Car insurance covers many costs and damages after an accident, but what about liability? Generally, when a driver is held liable for an accident, they are responsible for paying the damages of other accident victims. While most people think of insurance as a safety net for their own injuries and costs, it can also help drivers cover other costs they might be liable for.
Liability coverage is not just included in car insurance policies in Illinois but is also required by law. Liability coverage is part of this state’s mandatory minimum requirements for auto insurance. This is not only important…
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Car accidents can be chaotic, confusing, and scary. It is not unusual for all drivers involved to be less than certain about who caused the crash. Fault usually must be determined so that the negligent driver can pay other injured drivers fair compensation, whatever that might be. In some cases, the drivers decide among themselves who is responsible. Others rely on police reports and evidence. Still, in more contentious cases, insurance companies and courts of law must determine fault.
Fault is often based on the concept of negligence. Whichever driver’s negligent behavior directly caused the crash may be deemed at…
Continue Reading How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Illinois?

Car accidents are very common, so much so that most people you know have probably been in an accident or know someone who has. After many accidents, the police and emergency responders are dispatched to the crash scene to render aid and investigate. But what if the accident is minor or you would rather not involve the authorities? What happens?
In the past, drivers were legally required to report accidents that met specific criteria to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). However, in recent years, this law was repealed. Instead, drivers are required to call the police for help immediately…
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Social media has become a place where people like to share important moments in their lives. However, you should think twice before posting about your car accident on any of your social media platforms.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys have become very good at researching plaintiffs’ social media for evidence they can use against them. For this reason, you should refrain from making any posts following a car accident. Our lawyers always fight for the maximum compensation possible for our clients, but that becomes difficult when the opposing side presents pictures or videos that contradict your claims. If you are…
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Car accidents can be a traumatic event for anyone involved. While there are many things that you might have to consider during this time, one of the most important documents that you should be aware of is the police report.
The police report contains important information about the crash, such as the date, time, location, and a summary of what happened. Fortunately, it is difficult to use this document against you in a lawsuit. That is because police reports are generally considered hearsay and are not admissible as evidence in court. However, certain portions of the report could make it…
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After a car accident, you might be badly injured and in need of expensive medical treatment, among other costs. You can file a claim for compensation for your losses, but you only have so much time to do so.
If you file a civil lawsuit, you have 2 years to file according to the statute of limitations. You might have additional time depending on the situation, but you should check with an attorney. If you file an insurance claim, time limits are usually set by the insurance company and may be contained within the policy terms. If you are unsure…
Continue Reading How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury in Ilinois?

Your damages in a personal injury case should accurately reflect your injuries, losses, and expenses. While many states limit the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover, Illinois does not.
Damages in Illinois personal injury cases are not capped by statutes. This means that there are no laws limiting how much compensation a plaintiff may be awarded for any category of damages. Damages may be awarded for economic losses and psychological injuries. Punitive damages to punish the defendant or nominal damages might also be considered. While there are no hard caps set by law, there are other ways in which…
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When filing auto insurance claims, people in different states might have to adhere to different rules and procedures. While some states have no-fault policies, Illinois does not. Fault must be shown in an Illinois car accident case.
When you file an insurance claim after a car accident in Illinois, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case to determine who is at fault. If you successfully show how the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover your damages up to the policy limit. Proving a no-fault claim requires evidence similar to what you might see in a…
Continue Reading Is Illinois a No-Fault or Fault State for Car Accidents?

Accidents can be tough to deal with, especially when you have serious injuries and high medical bills. If your medical debt is too high to handle, call a lawyer and talk about how you might reduce this debt.
Your attorney might be able to contact hospital officials and work out a way to reduce your bills. This might involve reviewing itemized lists of procedures and treatment costs, disputing erroneous charges, or working our agreements for smaller payments. Your attorney might instead help you file insurance claims. Some hospital bills are overwhelming because health insurance providers fail to step up when…
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Footage from traffic cameras can serve as valuable evidence in a car accident case. However, these cameras may not store footage for very long. Further, the process for obtaining traffic camera footage can be complicated.
To request traffic camera footage after a car accident in Chicago, you must first identify the accident’s location and contact local authorities for guidance. Afterwards, you must submit a request to the agency responsible for the relevant traffic camera recording. It’s advisable to seek legal assistance when making this request. The team at our firm can help recover your footage and review it for evidence…
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The aftermath of taxi accidents can be very distressing. Victims regularly incur injuries that cause immense physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Further, their roads to recovery can appear highly complicated.
Fortunately, you can sue an at-fault party after a taxi accident in Chicago. There are several parties who may be responsible for such an accident. Thankfully, after your free case review, the team at our firm can help determine liability and build your claim for compensation.
Get assistance from our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
Suing for a Taxi…
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After a crash, a lot of drivers will not want to “get insurance involved.”  They think that, by working around insurance, they can save money and avoid having their rates go up for causing a crash.  However, these drivers are often putting you at risk, and you might not be able to get full compensation if they refuse to provide insurance.
Illinois law requires drivers to carry insurance so that it can be used in the event of a crash.  If the driver refuses to provide you with their insurance info after a crash, the police can often help.  You…
Continue Reading What Happens if the Other Driver Refuses to Provide Insurance in Illinois?

Being injured in Chicago is complicated enough, legally speaking. Being injured in Chicago when you live in a different state can be very confusing. You should talk to a lawyer about your legal options in such a situation.
If you were injured in Chicago but do not live in Illinois, you can still sue for damages, but your case might be more complex. You can begin your case in Illinois, where you were injured. You might also sue the defendant in their home state if they do not live in Illinois. Under certain circumstances, you can file the case in…
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