Best Car Accident Lawyers in Deerfield

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The number for the Deerfield Police Department's non-emergency line is 847-945-8636.

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

  Typically, copies of completed accident reports are accessible three business days after the incident. Lexis Nexis provides access to accident-related data when the police department no longer has copies of accident reports available. Enter the state and jurisdiction (Deerfield Police Department) and one of the following on this website: Report number, name and date of accident, or name and accident location. Sign up for an account or log in. After logging in, you will be able to purchase the entire report or download the driver information exchange for free.

• Can a prior accident be used against you in your Deerfield car accident lawsuit?

  Yes. The insurer's lawyers may claim your injuries in a Deerfield car accident were "pre-existing" from a previous accident. They will study your medical records, depose your doctors, and hire a doctor to identify your injuries and prove their driver didn't hurt you. Insurance companies may also utilize prior accidents to prove negligence. Yet, the insurer or their counsel may "hint" at such arguments to the judge or jury. The insurer will investigate your past compensation claims to invalidate your current claim. A defense attorney may try to portray you as a greedy opportunist who views mishaps as chances to "hit the jackpot."

• Are the damages awarded following an accident in Deerfield subject to taxation?

  Most settlements and verdicts aren't taxed because the goal of the compensation in a Deerfield injury claim is to "make you whole." Yet, depending on the nature of the settlement and the circumstances surrounding it, there are important exceptions. Tax regulations apply to settlements and judgments, so it makes little difference how you get your money—whether it's through a settlement or a jury verdict. Thus, you won't be taxed on the compensation you receive for direct losses incurred resulting from injuries, including financial, physical, and emotional losses. However, everything judged to be over that sum is subject to income tax.

• Can you still get compensation for a vehicle accident in Deerfield if you were not wearing a seatbelt?

  Yes. If you're injured in a car accident in Deerfield and weren't wearing a seatbelt, you can still sue the at-fault motorist. If you were not wearing a seatbelt during a crash in Illinois, you might still recover damages. Illinois has no seatbelt defense law. This state has rules against non-seatbelt use. Even without a seatbelt, car accident victims can seek monetary compensation for injuries and losses.

• Which intersections in Deerfield are considered to be hazardous?

  According to a recent study, the crossroads of Lake-Cook Road with Deerfield Park Plaza Drive and Corporate Drive and Deerfield Park Plaza Ring Road with North Access Drive are the two risky intersections in Deerfield where accidents frequently occur. Additionally, based on the report, 13 and 11 car accidents occurred in those locations, respectively.

• Do you need to file a civil lawsuit following a Deerfield drunk driving accident?

  Yes. Filing a civil claim against the drunk driver after a Deerfield car accident is critical to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation, regardless of whether the drunk driver was found not guilty or if the criminal case is still ongoing. Following a guilty conviction in criminal court, intoxicated drivers may be forced to reimburse you for losses, but there is no assurance that the motorist will do so or have the money to pay.