Illinois Injury Law Blog

By law, every Illinois motorist is required to carry a specific amount of automobile insurance coverage. Despite that fact there are many accidents each day where the liable party for the collision does not carry coverage and the only protection an injured party has is their own uninsured motorist coverage and the personal injury attorney responsible for protecting their rights against the coverage provider.

The question that arises in these situations is "Will my insurance protect me?" Much of the necessity for a lawyer to represent you in your uninsured motorist claims is that, despite paying premiums each month for the protection, these claims pit an insured party against their own insurance company. Often times, individuals believe that their coverage will protect them when this occurs and they don't require the assistance of legal counsel, but what incentive does the insurance company have to give you a fair and generous settlement on your claim?

It is the responsibility of your personal injury lawyer to protect your rights to the fullest, even when the claim is made against your own insurance company. When you have paid years of premiums for protection with no incident and the need for compensation arises due to another's negligence, it still behooves the insurance company to settle for as little as possible so as not to eat too much into their profit margins. What does the benefit of paying your premiums regularly offer you, the policy holder, when you have been seriously injured and it is in the best interests of your provider to offer minimal compensation?

The desire for the insurance companies to remain profitable puts the policy claimants at the disadvantage. The assistance of experienced legal counsel can even the playing field. As insurance companies continue to drop clients and cancel policies in the name of profit, the rights of the individual policy holders are ignored. When the question arises as to whether or not your insurance company is going to protect you, be sure to protect yourself with a personal injury lawyer as determined to fight for the compensation you deserve as the insurance companies are in increasing their profits.

Posted by Kris Briggs | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Handbook

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Particularly tragic injury cases result from vehicle versus pedestrian collisions. Often the injuries are severe and sometimes result in death. On July 19, 2007 in Chicago a father of three was killed when apparently struck by a vehicle. He was found nearly a mile away from his home underneath the vehicle that had struck him. For more details: Detroit Free Press.

Not only will the driver be facing criminal charges stemming from this incident but the surviving family will have the right to pursue civil claims against the driver for compensatory damages. In the event the driver is not covered by any insurance, hopefully the family is protected under their own insurance coverage for Uninsured Motorist claims. The apparent failure of the driver to notice this individual after striking him elevates the egregious nature of this crime.

Pedestrian versus auto accidents can also occur when the negligence in the matter is not so clear. Protecting your rights by consulting a lawyer when you have been injured in such a fashion is imperative to the success of your case. On Sunday, July 22, 2007 another pedestrian was injured when attempting to cross Lake Shore Drive. In this instance, after being struck by the mirror of one vehicle, then hit by another passing car, both drivers stopped. For more details: Chicago Tribune.

In both of these instances the pedestrians and their families have sustained significant loss, loss however, is not the only factor in procuring a successful result. A determination of the liability in each case based on the facts will have to be made. When the damages could reach potential amounts into the millions of dollars, the experience of a seasoned personal injury lawyer can be a comforting asset to the injured parties and their families in their times of need.

Posted by Kris Briggs | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Pedestrian , Wrongful Death

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Injuries and even death are often a tragic result when alcohol and automobiles are combined. A jury recently found the parents of an Illinois teenager guilty of allowing teens to consume alcohol in their home hours before an auto accident took the lives of two of the teens. The parents were also found guilty of two other charges including endangering the life of a child and attempted obstruction of justice. Full Story: Chicago Sun Times

The criminal aspect of the charges involved in this case is only a portion of the entire legal ramifications of this auto accident. According to the court records from Lake County, a portion of the case has already reached settlement but surely these convictions open the door for further civil actions against the convicted homeowners.

Because the damage this auto accident caused can never be undone, our legal system in Illinois offers redress beyond the criminal charges filed. The relatives of those lost in auto accidents are afforded the opportunity to file a civil lawsuit to address their loss.

Posted by Kris Briggs | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident , Wrongful Death

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