Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Illinois legislators are reportedly considering a measure designed to allow an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants in the state to obtain temporary motor vehicle operator’s licenses. Although the exact details of the proposed measure have not yet been finalized, lawmakers who support such a bill reportedly believe it would increase safety on roadways throughout the state as well as lower insurance costs. The proposed bill is expected to be considered in the Illinois General Assembly soon.
Although some lawmakers allegedly oppose the idea of allowing individuals who are in the country unlawfully to obtain a driver’s license, others have touted the idea as both economically and morally fair. The proposed legislation would expand a current program that allows foreign nationals who are in the United States legally to obtain a temporary vehicle operator’s license. It would require applicants to provide a both a passport and proof of residency in Illinois. Most importantly, such a measure would require drivers to pass a written, road, and vision test and obtain liability insurance. Still, the driver’s licenses issued would not be allowed to serve as a valid form of identification for illegal aliens.
Despite that similar measures have failed twice in the past, Governor Quinn stated he would sign the proposed bill if it is passed. According to Governor Quinn, the proposal is primarily a consumer safety measure. Across the United States, unlicensed motorists are reportedly five times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than motorists who possess an operator’s license. The Illinois Highway Safety Coalition claims uninsured and unlicensed motorists are involved in almost 80,000 automobile crashes throughout the state every year. In addition, those crashes reportedly result in an estimated $660 million in damages, including about $64 million in property damage claims. In 2011, almost 48,000 citations for driving without a valid license were issued in Cook County alone.
According to the Illinois Highway Safety Coalition, the proposed law could save Illinois automobile insurance customers approximately $46 million in annual premiums. If passed, Illinois would be the third state, along with New Mexico and Washington, to allow illegal immigrants to obtain a temporary driver’s license.
In Chicago, many of us spend a lot of time in our cars. With countless people on the roadways, collisions are bound to occur. A number of factors such as driver inexperience, inattention, or impairment can result in a tragic or fatal automobile accident. Although unlicensed drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle on Illinois roadways, many choose to ignore the law and drive anyway. If you were involved in a crash that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for any damages you incurred as a result. A skilled car accident attorney can help.
If you were injured in an Illinois automobile collision, give the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596 to discuss your options for recovery. Our capable Chicago car accident lawyers are available 24 hours per day to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury claim. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our hardworking attorneys are ready and willing to assist you following an unexpected injury accident. To speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney today, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Former Chicago Police Detective Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison Following Fatal DUI Crash on Dan Ryan Expressway, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, November 29, 2012
Steger Man Killed, At Least Two Others Injured in Dan Ryan Expressway Collision, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, November 27, 2012
Additional Resources:
Bill would let illegal immigrants drive legally, by Monique Garcia and Dan Hinkel, Chicago Tribune
Bi-Partisan Illinois Heavyweights Push for Highway Safety and Driver’s Licenses for All, highwaysafetycoaltion.org