In Illinois, all drivers are required to maintain liability insurance and medical benefits. These requirements are utilized to decrease the likelihood of civil action by an accident victim. While liability insurance doesn’t cover the owner’s medical costs or property damage, the medical benefits offer healthy advantages.
Reviewing Medical Benefits
Two forms of medical benefits are provided in Illinois. The first is limited tort. These benefits provide victims with the opportunity to file a civil case to acquire medical costs only. The exception to this is when the victim’s injuries are extensive and require long-term treatment.
The second form of medical benefits is full tort. These benefits don’t impose any restrictions on the victim’s right to sue. They could sue for medical costs as well as pain and suffering. The state doesn’t have any caps on the value of damages in which the victim could stand to receive.
Filing a Lawsuit
While all victims file claims for damages. All drivers must maintain liability insurance. This coverage pays out for each individual who is injured in an accident. However, if the victim’s injuries require expenditures that exceed the minimum coverage requirement. When this is evident, a car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL assists the victim in presenting their case to the court.
Understanding Victim’s Rights
The state of Illinois imposes a statute of limitations of three years for all accident claims. If the victim fails to submit their claim prior to the third anniversary, the court won’t allow them to file a lawsuit. This is why all victims should contact an attorney to establish their rights as a victim. The attorney reviews their case to determine if the case is feasible.
The auto accident laws require victims to comply with insurance laws first. This prevents any allegations of shared fault or fraud. It also prevents the potential for penalties imposed by the insurance laws. The next step is to follow the guidelines identified in the victim’s medical benefits. To begin a claim contact a car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL by visiting Shea Law Group for more details.