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What to Do After a Car Accident in Illinois

Auto Accident AttorneyA car accident can throw you for a loop, especially if you or your loved ones are injured. However, you can receive compensation for injuries and damages sustained if you remain calm. Here are some things you can do after an accident to maximize your claim and prevent more injuries.

Help Yourself and Others Involved in the Accident

If you are not seriously injured, help your passengers and yourself by stepping away from the crash site. After that, call 911, inform them of the situation and let them know if anyone is seriously injured. If the vehicles involved in the crash are not seriously damaged, move them to the side of the road to prevent another accident from oncoming vehicles.

Gather Evidence and Information

Once you step out of the car, immediately start gathering evidence or information. According to Illinois law, you need to exchange the following information with the driver of the other vehicle(s):

  • Names of the drivers and the owners of the car
  • Home addresses
  • Telephone numbers
  • Insurance information
  • License and registration of the vehicle involved in the accident

File an Accident Report with the Police

Once police arrive at the scene of the accident, they will fill out and create an Illinois Motorist Crash Report by talking to you and other driver(s). Make sure information you give them is accurate. This is necessary because you will receive a copy of the report, which your insurance provider will need to prove your claim.

If police are not dispatched, you can file the report yourself online if the apparent damage amounts to $1,500 or more. However, if one of the drivers does not have insurance, you can report the incident if damages amount to $500 or more.

Heed the Statute of Limitations

According to Illinois law, you have two years to file for damages from the accident or forfeit your right to them. In fact, you can even be charged if you don’t do this – whether you were a pedestrian or if you were riding a scooter, bicycle, motorcycle or car during the accident.

Personal Injury Attorney

However, depending on the vehicles involved in the crash, you may have to contend with different charges. This is where the Law Offices of Robert T. Eden come into the picture. We will have a team of professional and experienced auto accident attorneys working on your case from the time of the accident. We provide legal services in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock and Antioch, Illinois. Get in touch with us today for a consultation and get the compensation you deserve.

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How to Deal with the Insurance Company Post Auto Accident

Auto Accident AttorneyWhether you are responsible for a car accident in Illinois or someone hit you, you need to get in touch with your insurance company quick. If the incident caused damages and injuries, you will have to get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company. Here is what you need to know about your options.

You Are Entitled to Benefits from Your Insurance Carrier

Depending on what your insurance policy allows, you may be entitled to certain benefits. This includes medical payments or MedPay, which takes care of your medical bills you had to pay out-of-pocket for treatment after your accident, such as X-rays, surgeries, therapy, etc. It can also pay for your medication – but only up to a certain limit.

Your insurer may also provide collision coverage for your vehicle and even allow for a replacement vehicle if your vehicle is beyond repair. If you were not to blame for the accident, they may ask the driver’s insurance company to pay for costs, via a process called subrogation. However, the amount they reclaim will not come completely to you. Your insurance company may keep a portion and give the rest to you.

If you want to ensure you get the amount you deserve, you should hire an insurance attorney to negotiate on your behalf.

The Insurance Adjuster May Talk to You

After the accident, you should expect a call from an insurance adjuster, who will get a statement from you. The worst thing you can do at this moment is entertain their request for a meeting. Their aim is to get you to divulge information they can use to compromise your case and reduce or deny your claim.

The bottom line is you should not give a statement regarding the accident to anyone other than police officers or your lawyer. You are not obligated to give a statement to anyone else. Just say you need time to think over the case, then turn the adjuster away.

Personal Injury Attorney

The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens has been representing auto accident victims in Chicago, Libertyville, Woodstock, Waukegan and Antioch for more than two decades. Get an experienced and reliable attorney to represent you against bullying insurance companies that will do anything to reduce or deny your claim. Why should you step aside and pay for injuries that weren’t your fault? Get the justice you are seeking by contacting us for a free consultation today.

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Bus Driver Requirements in Illinois and Compensations for Accidents

Personal Injury AttorneyWhether you take the bus to work or to school, according to state law, all common carriers must maintain the highest degree of care during transportation. All bus drivers must have a driver’s license, which is specifically for the operation of commercial vehicles.

Also, drivers who drive school buses have to fulfill the following requirements to be deemed eligible:

  • They must be at least 21 years of age
  • They need to complete their training via a certificate course for bus drivers
  • They must pass a medical exam, which will determine if they have any health concerns that can compromise their ability to drive safely
  • Pass a criminal background check

Compensation for a Bus Accident Case

A collision with a bus may leave you with life threatening injuries. Broken bones may be the least of your concerns – especially if the accident leaves you paralyzed. If that happens, you will lose your source of income as you remain bedridden for months and money you have saved will quickly deplete as your medical bills pile up.

If your injuries are serious enough to result in this scenario, you can file a lawsuit against the bus’s insurance carrier and ask for compensation. Besides your injuries, the insurance company will also have to pay for emotional trauma and physical pain you have suffered. If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can also file for punitive damages.

Gross negligence is often the main cause of bus accidents in Illinois. For more than two decades, Robert T. Edens has been fighting for accident victims and helping them recover millions in damages from negligent carriers. After contacting Bob, he will:

  • Ensure no stone is left unturned during the investigation
  • Not ask for payment until you receive compensation you deserve
  • Provide an unbiased evaluation of your case
  • Outline legal options for your case
  • Provide a FREE initial consultation to get to know you and the situation of your case

This also includes a clear and honest fee structure based on legal requirements and documentation surrounding your case. Do the smart thing and get aggressive legal representation that will ensure you get the amount you deserve. We currently serve victims in Chicago, Libertyville, Woodstock, Waukegan and Antioch, IL.

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2 Critical Steps You Should Take After You Have Been in an Auto Accident

Auto Accident AttorneyA car accident can leave victims feeling disoriented and if it is serious enough, in excruciating pain. While the experience can be traumatic, the worst thing you can do is delay charges. Don’t delay and take these critical steps as soon as possible after an accident:

1. Collect Evidence

The first thing you need to understand is the strength of your case is determined by the proof you can provide, i.e. the facts that surround it. This will ensure you receive the justice and monetary compensation you deserve. Here are some facts and documents you should collect:

  • Information about the weather conditions before, during and after the accident.
  • The complete police report.
  • Witness statements.
  • A list of injuries you sustained.
  • A list of damages your vehicle sustained.
  • Details about the condition of the road and on which the accident occurred.
  • Traffic conditions at the time of the incident.
  • Medical reports, bills, medication receipts and other information pertaining to the accident.

2. Check the Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, time is of the essence when it comes to filing cases against negligent drivers who may or may not be insured. Victims only have a couple of years to file their case before it is deemed invalid. There are basically two limits you should look up. If you are injured because of the accident, you have two (2) years to file a lawsuit and five (5) years if you want to file one for property damage.

The insurance company of the negligent party will try to take advantage of this by delaying the insurance claim for as long as they legally can. In other words, you may not have time to file a lawsuit if they can get away with it. At this point, you should get in touch with a law office that has experience overcoming such obstacles and ensuring their clients get the compensation they deserve.

Get the Money You Deserve with Help from Robert T. Edens

Personal Injury Attorney

From the time of your auto accident, the law office of Robert T. Edens will have a team of dedicated professionals working on your case. Whether you want to deny or reduce the claim, no stone will be left unturned during the proceedings whether the accident occurred in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock or Antioch. Call us today and get the money you deserve.

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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries That Can Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case

Personal Injury AttorneyAccording to statistics, more than 17,700 people suffer from spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the U.S. every year. Most individuals go through intense pain, suffering and emotional trauma as they try and get through life with limited mobility and a depleting bank account. If you suffer from a SCI due to someone else’s negligence, you should familiarize yourself with your particular condition to ensure you have a strong case.

What Is a Complete Spinal Cord Injury?

When you suffer from a complete spinal cord injury, your brain is unable to send signals from the spinal cord to the area below the injury. This can paralyze your legs, arms or upper body – if the SCI is near those areas.

Besides the permanent or partial loss of sensation, you may also have trouble controlling your bladder and bowels or have difficulty breathing normally. With time, you may not be able to determine whether you have a complete or incomplete SCI, since both conditions share several similar symptoms.

What Is an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?

If you suffer from an incomplete spinal cord injury, it means your spinal cord is not compromised completely due to the accident. This can result from an infection, gunshot wound or a minor slip and fall accident.

As mentioned before, the symptoms of an incomplete SCI are almost indistinguishable from a complete one. However, in case of the former, victims may retain some sensation in the area below the injury site which may come and go, or be weaker than what they used to have. Additionally, they may be able to move some muscles below the injury site and have partial or no control over others.

Irrespective of the type of spinal cord injury you sustain, the chronic pain and reduced mobility can prevent you from working or maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. In either case, you can hold the individual or entity that caused the SCI accountable by suing them for negligence. With an experienced and confident attorney by your side, you can get the compensation you deserve and ensure you have enough money to pay for your medical bills and family.

Contact Robert T. Edens For Your SCI Case Today!

Personal Injury Attorney

The law office of Robert T. Edens has been representing SCI victims in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, and Antioch for decades and can help you get financial compensation from the negligent individuals who are responsible for your injuries. Get in touch with us today for a consultation.

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What You Should Do If You Slip and Fall on Ice on Someone’s Property

Personal Injury AttorneyWinter brings with it snow, which accumulates on pavements, melts and becomes a hazard for the unwary. However, if you slip, fall and sustain injuries on someone’s property, you can file a lawsuit against them for negligence.

Who Is Responsible?

According to the Premise Liability Law, the owner of the property or anyone who controls access to it (such as a construction crew that is working on a project or tenants) is liable for any accidents that occur on it. They have a duty of care, which makes them responsible for the safety of everyone they invite on the property, as well as trespassers.

It stands to reason they also are liable for any injuries the other party sustains if they slip and fall on the premises. If that duty of care is not met, the injured individuals can take legal action and the owner must compensate them by paying damages and ensuring their properties are safe for others. During winter, this means they should ensure snow does not pile up on the premises to the point it leads to accidents.

What You Need to Do if You Are Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident

The first thing you need to do if you slip and fall on someone’s property is to visit a doctor – even if you think your injuries are minor. This is a good way to strengthen your case and your health at the same time. Some injuries can worsen if they are not treated on time and compromise the healing process. Plus, if you fail to do this or delay the medical aid, the negligent party may not be held accountable for your injuries.

Once your checkup is complete, make sure you keep the hospital bills and reports with you because they can be used to strengthen your case. With the appropriate documentation, your attorney can prove your injuries and subsequent trauma were the direct result of the property owner’s negligence.

How the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens Can Help

Personal Injury Attorney

If you slipped, fell and sustained injuries on a property in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, or Antioch, you deserve compensation for the pain, lost wages, and emotional turmoil you are going through. The law offices of Robert T. Edens has been protecting and fighting for victims just like you for 20 years. Get in touch with us today for a consultation.

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How to Protect Your Claim When You Are Involved in a Car Accident in Illinois

Personal Injury AttorneyWhen it comes to car accident cases, each state has specific laws that determine the fault of the guilty party and compensation for the victims. By familiarizing yourself with these laws and with an experienced auto accident attorney by your side, you can ensure the at-fault party pays for their negligence.

Who Is At Fault?

In Illinois, car accident cases are based on a fault system, which means victims have to prove the other driver was at fault and file for damages with their insurance company. Additionally, drivers who run through stop signs without stopping, drive while drunk, drive over the speed limit and commit other traffic violations can also be held liable for potential accidents.

In other words, if you are behind the wheel, you can be held liable for a car accident if you are a negligent driver. Therefore, each driver has to have insurance to cover liabilities. If you are involved in an accident and can prove the other driver was at fault, you can claim damages for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rental cars
  • Car repairs and/or replacement
  • Loss of companionship

If the accident claims your life, your family can file a wrongful death claim against the driver. The funds can cover funeral and burial expenses and replace future wages you may have earned if you were alive.

The damages mentioned above are divided into economic and non-economic categories. Naturally, the former involves the replacement of wages and funds for vehicle repairs and replacement. The latter cover psychological damage due to injuries, pain, or disabilities sustained from the accident.

Robert T. Edens Fights for Car Accident Victims

If you have been involved in a car accident in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, or Antioch and deserve compensation for damages, you don’t need to look further than Robert T. Edens. Our law firm has been fighting for the rights of victims just like you for more than two decades and we don’t intend to stop anytime soon. From the time you were involved in the crash, right to the court case, our team of professionals will ensure your claim is not reduced or denied. Call us today and get the money and ease of mind you deserve during this difficult time.

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Social Security Disability Benefits after Auto Accident

Personal Injury AttorneyAuto accidents can lead to death and both temporary and permanent disabilities. Damage to nerves and the spinal cord, or long term trauma and depression might hinder an individual’s ability to join the workplace for some time. Although an auto insurance company might take care of the damages to your car, medical expenses might need special attention and support to cover treatments. Apart from medical insurance, another possibility is to seek Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

An expert personal injury attorney can be consulted, to not just help navigate the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) processes, but also claim medical compensation and damages due to an auto accident from the defendant. The following are some details on how to seek SSDI and SSI in Illinois.

Disability Determination Services

The determination services are the first step for citizens of Illinois in seeking SSDI and SSI.

  • Social Security Disability Insurance can pay benefits to an individual and a family member if all social security taxes to date have been paid before an application was filed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) closely monitors all medical conditions and approves applications based on authentic medical records.
  • To receive a supplementary security income, an individual should be either aged 65 or older, be disabled, or blind. For adults, disability means the inability to do a gainful activity, a condition that may result in death, or a constant condition that has lasted for a period of at least 12 months. For children, a disability means functional limitations, a condition that can result in death, or a condition that has lasted for at least 12 months. Additionally, SSI of up to $3,000 is only available to those who have limited income, or limited resources to cover basic needs,

Filling for Benefits

Fillings can be done through a local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. Car injuries such as back disorders, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, anxiety disorder and bone or neck fracture are acceptable. In case of ineligibility, a residual functional capacity (RFC) is determined by SSA to see if an individual finds it difficult to do even the simplest of tasks, due to a disability. Individuals can also use a disability planner to asses if they need assistance, or meet requirements for SSDI and SSI.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about social security disability benefits and unusual injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Guide to Workman’s Compensation for Employers

Workers' Compensation AttorneyFor employers, the safety of their employees should be priority. Providing a hazard-free and safe working environment can help boost productivity and reduce personal injuries. However, to cover unforeseen personal injuries that employees might face while performing their job, a worker’s compensation insurance should be bought by employers to cover medical costs and provide financial relief for employees as they recover. The inability to provide financial support for relief and recovery may lead to legal action by employees.

The provisions and guidelines to provide employees with compensation for accidental injuries, which occured during the time of employment, are covered under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act. If an employer refuses to provide compensation or honor claims, an employee can file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, who will assign an arbitrator to assess all claims. Only legitimate claims can be honored.

Getting insured for Workers’ Compensation

An employer can seek private insurance to cover personal injuries that their employees incur at work. For many small businesses, private insurance can be the best choice and can be searched through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission database. However, the National Council of Compensation Insurance also provides businesses with private injury and workers compensation insurance facilities. Employers may be subject to $500 fine per day if they fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Managing Personal Injuries

Employers can hire experienced workers compensation attorneys to assess their policies and provide guidance on how to make timely compensation claims. The best ways to mitigate workers compensation claims include the following:

  • Make safety committees to look for safety hazards across the workplace. The committee can consult employees, provide training and give feedback on how to make workplace better.
  • Having on-site medical teams can also provide safety to employees by acting as first responders. Medical officers can also consult employees for speedy recovery and make it easier for them to rejoin after an injury.
  • Employees should be encouraged to report personal injuries to claim workers’ compensations on time. If there is an injury review process, it should be initiated immediately after an injury occurs or a claim is received. Also, employees should be provided with the right tools to reduce the risk of injuries.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about workers’ compensation and unusual injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

Personal Injury AttorneyWrongful death can be devastating for a family. Wrongful death can occur due to medical malpractice, negligence at work, or an accident. All wrongful death claims in Illinois are covered under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. Damages can be sought for funeral, emotional distress, and any liabilities due because of unforeseen events and death. Considering that wrongful deaths due to medical malpractice, drunk driving, or inability to provide safety by employers are common, the next of kin or dependents can file a lawsuit by consulting an experienced personal injury attorney.

Filling a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim can only be filed by an adult child, next of kin, spouse, or a parent of a minor child within one year of the event. In the absence of an estate plan or will, courts can provide a personal representative who will process all wrongful death claims on behalf of the family or relatives. Because a wrongful death claim is classified as a civil lawsuit and not a criminal lawsuit, only monetary damages can be recovered, but a criminal court case can be sought by the federal and state court or enforcement agencies if admission of guilt can result in a conviction.

Collecting Damages

The following monetary damages can be collected by a next of kin:

  • Future wages that could have been earned to support the family,
  • Emotional damages related to grief or sorrow. Emotional distress can cause trauma, depression and anxiety. Also, recovery of expenses in relation to medical treatment can also be sought. A complicated grief can cause deep sadness and bitterness towards others, also leading to social isolation.
  • In case there are no immediate kin or relatives to disburse damages, medical bills related to hospitalization and surgical services can be paid to the individuals who were present with the deceased individual.

Wrongful Death due to Medical Malpractice

It is possible to make both the doctors and the hospital liable for wrongful death due to medical malpractice. If the deceased does not have a next to kin, a probate court appoints a legal representative to manage the case. Medical bills, some loss of earnings, funeral and burial costs and possible loss of support damages can be recovered.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about wrongful death claims and unusual injuries in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.