Best Car Accident Lawyers in Oak Lawn, IL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number for the Oak Lawn Village Police Department is (708)-422-8292.

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

  Send a request and $5 fee to the records division of the Oak Lawn Police Department at 9446 Raymond Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, to order an Illinois traffic crash report. To ensure that the Illinois Traffic Collision Report can be returned to you by mail, don't forget to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call 708-422-8292 for information that is not urgent.

• How traffic light cameras may be used as evidence in an Oak Lawn car accident?

  Traffic light camera footage after an accident can prove the other driver's negligence. Credible witnesses are crucial to vehicle collision cases in Oak Lawn, yet they can be scarce, uncooperative, or cannot be cross-examined. Traffic surveillance and red lights are becoming the finest witnesses in intersection vehicle crashes. An attorney can best arrange the review and timely request of any misbehavior caught on camera before the evidence is removed. Traffic light camera film can assist vehicle accident victims received maximum compensation for their injuries.

• What are Oak Lawn's most frequent causes of car accidents?

  Every year, car accidents injure thousands of individuals in the United States, and Oak Lawn is regrettably no exception. According to the most recent official report from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 1,289 car accidents recently reported in Oak Lawn and more than 300,000 accidents statewide that resulted in significant property damage, serious injuries, and occasionally fatalities. Common reasons for vehicle accidents in Oak Lawn are aggressive driving, speeding, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, adverse weather conditions, drowsy or distracted driving, and failure to abide by traffic signs and signals.

• What actions should you take if you are in an accident in Oak Lawn while operating a rented vehicle?

  If you have suffered serious injuries in an Oak Lawn accident using a leased vehicle, it is crucial to evaluate your injuries and, if required, call for emergency services. Make sure to get medical help immediately because injuries that look minor can get worse over time. Aside from collecting evidence, be sure to exchange contact information with any other drivers or passengers involved in the collision. Additionally, you must record information about the accident's timing and the surrounding weather. Furthermore, inform the leasing company about the accident. Your rental agreement will give specifics on what is necessary.

• Is it always the fault of an unlicensed driver in an Oak Lawn car accident?

  No. Driving without a license in Oak Lawn is risky and reckless, but many elements might contribute to an accident. Yet, it may be more difficult to pursue damages from an unlicensed motorist who causes an accident. Driving without a valid driver's license is against the law in Illinois. Unlicensed drivers who cause accidents may be cited for this offense, resulting in a license suspension, fines, or jail time. Furthermore, if the unlicensed motorist is found to be at fault for the collision, the driver may be held accountable for the other party's damages.

• Which intersection is regarded as the most dangerous in Oak Lawn?

  The most dangerous intersections in Oak Lawn for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars are 95th Street and Cicero, Cicero and Southwest Highway, Central Ave. and Southwest Highway, 95th Street and Ridgeland Ave., 87th Street and State Rd., Cicero and 127th Street, Pulaski and 103rd Street, 104th Street and Keating Ave., Ridgeland Ave. and 99th Street, 105th Street and Long Ave., 95th Street and Pulaski, and 95th Street and Meade Ave.

• 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.