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One of the most common car crashes in Chicago is rear-end collisions. They happen daily and within the blink of an eye. While many fender benders are minor, and all parties involved walk away with relatively no harm, some wrecks can be severe. You may be eligible for compensation if you sustained bodily harm and property damage because of another driver’s negligence.
Call a Chicago rear-end car accident lawyer today to learn more. The seasoned car crash attorneys at McCready Law could provide much-needed legal assistance during this challenging time.
There is no single cause of rear-end collisions. These accidents happen for several reasons, with some of the most common including the following:
A dedicated lawyer in Chicago could investigate a rear-end car wreck case to determine its cause and help gather the evidence needed to win damages against the liable party in civil court.
State traffic laws recommend that drivers leave at least three to five seconds of space between themselves and the car in front of them. Under 625 Illinois Consolidated Statutes 5/11-710, Drivers must follow at a reasonable distance and consider the weather and road conditions. In addition, they must leave enough room so that other vehicles merging onto the highway have space to enter safely.
Liability after a fender bender typically defaults to the rear driver if they were following too closely. However, some conditions, such as defective brake lights or the other driver’s reckless actions, can shift the fault.
Collecting evidence to establish the cause of an accident and liability is necessary for recovering damages from the insurance company or in civil court. During a consultation, a rear-end car crash attorney in Chicago could review the traffic regulations and personal injury statutes and answer questions about the process.
Insurance company representatives may contact the plaintiff for a statement to discuss damages and the potential payout after a collision. Speaking with them directly can negatively affect a claim if the plaintiff says things incorrectly or the insurer misunderstands their statements. A Chicago car wreck attorney could handle communication and negotiations to help ensure their client receives a fair settlement.
The injured party must understand personal injury laws and comply or risk losing eligibility to collect damages. For instance, the statute of limitations sets an expiration date for filing a case in civil court.
While there are some exceptions, the law limits the time to recover damages in car crash cases to two years. If the defendant is a county or city organization, there may also be other requirements, so promptly speaking to a lawyer is vital.
In most cases, the motorist in the back is liable for damages in a fender bender wreck. Other drivers may be at fault, but proving their liability will require a thorough investigation.
You could be eligible for a settlement if another motorist’s thoughtless actions caused an avoidable collision. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with a Chicago rear-end car accident lawyer.