Following an unfortunate accident in Rockford, you may feel shocked and traumatized, especially when someone else was responsible for causing the mishap. Like other states, Illinois has specific laws with regard to accidents. For your help, we have answered key questions about state laws and why you need to hire a Rockford personal injury attorney.
“Do I have a valid personal injury claim?”
That’s often the first thing that people ask after an accident. There are many elements in a personal injury claim. The accident must have happened because of the other party’s negligence or irresponsible action, and that party should have owed you a duty of care. For instance, all drivers on the roads of Rockford must stop at a red light. If a driver breaks that law and rams into another car, they have breached their duty of care and are liable for the losses and injuries endured by the other party. For your personal injury claim to be valid, your injuries must have resulted from the said accident.
“What if more than one party is liable for the accident?”
It is possible that are multiple defendants for the same personal injury lawsuit. You would have to settle with each party separately, or some matters could go to trial. If there is a trial, the court will determine each party’s fault and liability and award you a settlement accordingly as per their fault share.
“How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?”
In Illinois, the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years for most cases. The deadline is set by the state’s statute of limitations and starts from the date of the accident. If you have suffered vehicle or property damage in an auto accident, your deadline for filing a civil lawsuit is five years.
“Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?”
Most law firms in Rockford don’t ask for an immediate fee for personal injury cases. The law allows you to present your personal injury case, but that’s not the wisest thing to do. Such claims are often hard to prove, and when you can hire a lawyer on a contingency fee, you don’t need to struggle with evidence and other details. Get an attorney who would take care of deadlines, paperwork, and investigation.
Call an attorney soon after the accident. You need to build your case, and investigating an accident involving a personal injury claim can take time.
