Best Car Accident Lawyers in Gurnee

FAQs

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

  Call the Gurnee Police Department's non-emergency dispatch center at 847-599-7000, extension 0, to report a crime or make an officer request.

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

  Accident reports can be picked up in person at the Gurnee Police Station (100 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee) from Monday through Friday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, if you are unable to visit the station, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Gurnee Police Department's address. Requests should include the following information: driver's name, date of the accident, location of the accident, case, and accident number. Requests for copies typically take 3 to 5 business days, with a $5 minimum price.

• How do you calculate pain and suffering after a car accident in Gurnee?

  The amount of compensation you can receive for these losses depends on your Gurnee personal injury lawyer's ability to demonstrate the injury's impact on your life. Although pain and suffering are effects of a serious injury, according to Illinois law. These "non-economic" damages don't usually show up on bills, invoices, and pay stubs. It is not amenable to a simple calculation. Pain and suffering may include physical pain, anxiety or depression, embarrassment from scarring or disfigurement, a shortened life expectancy, and limitations and restrictions on the victim's day-to-day life.

• When should you file a lawsuit after a car accident in Gurnee?

  In Illinois, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injuries. Thus, Gurnee car accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to initiate a case. The victim may file a civil lawsuit to recover damages such as unpaid medical bills, ongoing care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The purpose of a personal injury settlement is to "make whole," which means to give the necessary care to restore the victim to full health or as close to complete recovery as is reasonably practicable.

• What factors contribute to hazardous driving conditions in Gurnee?

  Traffic congestion and icy roads in the winter contribute to hazardous driving conditions in Gurnee. The Grand Boulevard bridge over I-94, the main highway and what connects Gurnee to Milwaukee and Chicago, ices badly. According to statistics, icy roads cause over 150,000 car accidents each year. Gurnee is home to 31,000 residents. Despite their small number, the inhabitants live in a cramped space. The city is home to Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills, which contribute to the city's popularity as a tourist destination, receiving about 26 million visitors yearly.

• What if the negligent driver in the Gurnee accident is uninsured?

  When you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, your insurance carrier will pay up to the policy limit for any damages covered by the uninsured driver's liability coverage. However, you can still sue the at-fault driver and seek compensation from their assets. Seizing an individual's assets is more complicated, time-consuming, and difficult than recovering from an insurance company, and the at-fault driver may not have much to recover.

• Can you file a lawsuit for a non-contact accident in Gurnee?

  Yes. Gurnee permits the filing of lawsuits for non-contact accidents. Proving fault in a non-contact auto crash requires a comprehensive evaluation of all available evidence. Depending on the nature of the collision, numerous parties may be liable for your losses, including the driver who caused the accident, the driver's employer, a rideshare company like Lyft or Uber, government agencies or contractors, and the car manufacturer.

• 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.