Let Carlson Bier remove these burdens by providing expert legal representation catering specifically to your situation. With vast experience as personal injury lawyers, they specialize in advising victims of car accidents regarding their rights, helping them secure maximum compensation for damages suffered. Their expertise ensures all nuances of Illinois law are navigated with utmost professionalism; securing evidence promptly, calculating accurate values of losses based on multiple underlying factors – rendering a holistic approach towards claim settlement or lawsuit resolution that firmly places clients’ interests at the forefront. Remaining accessible throughout the process to address queries and provide periodic updates ensures transparency with reduced anxiety for clients during challenging times. Based in Illinois, one sphere where our expertise shines particularly is motor vehicle accident claims. We understand that navigating through car accident cases can be daunting for anyone, especially when grappling with physical injuries or emotional trauma subsequently. The aftermath of a car accident can bring an array of legal challenges and complexities. Our seasoned team at Carlson Bier possesses intimate knowledge about these perils and pitfalls. We provide comprehensive assistance starting from understanding the cause behind an accident to efficiently gathering necessary evidence and appropriately filing a lawsuit if needed. Remember, each vehicular mishap comprises unique elements that could potentially influence your claim which may include:● Establishing liability – Determining who is legally at fault forms the bedrock of any personal injury case. ● Understanding insurance policies – The responsible party’s covering limits might play a crucial factor. ● Analyzing actual damages – Evaluating real losses fairly such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage along with pain and suffering. ● Adhering to statutory norms – Compliance with the statute limitations encompassing timelines for action within specific scenarios is mandatory. We realize how central it is to comprehend recovery options extended by Illinois law post a damaging auto collision. Are you aware that in Illinois, ‘at-fault’ principles apply when adjudicating car accidents? This essentially illustrates that drivers causing collisions are fundamentally liable for injuries or damage implicated. Also note-worthy is Illinois’s stance on comparative negligence- if you are partially at fault (not more than 50%), you’re still entitled to recover diminished compensation proportional to your degree of blame. Our attorneys adamantly believe providing practical insights into specifics concerning automobile crashes remains imperative too; hence shedding light on certain usual types: Rear-enders often witnessed during stop-and-go city traffic demonstrating clear-cut liability issues, side-impact collisions predominantly occurring in intersections necessitating sensitive liability determinations and finally, single-car accidents encompassing flip overs or departing from road scenarios demanding careful inspection of all circumstances preceding the mishap. Beyond niches of car accident law, Carlson Bier endeavors to be your reliable knowledge source for comprehensive personal injury topics. Our dedication is not confined merely within case representation; it extends into sharing valuable practical insights beneficial for enhancing self-awareness, thus empowering you to make prudent decisions amidst critical situations. Respond proactively post a collision by immediately seeking medical attention regardless of apparent injury severities. Ensure thorough documentation of any visible harm or probable internal damage on professional medical records as these constitute paramount evidence. Connect instantly with an experienced attorney before communicating with involved insurance companies to effectively safeguard your interests while optimally pursuing rightful compensation. At Carlson Bier, our exhaustive proficiency coupled with compassionate handling ensures we walk you through each requisite stage tactically throughout this grueling journey up till justice prevails. We blend aggressive representation conducting hard-negotiations where necessary balanced impeccably with empathetic counseling providing one-to-one personal support easing clients’ anxieties efficiently. For over years now, Carlson Bier has perpetually stood along its firm commitment towards dispelling legal cloudiness encircling auto accidents and personal injuries enriching readers’ realms constructively. Our sole focus remains helping victims regain normalcy emphasizing financial security essentially needed during these challenging times arising from unfortunate incidents involving negligent drivers. Ascertain that when navigating the turbulent roads leading after a catastrophic motor vehicle wreck, trust professionals who do more than just speak legalese – those who are invested entirely in your revival every step along the way – ensuring your rights remain unscathed while blazing through complex negotiating arenas filled with tough adversaries vehemently resisting paying fair damages to deserving victims like you. Have you recently suffered such calamity? Don’t delay exploring valuable assistance we offer aiding swift recovery strides. Click on the button below and take the first step towards discovering how much your case might be potentially worth it. 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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