Car accidents can change a life in an instant. One second, you are driving, unworried. The next, you are suffering extreme pain. After such a traumatic event, you might be confused about your legal rights and options. The experienced Geneva car accident attorneys from Feagans Law Group P.C. can advocate for your legal rights and protect your interests while you focus on your recovery.
Our law firm has a greater than 99% success rate. We have been recognized as Best Under 40 by the Kane County Chronicle, Super Lawyers by Thompson Reuters, and 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. Contact us today by calling (630) 940-2093 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case in a confidential setting with an experienced attorney.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
The husband-and-wife legal team at Feagans Law Group P.C. treats our clients like family. We have found that fostering strong relationships helps us achieve amazing results for our clients. We develop these relationships with clients and then extend them to other professionals involved in their cases, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, medical billing consultants, and expert witnesses.
When you hire our Geneva personal injury law firm, we:
- Explain your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation
- Educate you about the injury claim process
- Gather evidence to bolster your claim
- Help you select healthcare professionals who will ensure your specific medical needs are addressed
- Work with professionals who can help ease the financial burden brought on by someone else’s negligence
- Gather comprehensive evidence to establish the full extent of your accident-related injuries and losses
- Manage your insurance claim and communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
Our mission is to guide our clients through the uncertain times following catastrophic injury and achieve maximum financial recoveries. Call us today to take advantage of a free case review.
Is Illinois a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No, Illinois is not a no-fault state for car accidents. In no-fault states, each driver turns to their own insurance for coverage, regardless of fault. In Illinois, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for damages they cause through their negligence. This is typically through filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. Illinois law requires all drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury to more than one person in a crash
- $20,000 for property damage
Drivers can purchase additional insurance to protect their personal assets. Our car accident lawyers can identify all possible legal avenues for financial recovery.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Geneva
Many car accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Following too closely
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe passing or merging lanes
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
In some accidents, a car part may have a mechanical failure or fail to protect the vehicle occupants. In these cases, you may be able to file a product liability claim in addition to a negligence claim against the at-fault driver.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover Through a Car Accident Claim
Illinois law allows accident victims to recover compensation for special and general damages. Special damages are economic losses accident victims suffer, such as:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
General damages compensate accident victims for non-economic damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for a spouse
Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can accurately assess the value of your case based on the specific circumstances.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system when the accident victim contributes to the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. However, if you fall below this threshold, you can recover compensation. However, your damages are reduced by your degree of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident in which you suffered $100,000 in damages, your damage award would be reduced by 20% – or $20,000 in this scenario. Insurance companies know these rules and try to use them to attribute more fault to the victim than is fair. Our experienced car accident attorneys know these tactics and can protect you from them.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Geneva
If you are involved in a car accident in Geneva, take these steps to protect your legal rights and health:
- Remain at the scene of the accident and call for help.
- Be polite and courteous with the police officer who responds to the scene. Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Do not admit fault for the accident or apologize.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Ask for their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Photograph the scene, including any physical evidence, skid marks, nearby signs and traffic lights, damage to all property, and your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
Finally, contact an experienced car and truck accident attorney in Geneva who can guide you throughout the entire legal process.
What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Case in Illinois?
You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident to preserve your right to compensation through the courts. If you have not settled your case by this time limit and have not filed a lawsuit, you can forfeit your right to compensation. Protect your rights by contacting an experienced lawyer.
Contact Us for a Free Case Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident, Feagans Law Group P.C. Our car accident lawyers can investigate your case, advise you of your case value, and relentlessly pursue fair compensation for your case. We’ve successfully handled over 400 cases. Call us today at (630) 940-2093 for a free case evaluation.