Almost all automobile accidents in Illinois are investigated to determine fault. As a fault state, the officers conducting the investigation should file a report identifying the party that caused the accident. To make these distinctions, the officers record information from both parties and any witnesses who saw the accident.
How Claims are Filed
In Illinois, the driver who was identified as at-fault must file a claim for any personal injuries or property damage that occurred. If the extent of the victim’s injuries isn’t known, they must contact their insurer and provide as much information as possible. Usually, the insurer contacts the officers listed on the accident report and acquires this information from the hospital. Typically, the information released to the insurer reflects the valuation of care for the injuries. They must determine if the injuries caused a long-term or permanent disability.
What Does the Policy Cover?
Illinois requires all drivers to have no less than $25,000 of coverage for each injury with a maximum of $50,000. It also covers a maximum of $20,000 in property damage. A claim’s adjuster reviews the information provided by the hospital and the officers who investigated the accident. They provide a settlement based on the coverage of the at-fault driver’s policy. If the insurance company refuses to provide adequate coverage for your accident injuries, contact Car Accident Lawyers in Kankakee immediately.
How Comparative Fault Comes Into Play
If the officers determine that you were partially at fault, you won’t receive the full award value. A percentage is assigned by the court for any moving violation in which you are guilty. The assigned percentage is deducted from the total award value. If the judge determines that you more than fifty percent at fault, you won’t receive any award.
All accident victims are limited to a two-year window to file a formal claim for injuries. The state of Illinois reserves the right to reduce this statute of limitations if a government employee was involved. By understanding your rights in these proceedings, you can act quickly to protect them. After you sustain injuries, contact Car Accident Lawyers in Kankakee or discover more here about your case.
