co. , 2021 IL App (1st) 192364-UHolding: The circuit court’s order that granted defendant’s motion for summary judgment and denied plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment was proper where defendant had no duty to indemnify its insured with respect to the underlying complaint and therefore plaintiff was not entitled to recover against defendant on its subrogation or unjust enrichment claims; affirmed. Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Westerheide, 2023 IL App (5th) 220343-UHolding: The court affirmed judgment of the circuit court granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff where the defendant failed to make a written demand for arbitration within two years from the date of the accident as required by the underinsured provisions of the defendant’s automotive insurance policy. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Olsak, 2022 IL App (1st) 200695, 216 N. E. 3d 291In a complex legal case, an insurer sought to avoid defending or indemnifying a hockey player under a policy issued to the player’s stepfather after the player was sued for assaulting his coach. The initial Circuit Court ruling favored the insurer, but the Appellate Court reversed this decision, leading to a protracted legal battle. Ultimately, the Appellate Court determined the insurer was liable only up to the $3 million policy limit and found the insurer’s four-year delay in seeking a declaratory judgment to be reasonable. This case highlights important aspects of insurance litigation and policy limit liabilities. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Durkin Elec. Co. , Inc. , 2022 IL App (1st) 210293-U, appeal denied, 199 N. E. 3d 1187 (Ill. 2022)Holding: The circuit court’s order that denied plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment and found that defendant was an additional insured under the policy was proper. The circuit court’s order that denied defendant’s motion for summary judgment and found that plaintiff did not have a duty to defend or indemnify defendant under the policy was proper; affirmed. Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Groen, 2017 IL App (4th) 160028, 69 N. E. 3d 911Background: Uninsured motorist (UM) carrier brought action against insured for declaratory judgment that it owed no benefits since workers’ compensation received by insured exceeded policy limits. The Circuit Court, Sangamon County, Chris Perrin, J. , entered summary judgment in favor of the carrier. Insured appealed. Holdings: The Appellate Court, Harris, J. , held that:1 employer’s medical payments entitled carrier to setoff, and2 setoff clauses were enforceable. Affirmed. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Frobish, 2021 IL App (3d) 190473-UHolding: Allegations in the underlying complaint that a township employee caused property damage by excavating and digging out a ditch failed to impose a duty to defend under township employee’s individual farm insurance policy. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Jones, 2018 IL App (1st) 173154-UHolding: The judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed; plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment on its claim for a declaratory judgment that it has no duty to defend or indemnify its insured against the underlying complaint because the loss claimed in the underlying complaint is subject to an exclusion. The court held that it would also enter judgment for plaintiff because the underlying complaint does not allege an “occurrence” causing bodily injury within the meaning of the policy. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Schmitt, 2021 IL App (5th) 190173-UHolding: The appellate court reversed and remanded the judgment of the circuit court where plaintiff had no duty to defend its insured and thus was not stopped from raising policy defenses to coverage for the underlying tort action contained in the amended declaratory action. Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Livorsi Marine, Inc. , 222 Ill. 2d 303, 856 N. E. 2d 338 (2006) (the late Keith Carlson)Liability insurer brought action against insureds for a declaratory judgment based on failure to provide timely notice of lawsuits against them. The Circuit Court, Cook County, Stephen A. Schiller, J. , entered judgment for the insurer. Insureds appealed. The Appellate Court, Wolfson, J. , 358 Ill. App. 3d 880, 295 Ill. Dec. 665, 833 N. E. 2d 871, affirmed. Leave to appeal was granted. Holdings: The Supreme Court, Garman, J. , held that:1 if the insurer did not receive reasonable notice of an occurrence or a lawsuit, the policyholder may not recover under the policy, regardless of whether the lack of reasonable notice prejudiced the insurer, overruling Rice v. AAA Aerostar, Inc. , 294 Ill. App. 3d 801, 229 Ill. Dec. 20, 690 N. E. 2d 1067, and Cincinnati Insurance Co. v. Baur’s Opera House, Inc. , 296 Ill. App. 3d 1011, 230 Ill. Dec. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, insurance information, and license plate number. Take pictures of the scene of the accident. This will help you document what happened and build your case if you decide to file a lawsuit. Report the accident to the police. This will create a record of the accident and help you get help if you need it. Contact a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary. What are my rights as a car accident victim in Chicago? As a car accident victim in Chicago, you have the right to:Seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. File a lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident. Have your case heard by a jury. What types of damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit in Chicago? In a car accident lawsuit in Chicago, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:Medical expenses: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy. Lost wages: This includes the wages you lost while you were unable to work because of your injuries. Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a result of your injuries. What types of damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit in Chicago? In a car accident lawsuit in Chicago, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:Medical expenses: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy. Lost wages: This includes the wages you lost while you were unable to work because of your injuries. Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a result of your injuries. Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Punitive damages: These damages are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious or reckless conduct. How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Chicago? The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Illinois is two years. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Carlson Bier Associates LLC. Message and data rates may apply.