Understanding How the Collision Happened
Every car accident case begins with the facts. Our office examines the location and movement of the vehicles, traffic controls, photographs, police documentation, witness information, available video, vehicle damage, and other evidence that may help establish responsibility.
Common claims arise from rear end collisions, intersection crashes, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, distracted driving, speeding, highway accidents, and sideswipe collisions. The fact that an accident occurred does not by itself determine legal responsibility. Liability depends on the conduct of the people involved and whether that conduct caused the injuries claimed.
What if Both Drivers Are Blamed?
Illinois follows modified comparative fault. An injured person can have a recovery reduced if that person's own conduct contributed to the accident, and recovery can be barred if the person's share of fault exceeds the statutory threshold.
That makes a careful investigation particularly important when an insurer argues that the injured driver contributed to the collision. Police reports, witness testimony, video, physical damage, and traffic rules may all help clarify what occurred.
Insurance Coverage Is Part of the Case
Determining fault is only one part of a car accident claim. The available insurance also matters. The at fault driver's liability coverage may be one source of recovery. Depending on the facts, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, commercial insurance, employer policies, or other coverage may also become relevant.
Michael and his team review available policy information and help clients understand how the different sources of coverage may affect the claim.
Documenting the Full Effect of an Injury
A personal injury claim should reflect more than the existence of medical bills. We consider medical treatment, continuing symptoms, time lost from employment, future care when supported, restrictions, rehabilitation, and the ways the injury has affected ordinary activities.
Potential damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning ability, pain and suffering, disability, loss of normal life, property damage, and other legally recognized losses. The value of a claim depends on the facts and cannot responsibly be reduced to a simple multiplier.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters evaluate claims on behalf of the insurer. Recorded statements, prior medical history, treatment gaps, vehicle damage, liability disputes, and settlement requests can all affect the process.
Our office communicates with insurers on behalf of clients, organizes supporting documentation, evaluates coverage issues, and helps clients understand important decisions before a claim is resolved.
How Long Do I Have to Act?
Illinois personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a two year limitations period, but shorter or different deadlines can apply depending on the parties and circumstances. A claim involving a governmental defendant is one example where special rules may matter.
If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, Michael J. Lucas & Associates, LLC can review what happened, explain the insurance and liability issues involved, and help you determine an appropriate path forward.
Areas We Serve
Michael J. Lucas & Associates, LLC assists clients throughout Boone County, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County.
Our office serves clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Addison, Algonquin, Antioch, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Barrington, Bartlett, Batavia, Belvidere, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Cary, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Evanston, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Frankfort, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Hanover Park, Hampshire, Harvard, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Joliet, Lake Barrington, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lisle, Lockport, Lombard, Marengo, McHenry, Mokena, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Plainfield, Poplar Grove, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Romeoville, Roselle, Schaumburg, Shorewood, South Elgin, St. Charles, Streamwood, Sugar Grove, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winfield, Wood Dale, Woodridge, and Woodstock.