Victims of personal injury, such as those in car accidents, experience physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can greatly affect their daily life. It is important for victims to understand the importance of contacting a lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. In many instances, personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other expenses related to their personal injury. With over 25+ years experience, Attorney John M. Kogut says there are some steps you can take.

Steps You Can Take After An Accident:

  • Call 911 if you or someone else has been injured.
  • Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident.
  • Gather the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  • Make a note of the details of the scene of the accident.
  • Do not admit fault.
  • Report the accident to your insurance company.
  • If you are hurt, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Do not give give an oral or written statement to the other driver's insurance company.
  • Save your evidence.
  • Keep your narrative brief when you fill out your accident report.

Automobile accidents may lead to a wave of insurance forms, reports, medical bills, etc. Immediately following an accident, it is important to gather as much information as possible, such as names, addresses, drivers license numbers, and insurance company information from others involved in the accident. If possible, gather valuable witness contact information. John M. Kogut is a qualified experienced attorney who knows the legal system and the way insurance companies work and can help you navigate through this process.

Statute Of Limitations

Laws may be subject to change at any time. You should note that Illinois law requires a plaintiff to file suit within a specified period of time, depending on the type of claim the plaintiff makes.

For claims concerning personal injury, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, Illinois law specifies a two year statute of limitation. Regarding claims of property damage, such as damage to the plaintiff's automobile, or other property, Illinois specifies a five year statute of limitations.

This means that for personal injury claims, you may only file your suit within two years from the date of the accident and for property claims within five years from the date of the accident. Illinois law prohibits any suit filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations.

If you think that you might have a claim against another party as the result of a car accident, you should consult a qualified attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your suit is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

Parties You Can Sue

Illinois law may allow you to sue not only the operator of the vehicle but, maybe, also the employer of the operator of the vehicle, if the operator was acting in his capacity as an employee. In cases where the owner of the vehicle was not the operator, you may also be able to sue the owner in addition to suing the operator. In order to sue the owner, however, you may have to establish that the owner was a passenger at the time of the accident, or that the operator acted as an agent of the owner during the time in which the accident occurred. Illinois law also (may) hold owners liable if the plaintiff establishes that the owner knew or should have known that the person the owner allowed to operate the vehicle was a reckless, incompetent, or inexperienced driver.

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