It’s not uncommon to find yourself confused and unsure what to do when you end up in a car accident. Few people ever expect to become involved in an accident, and it’s often because they’re safe drivers who do what’s necessary to stay safe on the road. Sadly, not all...
Lamber Goodnow Personal Injury Articles and Posts
Chicago
How can I protect myself if I am renting a car?
Renting an automobile is a convenient way to get reliable transportation when you need it. After all, the barriers to renting a car are low. The primary requirements are the possession of a driver's license and major credit card. How difficult could that be? On the...
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING I SHOULD DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
Being involved in a car accident can be scary if you do not know what to do. If you panic and do the wrong thing after an accident, you could easily lose out on any claim for damages. The steps you take following an accident will determine what compensation you...
If a motorcyclist isn’t wearing a helmet, can they still recover for injuries caused by another driver?
This is a question that comes up quite often in our motorcycle accident injury practice and the answer, generally, is “Yes.” There can, however, be some qualifications to this answer, as will be explained in greater detail below. Fault Accident statistics indicate...
What if the other driver’s negligence caused someone’s death?
All states have passed their own statutes regarding wrongful death cases that are filed in their courts. These statutes define wrongful deaths, designate who can file such cases, specify what damages might be sought in them and set the time limits for filing these...
What if one of the accident victims was also at fault?
pThe word “fault” comes up a lot after an accident. Fault is the way a court determines if an accident victim is paid for their injuries. Personal injury accidents aren’t always simple. In some accidents, an accident victim may be slightly or partly at fault for the...
When should I settle my case?
Just about any time you’re in a legal dispute, the topic of settling outside of court will come up. While a settlement is often lower than you would receive if you won a case, it can save you the headache of needing to go to court. Settling also presents you with a...
Who determines who is responsible for a traffic accident?
Car accidents are scary, confusing, and often leave people wondering what is going to happen next. You don’t put much thought into car accidents until you’re involved in one, and only then do you realize just how little you actually know about this kind of accident....
Who pays for my medical bills if I’ve been injured in an accident?
No one asks to be injured in a car accident, and no one wants to handle all the medical bills that accrue following the accident. Even if you don’t feel you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s wise to seek medical treatment following the accident. There are so many...
What are my rights as a passenger in a car that has been in an accident?
No one plans on being involved in an accident. They typically occur without warning and the results can be devastating. The majority of car accidents are fairly easy to resolve, but some can be more problematic and require the filing of a lawsuit. If you have been...
What benefits may I be entitled to?
Accidents are a part of our lives and happen daily without prior warning. While many accidents do not result in serious injury, those that do may require months or even years to resolve. When these cases arise, it can be confusing to know exactly what your rights are...
What do I need to know to make an insurance claim?
Auto insurance is something that people often purchase because it is required by the law, but most people hope never to use it. You may even have chosen higher deductibles for you to lower your insurance rates, however, as long as you drive your vehicle, there are...
What If The Faulty Driver Has Inadequate Insurance To Cover My Damages?
Car accidents are a fact of life. Statistics show that 30 percent of all drivers will be involved in at least one car accident during their lifetime. In most cases, drivers have insurance to take care of the bill when they are involved in an accident. However, not all...
What Is PIP?
PIP stands for personal injury protection. PIP is extended car insurance that's available in some states in the U.S. The coverage is usually for medical expenses. Sometimes, the insurance will cover lost wages due to an accident and other damages. This type of...
Why do I need a police report (aka Uniform Crash Report)?
If you are involved in a car accident, you may need to file a uniform crash report, also called a police report. Many states require you to file a police report if the damages arising from an accident exceed a certain value. You may also be required to file a report...
What are the minimum insurance requirements in Chicago?
Illinois used to have some of the lowest mandatory minimum auto liability limits in the country. It stepped up though, and now those limits are consistent with the minimum limits of most other states. If you're going to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway in...
What if the faulty driver had no insurance?
Although it is advisable to have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, if you are in an accident with a driver that is uninsured, it is too late to add it to your policy. Hindsight is always 20-20. The following are a few of the important things to know about...
What Is Subrogation?
When a person is injured, they will visit a hospital for treatment. A bill for their treatment will then be submitted to the person's health insurance company for payment. The health insurer will provide payment based on the terms of the policy a person has with their...
What Is Pain And Suffering?
The issue of pain and suffering is common during personal injury claims. Of all the damages awarded during an accident, pain and suffering has the largest value. However, since there is no fixed way for determining pain and suffering, payments will vary from case to...
What photographs and other documentation will be helpful to my attorney in pursuing my claim?
Gathering evidence can strengthen your injury claim and help your attorney while negotiating with the insurance company or presenting your case before a jury. Evidence may be physical -- such as photographs of physical damage and injuries -- or non-physical, which...