Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Chicago has plenty of options when it comes to transit, but one of the most popular modes remains travel by private car. Those who own a vehicle should be aware that a new Illinois law will take effect on January 1, 2015 and will require all motorists to carry more insurance than the 2014 minimums.
For the first time in more than 25 years, the Illinois legislature has increased the mandatory minimum requirements for auto insurance in Illinois. The basic requirements will increase to $25,000/$50,000 – this means that the insurance carried by any driver must guarantee at least $25,000 worth of bodily injury coverage to any one person injured in an accident and a minimum of $50,000 of coverage for all victims of a single collision. Additionally, motorists must have at least $20,000 coverage for any property damage that may result. This is an increase of $5,000 per person injured, $10,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage over the 2014 minimums.
When a car accident occurs in Chicago, the financial toll involved often exceeds the current state insurance minimums, which led the Illinois legislature to consider alternatives. While the increase is not drastic and still provides minimum insurance levels below those of several other states, it will provide additional covers for the victims of car accidents who are hurt by the actions of others.
Carrying automobile insurance is a requirement in the State of Illinois and drivers must meet the new minimum standards beginning in 2015. The point of this coverage is to protect victims who did not cause a collision but were injured nonetheless, whether those victims were drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or even cyclists. Compensation can provide coverage for all losses incurred in a crash including medical bills, surgical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These victims have the right to retain an attorney of their choice and that lawyer may help you understand your legal options if a collision has affected your life.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our firm is comprised of attorneys who are dedicated to the representation of those who have been hurt by the actions of others. We represent victims of many types of accidents, including car crashes that happen in Chicago, and we never represent insurance companies. Through our experience representing these traffic victims, we know that it is easy for a claim to exceed the state minimum insurance requirements, which can leave a victim on the hook for additional loses even if that victim did nothing wrong during the accident.
While the new law affects the minimum coverage requirements, many drivers carry additional insurance to protect themselves and others in the event of a collision. Additionally, many victims have their own insurance policies that may be available to them instead of or in addition to the policy carried by an at-fault driver. In these cases, a victim with large damages may still be able to recover fully but it can depend on the facts of a particular case.
We want to help you understand your options if a collision has affected your life or claimed your loved one so we keep a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call and provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and we will work around your schedule, providing you the answers you need, whenever you need them.
If you have been hurt, do not continue to suffer without help on your side. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Two Killed in Fiery SUV Accident in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 22, 2014.