Best Car Accident Lawyers in Glenview

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Glenview, Illinois?

  Call (847) 729-5000 for non-emergency matters to reach the Glenview Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Glenview, Illinois?

  To request access to public records in Glenview, complete the request form found at https://www.glenview.il.us/government/Documents/FOIA%20request%20form.pdf and submit it to the FOIA Officer at the Village Hall, 2500 E Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026.

• What is the most dangerous road in Glenview?

  Car accidents are a common occurrence in Glenview, and the intersection of Harms Rd and Glenview Road is notorious in the city for its daily reports of car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents. In fact, NGO Active Transportation Alliance has once named the intersection as one of the 10 most dangerous suburban intersections in Illinois to highlight the regional challenges to increasing intersection safety for people of all ages and abilities.

• Will you get fined if you don’t carry insurance in Glenview?

  In the event that you are stopped for a traffic violation or get involved in an accident, you may receive a traffic citation from a law enforcement officer if you are unable to provide evidence of insurance. If you’re convicted, your license plates will be suspended, and you may face the following fines:

  -Minimum fine of $500 for driving uninsured; -Minimum fine of $1000 for driving a vehicle while the license plates are suspended for a previous insurance violation.

• What should you do if a teenage driver caused your car accident in Glenview?

  Teens are more likely to cause accidents due to their inexperience on the road. In the event that you figure in a car crash caused by a teenage driver, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, which often include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you handle your case if a teen driver is involved in your accident.

• How much time does a car accident victim have to file a lawsuit in Glenview?

  Following the statute of limitations of Illinois for personal injury, Glenview allows its residents two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the car accident only involved property damage, the victim has five years to file a lawsuit for compensation. Failure to meet these deadlines may forfeit the claimant’s opportunity to recover from their losses.

• If poor road conditions caused your car accident in Glenview, can you sue the local government?

  Yes, it is possible for you to sue a government entity in Glenview if poor road conditions, such as inadequately maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic lights, and broken traffic signs, contributed to or directly caused your car accident. If you wish to file a civil lawsuit for personal injury against any local public entity in the city or any of its employees, you have to do so within one year from the date of your accident.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.