Car Accident Attorney in Peoria, Illinois

Traffic crashes are among the major causes of injuries, hospitalizations, and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, car accident victims may sustain minor or serious injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, bruises, back and neck injuries, broken bones, TBI, and disfigurement. If you or someone close to you were hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent party, you may be eligible to seek damages by filing a claim or lawsuit. 

At The Law Office of David Hunt, I have the expertise and resources to support, guide, and represent clients in their auto accident cases. As an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney, I can examine every aspect of your unique circumstances and explore your available legal options to recover damages.  

I will advocate for your legal rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other possible damages. My firm proudly serves auto accident victims across Peoria, Illinois, and the surrounding areas of Woodford County, Peoria County, and Caswell County. 

Liability for Car Accidents in Illinois

Illinois is an at-fault state for car accidents. According to the state's at-fault laws, the driver who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will be held financially and civilly responsible for your injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses. To seek damages, you can: 

• File a first-party claim with your own insurance provider. 

• File a third-party claim against the at-fault driver's insurance carrier. 

• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court. 

An experienced lawyer can enlighten you about Illinois's auto insurance requirements and help you determine the best way to proceed with your claims. 

Illinois Insurance Requirements

According to Illinois law, all drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability auto insurance coverage with the following limits: 

• $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injuries per person. 

• $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injuries per accident involving two or more people 

• $20,000 liability coverage for property damage in a single accident 

• Uninsured motorist coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury. 

Essentially, the basic liability policy covers the victim's medical costs, vehicle damages, and other accident-related losses up to coverage limits.  

State Laws Addressing Personal Injury Claims

Here are some Illinois state laws and rules guiding auto accident reporting requirements, the time limit for filing accident claims, and the amount you can recover. 

Reporting Requirements 

Under Illinois laws, a driver involved in a car accident must file an auto crash report if the traffic collision causes bodily injury, death, or at least $1,500 in property damages. 

Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Additionally, Illinois follows the "modified comparative negligence" system, with a 51% bar. According to the principle, a car accident victim can pursue damages if the other party was mostly (51% or more) responsible for the crash. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced by your degree of fault. 

For instance, if the court awarded $90,000 in total damages against the at-fault party but discovered that you were 30% liable for the traffic accident, your compensation would be reduced by $27,000. You will only get 70% of $60,000 ($63,000).  

According to Illinois's modified comparative fault system, you will be completely barred from recovering compensation if you were mostly (51% or more) at fault for the injury or accident. 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for car accident cases in Illinois is two (2) years of the traffic crash. This means that you must commence your car accident claims within two years from the date of the accident or injury happened. 

Available Damages & How an Attorney Can Help

Being involved in a traffic collision can be confusing and unsettling. Such a difficult incident can affect you emotionally, financially, and physically. The following damages may be recovered by filing a car accident claim in Illinois: 

• medical expenses, including the cost of ongoing and future medical treatments. 

• past and future lost income, wages, or other benefits 

• repair or replacement of damaged property 

• reduced earning capacity 

• out-of-pocket costs 

• disability expenses 

• physical pain and suffering 

• mental anguish or Emotional distress 

• legal fees 

• punitive damages, to further punish the defendant for their malicious conduct 

• wrongful death damages, when applicable 

You don't have to face the pain and financial burdens by yourself. When injured in a car accident, you need to act quickly and hire a skilled personal injury attorney for guidance and support as you seek the justice you deserve. 

I'm committed to offering reliable guidance and representation to clients in their car accident cases. Using my over 30 years of extensive experience, I can walk you through the complex processes involved in filing accident claims and pursuing damages. Above all, I will advocate for your best interests and help you seek rightful compensation to cover your injuries, damages, and losses.