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Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can find themselves in dangerous driving conditions, whether due to poor weather conditions or careless motorists. Highway car accidents in Chicago are a cause of many serious injuries each year. If you have been in a crash on the freeway, there are many considerations to make to ensure minimal disruption and adequate compensation.
A car wreck can leave you with extensive medical bills, serious damage to your vehicle, loss of time from work, and ongoing health concerns. Understanding the legal responsibilities of drivers and the impact these laws have on highway car accident cases can help you determine your next steps. Call an experienced auto accident attorney with McCready Law today for more information.
In Chicago, both state and municipal laws apply to highway car accidents. Illinois Vehicle Code 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-401 outlines the legal responsibilities in a crash involving death or personal injuries.
This legislation explains that anyone involved in such a collision must stop and remain on the scene with every effort to avoid obstructing traffic. The law also outlines that if someone is unable to stop and remain on the scene because they require hospitalization, they have 30 minutes after discharge from the hospital to call authorities and report the incident.
Those who fail to comply with these laws can be found guilty of a felony (ranging in severity depending on the circumstances) and subject to chemical testing for intoxicating substances. In addition, Chicago municipal law (Chapter 9-56) requires anyone involved in an accident involving a death, personal injury, or property damage to an apparent extent of $250 to report the crash to the police department.
Reporting a crash as legally required establishes a clear record of events, which can be crucial for successfully filing a personal injury or property damage claim. If a person involved in the crash decides to pursue a lawsuit to compensate for the injuries they sustained or for the damages incurred to their vehicle, they will need accurate details about the collision.
An investigation will likely include physical evidence (such as markings on the road and details of damage to all vehicles) and interviews with the drivers and witnesses. Those who decide to make a claim need to remember that there is a statute of limitations. In Illinois, plaintiffs have two years for personal injury claims and five years for property damage claims.
Those who have been injured or have had their vehicle damaged in a highway car wreck in Chicago may want to seek the advice of a lawyer. An experienced, dedicated attorney could carefully examine the details of the case and gather evidence regarding fault. Their help could also be beneficial when it comes to navigating complicated insurance claims resulting from a car crash.
If an individual chooses to pursue a personal injury or property damage claim against another driver, their lawyer could evaluate and communicate damages, including medical expenses, vehicle replacement, repair costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death compensation. Learn more about the importance of hiring legal counsel today by calling McCready Law.
If you have been involved in a highway car accident, reach out to a Chicago-based lawyer today who could help evaluate your case and make a plan for the next steps. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be able to maximize your compensation and minimize the lasting impacts of this unfortunate incident. Do not hesitate to call McCready Law today for more information.