Our profound understanding of Illinois laws empowers us to fight relentlessly on behalf of our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we handle the complex legalities. Car accidents involve numerous complexities and may not always be straightforward. They can result from various factors such as reckless or inattentive driving, substance abuse, faulty vehicle parts, adverse weather conditions, or poorly maintained roads. The impact of these accidents can vary greatly, from minor bruises and fractures to severe injuries that can alter a person’s life significantly. Important aspects to address post-accident include:Gathering sufficient evidenceDetermining liability accuratelyManaging insurance claims effectivelyUnderstanding these nuances is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. At Carlson Bier, our experienced attorneys excel in navigating these complexities through meticulous investigation and strategy development tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. In Illinois, it’s important to note the statute of limitations for filing a claim against an at-fault driver is two years from the incident date. Additionally, Illinois follows shared fault rules, meaning that damage recovery can be reduced based on the degree of responsibility attributed to you for the crash. Navigating these regulations requires seasoned professionals like us at Carlson Bier, who explore all potential avenues to maximize your rightful compensation through:Thoroughly gathered evidence supporting robust argumentsClear communication during negotiationsAccurate documentation ensuring policy complianceRecovering from a traumatic car accident involves more than just physical healing. Medical expenses accumulate, and time lost from work affects your financial stability. The stress of insurance claims and medical bills can impede your recovery, along with concerns about future expenses and impacts on your personal life. At Carlson Bier, we believe you deserve full justice—not only for incurred losses but also for potential future implications. We have a proven track record of securing comprehensive compensation, including:Past and future medical expensesLost wagesProperty damagePain and sufferingOur dedication and strategic approach have empowered numerous clients to achieve fair compensation, establishing us as leading advocates for justice among personal injury attorneys in Illinois. As committed partners in your journey toward fair reparations, we invite you to use the digital tool below to get a preliminary estimate of your case’s worth. Remember, each case is unique and its value depends on individual circumstances, best addressed through personalized consultation and thorough examination by our experts. Don’t wait—click the button below now to find out how much your case could potentially be worth. Our deep-seated understanding of Illinois laws enables us to fight relentlessly on behalf of our clients, empowering them with reliable support during such trying times. Our commitment extends beyond mere legal battles; we aim to shoulder their burdens allowing them to focus on recovery while we tackle the complex web of legalities. Car accidents involve numerous intricacies and may not always appear as straightforward as one might assume. Firstly, they could result from a multitude of reasons – reckless or inattentive driving, substance abuse, faulty vehicle parts, adverse weather conditions, or even poorly maintained roads. Additionally, the impacts range considerably both physically and emotionally–from manageable bruises or fractures to potentially debilitating injuries that could significantly alter an individual’s life course. Moreover, crucial aspects beyond immediate healthcare need attention post a car accident:• Gathering sufficient evidence• Determining liability accurately• Managing insurance claims effectivelyUnderstanding these nuances is indispensable for securing deserved compensation. At Carlson Bier, our experienced attorneys specialize in decoding such complications efficiently through meticulous investigation and strategy development – tailored specifically based on unique circumstances surrounding each case. Our in-depth comprehension of Illinois’ specific Personal Injury laws ensures that every client has expert guidance at their disposal. In Illinois, it’s imperative to note the statute limitations stipulating that any claim against an at-fault driver must be filed within two years from the incident date. Furthermore, Illinois adheres strictly to shared fault rules- damage recovery can be reduced proportionately based on how much you’re held responsible for the crash. Navigating these intricate regulations necessitates seasoned professionals like ours at Carlson Bier who leave no stone unturned in exploring all potential avenues towards maximizing your rightful compensation through • Painstakingly collated proofed backing robust argumentation • Clarified communication during negotiations • Correct documentation ensuring policy compliancesRecovery from a traumatic car accident is more than just physical healing. Medical expenses pile up as time lost from work chips away at your financial stability. The stress over insurance claims and medical bills interferes with your convalescence, extending the process further. Compounding upon these burdens are concerns about future expenses involving treatments and unforeseen impacts on personal life. At Carlson Bier, we staunchly believe you deserve full justice – not only for incurred losses but potential future implications as well. We have proven expertise in securing ample compensation covering:• Past and Future Medical Expenses • Lost wages compensated• Property damages reimbursed• Pain and suffering accounted for Our unwavering dedication combined with our strategic approach has helped an extensive network of clients attain contentment through rightful compensations since inception empowering us to stand tall as advocates of justice amongst personal injury attorney groups in Illinois. As stalwarts committed to easing your journey towards fair reparations post-car accidents, we invite you to utilize the digital tool available below that offers a preliminary estimate of what your case could be worth. Remember though, every case is unique, differ vastly based on variegated individual circumstances determining their actual value – something best addressed through personalized consultation and thorough claim examination by experts like us at Carlson Bier. So why wait? Click the button below now to find out how much your case could potentially be worth. 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. 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