Trusting Carlson Bier, an accomplished personal injury law firm based in Illinois, is a strategic choice to navigate these legal waters. Focused on automobile accidents and dedicated to shielding your interests, our team provides solutions seamlessly tailored to meet individual client needs. Our remarkable track record champions both optimal outcomes and unparalleled client satisfaction. We possess an expansive understanding of Illinois traffic laws that paints a vivid advantage while dealing with complex cases. Life-altering injuries demand justice served promptly and efficiently: precisely where we maneuver into action as staunch advocates for you whilst strategically countering insurance companies’ crafty intimidation tactics. The realm of personal injury law can be particularly complex in Illinois, yet our experienced team is well-versed and phenomenal at articulating every aspect you need to understand about car accidents. Upon an unfortunate vehicular incident, there are manifold factors that come into play. Primarily, it’s crucial to know how liability is determined in Illinois. This state adheres to what is known as ‘modified comparative negligence’ which holds that if you are found more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not receive any compensation. However, if your fault falls below this threshold, your reward will be reduced proportionally by your degree of blame. Key points worth noting include:• The immediate step post-accident should always be prioritizing safety where possible; moving vehicles out of traffic is advisable. • Police must be contacted immediately after any accident causing bodily harm or property damage exceeding $500. • It’s essential to seek medical assistance right away – even when injuries aren’t obvious initially. • When in a stable condition post-accident, pertinent details revolving around the incident should be gathered such as driver information, witness accounts and photographs of both vehicles involved and the collision scene. Illinois law demands strict compliance with time limits for filing a lawsuit associated with a car accident. In most cases,this period – also known as a statute of limitations – spans two years for bodily injury claims from the date the injury was or should have been discovered. Yet,this time limit telescopes to one year if your claim involves local/county/state government bodies. Hence,it’s paramount to consult Carlson Bier promptly following an automobile mishap – considering these stringent deadlines alongside paperwork procedures inherent within insurance companies and potential evasion strategies by negligent drivers. With expertise spanning decades,’no-fault’ accidents, underinsured and uninsured driver claims, hit-and-run incidents and complicated litigation processes are encompassed seamlessly by our qualified team. Empathy intertwined with comprehensive legal support ensures your rights are championed throughout the entire process – from filing lawsuits to determining varieties of compensation available, drafting settlement agreements or presenting cases before jury trials. The types of potential damages you can claim for in car accident cases include:• Past, current and future medical bills• Lost wages• Reduction in earning capacity (if injuries prevent returning to work)• Property damage• Pain and sufferingWith Carlson Bier on your side,you can feel confident that responsive action will be taken promptly to protect your rights after a car accident. Lean upon our expertise as we strive fervently for justice on your behalf. Securing adequate compensation for clients across Illinois while also offering peace of mind allows us to advocate for those impacted by motor vehicle catastrophes most effectively. Our commitment is driven by upholding individual client needs above all else – marshaling every resource at our disposal. Even though we reiterate that Carlson Bier does not have a physical law office based within Melrose Park, it’s significant to note that our unwavering dedication expands state-wide despite geographic specifics. Allow us – the personal injury attorneys of Carlson Bier – to alleviate your stress through delivering bespoke legal counsel and relentless advocacy during these challenging times. Accidents can be daunting. But remember that you don’t have to face them alone. Choose a supportive partnership refined over years; choose specialist knowledge designed to illuminate even the grimmest situations. So, why wait? Dive deeper into understanding how much value your case genuinely holds. Take advantage of the unique prospect offered by Carlson Bier right now! Clicking on the button below facilitates an opportunity leading towards optimal results and equipping yourself reciprocally with comprehension related directly to your case’s worth: empowering you forward towards restoring balance post-misfortune. 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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