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Auto Accident Pictures Are Better Than 1,000 Words

auto accidentWhen you are involved in an auto accident, the furthest thing from your mind are the steps you should take soon after. Even if you are not injured, your mind will be in a daze. However, if your phone is nearby, the first thing you should do is take as many pictures of the scene as soon as possible.

This is an important step since those pictures will become critical when you are trying to recover damages in an injury claim. An auto accident lawyer in Grayslake can help you gather more evidence, but pictures on the other hand can speak a thousand words more.

The Importance of Auto Accident Photos

The first thing you need to know about car accident claims is that not all insurance companies are very cooperative. They will do their level best to pay you as little as possible if it means they can save money.

That is what insurance adjusters do. They will use anything to dispute your allegations, challenge your medical evaluation and even blame you for the accident. Their aim is to create their own narrative that can replace the actual events of the accident so as to reduce your claim.

Photographs are hard and indisputable evidence that can stop them in their tracks. Cameras don’t lie after all so you can use those pictures as pure evidence. Some other benefits you can get include the following:

  • Help your auto accident lawyer in Grayslake investigate the accident and prepare your claim correctly.
  • Aid medical witnesses and doctors understand exactly what happened during the accident.
  • Recall events when your mind is in a fog after the accident.
  • Preserving evidence. The pictures won’t change when your car undergoes repairs and you heal from your injuries.
  • Persuading the jury about the authenticity of your case if your claim is being denied.

The bottom line is that pictures speak more than words and witnesses can.

Taking Auto Accident Photos

As mentioned before, during the car accident, you will be in a daze since your body will be jacked up on adrenaline. Common sense will vanish for a while which is why most accident victims forget important details about the accident later.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, look up how to take accident pictures so that the information remains top of mind. That way, when you do get into an accident, you may be aware enough to start snapping pictures immediately. The more you rehearse the scenario in your mind, the more prepared you will be if the moment comes.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you were the victim of an auto accident and the insurance company is denying your claims, you need Robert Edens in your corner. He and his team have been fighting for the rights of auto accident victims for years. In fact, over the last two decades, they have managed to recover millions of dollars for their clients. Get in touch with them for a consultation at one of their offices in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, or Antioch, IL.

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I Was In An Auto Accident With No Insurance Can I Still Get Paid?

auto accidentBeing a responsible driver starts by ensuring you carry auto insurance. In fact, it’s illegal to drive without car insurance in the state of Illinois. Yet, as of 2019, around 11.8 percent of the motorists in the state were uninsured.

 

Whether you forget to renew your policy or had a lapse in your policy for missing a payment, and you get involved in an auto accident, you might be wondering what happens next. This guide will help you understand whether you can be compensated without insurance and other implications. Before that, let’s understand the implications for driving without insurance in Illinois:

Driving Without Insurance in Illinois

As an Illinois driver, you must carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury/ person, $20,000 for property damage, and $50,000 for bodily injury/ accident. If you’re found to be driving without insurance, you may face a license suspension and be charged a fine the first time around.

Getting caught subsequent times can put you in more severe trouble. If you get involved in an accident without insurance, you may face additional repercussions such as vehicle seizure and/or driving suspension, a hefty fine, and so on.

Auto Insurance Law in Illinois

Normally in an auto accident, the driver who was at fault is required to compensate the driver who wasn’t at fault. This is to assume that both the drivers carry insurance.

 

But what if you had no insurance and the other driver was at fault? Before we answer that question, it’s important to know that certain states adhere to No Pay, No Play laws. This means that an uninsured driver can recover economic damages such as property damage and medical bills. However, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering cannot be recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

 

To your luck, Illinois isn’t a No Pay, No Play state, which means you should be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance. This doesn’t mean you will not be penalized for driving without insurance. You will still face the charges for driving without insurance discussed above.

 

Moreover, if you were at fault in the accident and have no insurance, the other driver will attempt to recover their claims from their uninsured motorist claims. Once the claim is settled, their insurance agency will proceed to subrogation. This is a process in which they’ll sue you to recover the cash they lost in paying for the damages you caused to that driver. Hence, you’ll not just face immediate setbacks like license suspension and fines, but also have to pay the damages at the time of subrogation.

Contact An Auto Accident Lawyer In Antioch

To sum it up, you should be able to recover the damages after being involved in an auto accident without insurance, but the process can be stressful. Hiring a car accident lawyer can make your life a lot easier. If you’re looking for an auto accident lawyer in Antioch, Robert Edens is the best attorney for you. To request a free quote, fill out our contact form.

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What if the Other Driver Had No Insurance? Who Pays My Bills?

auto accidentThere are more than 8 million licensed drivers in the Illinois state, according to Statista. Under state law, drivers are required to carry insurance coverage of $50 per accident and $25,000 per person. Yet, around 11.8% of the drivers in the state are uninsured.

So, what happens when you suffer damages in an auto accident, and the other driver carries no insurance? Let’s find out:

How Are You Compensated?

When you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, you’ll be covered by your own insurance policy. Every auto insurance policy must include uninsured motorist coverage, with a standard amount the same as the minimum liability coverage, $25,000 per person and $50,000 for more than one person.

Uninsured motorist insurance also covers you if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident case or where the at-fault driver is unable to pay for the damages.

You may choose to reduce the amount of uninsured motorist coverage by signing the designated document. We still recommend that you have no less than $100,000 as minimum coverage because medical bills can pile up more quickly than most of us think.

However, this doesn’t dissolve the uninsured or underinsured drivers from their legal responsibilities. Your insurance company will seek restitution against them and exercise their subrogation rights to recover the compensatory amount they paid to you.

In addition, the uninsured motorist also faces other legal action such as having their vehicle ceased and moved to a police storage area, a hefty fine for not maintaining insurance, suspension of their driver’s license, and more.

Also, when it comes to collecting your uninsured motorist claim, insurers are not easy to deal with. It often takes a lot of preparation and effort to prove that the other driver was at fault. When you attempt to seek coverage under your own policy, your own insurance agent becomes your opponent.

When negotiating with your insurer, it’s important to note that property damage other than your vehicle is not covered under uninsured motorist coverage. This means that if your smartphone, glasses, or other items were damaged or lost during the collision, they wouldn’t be covered under uninsured motorist coverage. A separate portion of your insurance policy will be used to pay for those damages.

Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

When dealing with your insurance claim, you desperately need an advocate. This is where a personal injury lawyer can be of great help in dealing with your insurance claim. Your attorney may also help determine whether it’s worth suing the uninsured driver. This might be useful if your medical bills and damage to the vehicle are too high to be compensated by your own insurance policy.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re looking for an Antioch auto accident lawyer, Robert Edens and his law firm are here to help you. The firm has been dealing with insurance companies on behalf of their clients for many decades. For consultation and legal advice, contact us today!

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Common Causes of Auto Accidents

Car Accident AttorneyMore than 2 million people are injured in car accidents in the U.S. every year and many succumb to their injuries. With the rise of distraction triggers and smartphones, that number is increasing annually as-is business for a car accident attorney. Here are some of the most common causes of auto accidents not only in Illinois but across the U.S.

Distracted Driving

With the proliferation of smart devices, distracted driving has become a chronic condition. How many times have you driven past a driver who was busy looking at their phone rather than the road? The danger lies not in the act itself, but how often it is indulged.
Putting makeup on when you are driving or eating while you are behind the wheel can become a habit. Unfortunately, a split second of inattention is all it takes for an accident to take place.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving is one of the main reasons for road accidents – and for good reason. However, several accidents are also caused by drug abuse from substances such as marijuana, cocaine and even prescription medication. Any individual who uses a substance that causes drowsiness or impairs judgment has no business being behind the wheel of a car.

If you find yourself in such a situation, do the responsible thing and call a friend or an Uber to drop you at home. You will save your life and others as well. If you are involved in an accident because of a drunk driver, call a car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Speeding

Depending on the size and speed of the vehicle, high-speed accidents are usually fatal for victims who unfortunately cross their path. It is a common practice for motorists, and it is illegal because it increases their chances of losing control.

After all, the faster a car or truck travels, the longer it can take to slow down. Even a small increase in velocity can result in a fatal or injurious collision. Stay within the speed limits to prevent this from happening.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident because of a drunk, distracted or speeding driver, contact a car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today. We have more than two decades of experience representing victims like you and can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We can even visit whether you live in Libertyville, Waukegan, Woodstock, Chicago or Antioch, Illinois.

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Why You Should Always Use an Attorney to Dispute Insurance Claims

Insurance Claim DisputesInsurance claims aren’t guaranteed to go your way. Contrary to popular belief, just because you pay your insurance premiums, doesn’t mean your insurance company will accept your claim. Often, they will try to gather evidence and make allegations that can help them deny it.

Top Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Insurance Claim Disputes

Insurance claim disputes can get ugly, even if the insurance company is in the wrong. Here are just some reasons why you should always use an attorney to dispute those claims.

Small Injuries Can Worsen with Time

If your injuries get worse with time and you already accepted a settlement offer, there is nothing you can do to dispute it. By giving your consent, you automatically void all future claims pertaining to the accident.

However, if you hire an attorney beforehand, they will advise you to wait until you are aware of the full extent of your injuries and then make a claim when the time is right.

The Opposing Side Will Have Legal Representation

Do you really think you have the skills and experience to go up against a trained and professional attorney the insurance company hires? They work with them every day and are intimately familiar with strategies that can derail your insurance claim disputes.

By hiring an equally skilled attorney, you can show them you are equally serious about recovering maximum compensation. It will also increase your chances of success – especially if you hire one that has a successful track record with such cases.

When You Should Contact an Insurance Claims Dispute Attorney

Whether you have a lot or little to lose because of an insurance claim dispute, you should have an attorney in your corner. Some of the main cases which merit the presence and aid of an attorney include:

  • Claims in which fault is difficult to establish.
  • Claims that are expensive or complex.
  • Claims in which the adjusters don’t agree with you.
  • Large claims such as water damage, fire damage, etc.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you or anyone you know have faced an adjuster and been denied compensation for a personal injury, it isn’t because the insurance company cannot pay. They just don’t want to pay because they prioritize profits over people. Get in touch with an attorney at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for a free legal consultation regarding your options. We can even come to you if you want whether you live in Libertyville, Waukegan, Woodstock, Chicago, or Antioch, Illinois.

 

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Reasons to Consult an Attorney after Auto Accidents

Auto Accident AttorneyYou cannot control the actions of a careless or out-of-control motorist. However, with the help of a competent auto accident attorney, you can control your life, post-accident. That is where your road to recovery starts. An attorney will ensure your rights are protected and your burdens are lifted by making sure you get the compensation you need and deserve from the opposing party.

How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

Here are just some ways an attorney can prove invaluable for you after a car accident.

Skillfully Negotiating on Your Behalf

Accident attorneys are skillful negotiators who work to create a fair and quick settlement for their clients for accident claims. If the opposition is uncooperative when it comes to coming to a reasonable settlement, your attorney can take your case to court. Whether you are injured because of a car, truck, or bicycle accident, you can breathe easy knowing an attorney will get you the best settlement possible.

Add a Personal Touch

A skillful auto accident attorney will get to know your story from your perspective and will also keep you fully informed about the progress. Make sure you hire one who gives you their undivided attention. That way, you will have complete peace of mind knowing your needs are not being ignored.

Go to Trial on Your Behalf

Your injury attorney will take your case to trial if the opposing party is being uncooperative in determining a fair settlement. They will prove how the other driver was at fault – and if proven guilty, your attorney will make sure they give you the compensation you deserve and need. Besides paying for your medical bills, this can also include payment for property damage (for your car that was damaged in the accident).

However, most attorneys try to ensure a case is settled out of court and as amicably as possible. That’s because they know the tide can turn against you in court and you may not get the full compensation you deserve.

No need to search for ‘personal injury attorney near me.’ Just visit us at the Law Firm of Robert T. Edens for a consultation today. We have been fighting for the rights of car accident victims for more than two decades and counting. You can reach us whether you live in Libertyville, Waukegan, Woodstock, Chicago, or Antioch, Illinois. We will have the best in our team on your case.

 

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3 Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving On Illinois Roads

Personal Injury AttorneyWe live in a society that thrives on multi-tasking. Do you eat breakfast while driving to work or text an important client while behind the wheel? If you answered yes to either of those, you are in danger of either crashing into another vehicle, a pedestrian or flipping over. While multi-tasking can help you complete your to-do list faster, it can result in injuries or worse when you complete these tasks while driving.

According to Illinois’ distracted driving law, if you are found to be involved in distracted driving, you will be charged with hefty fines. Here are some ways you can prevent innocent drivers and people from getting injured and avoid those fines.

Use Your Phone Only for Emergencies

Turn off your phone before getting behind the wheel. If that isn’t possible, only address emergency calls. Plus, when you get a call you cannot ignore, pull over to the side of the road and then pick up. You can also use a hands-free device to answer calls if you are in a hurry. That way, your eyes will remain on the road and both your hands will remain on the steering wheel.

Pull Over If You Feel Drowsy

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving while drowsy is one of the main causes of crashes and injuries on the road. Even if you are proud of your driving skills, if you drive when you are sleepy, you will put yourself and others in danger.

Don’t get high on coffee in a bid to stay awake and don’t try to get to your destination faster. Just pull over and take a quick nap. Better yet – take the day off and get some sleep.

Choose Your Passengers Carefully

If you have small children who can get a bit rambunctious on long drives, make sure you have an adult partner with you as well. That way you can keep your attention on the road and your partner will ensure the kids remain in the back seat.

If you are a teen driver, limit the number of friends you give a ride to. Over excited passengers can distract you, which can result in an accident.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident and requires expert legal counsel to acquire damages, get in touch with us at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today. We will assign a team of expert attorneys to your case who will protect your best interests and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

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Why You Shouldn’t Talk To An Insurance Adjuster Sent By The At-Fault Driver

Personal Injury AttorneyIf you are involved in an accident and the injuries you sustained are due to negligence of the other driver, you have the right to ask for compensation. Illinois is an ‘at fault’ state. However, if you receive a call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster – be cautious. Once the driver files a report with the insurance adjuster, the adjuster will start an investigation into your claim.

The worst thing you can do at this point is agree to it. Agreeing to it can prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

How Claim Adjusters Get Accident Victims To Talk

The first thing you will notice about insurance adjusters is how ‘nice’ they are. They will ask questions about the car accident, how you are doing, injuries you sustained and how you were involved in the accident. They also will promise the insurance company will take care of the bills and that you are completely in the right. In other words, you will be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking the at-fault driver’s insurance company is on your side.

Nothing can be further from the truth. All of the statements they make are unenforceable. They are only meant to make you let your guard down and record a statement about the incident, the injuries you sustained and the medical treatment you need for them.

Adjusters are trained to encourage you to admit key facts, which will be against your best interests. For example, you may admit you saw the oncoming car before you entered the intersection, which can compromise your claim. They can also minimize your injuries by making you admit you are feeling better after the accident. In other words, for them, the aim of the meeting is to make your version of the accident doubtful.

Personal Injury Attorney

This is where an experienced attorney can prove invaluable, especially from the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. By hiring an experienced attorney, you will receive personalized legal services that can prevent an insurance company from denying your claim. The other driver may have a team working to deny your claim – but the legal team working for you will fight just as hard to ensure they do not win. Pick up the phone and call us today for a consultation. The call is free of charge. We offer our services in Chicago, Waukegan, Woodstock, Libertyville and Antioch, IL.

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Pet Friendly Car Travel Trips That Can Prevent Accidents

Personal Injury AttorneyWhile there is no law in Illinois that deals with how a pet should occupy a vehicle, that doesn’t mean they cannot prevent an accident during a trip. If a pedestrian or another driver is injured or suffers property damage because you can’t control your animals in your vehicle, you will be held liable.

Travelling with your canine or feline companion can be fun, but not if your vehicle is unsuitable. You can increase your chances of accidents if you do not take a few precautionary steps beforehand. Here are certain things you should take care of to prevent a costly lawsuit:

Take A Test Drive Before the Road Trip

Before the big road trip, take your pet with you in the car for a test drive to acclimatize them to the car and the road. If they seem uneasy at first, take a short trip around the block the first day. Then increase the distance every day until the day of the trip. This should get your pets used to remaining in a moving vehicle and reduce their anxiety, which can otherwise make them panic.

Consider the Car Model

The type of car you drive should also affect the choices you make for your pet. For instance, if you own a SUV, make sure your cat or dog has a crate to sit in and in the back seat. Cover the seats to reduce damage using an old towel or a bed sheet. Your pet should always be in the back seat, regardless of the vehicle you have. That way, you will not take your eyes off the road – especially when your pet tries to get your attention.

Bring Toys and Treats

Of course, this does not mean that your pet should be ignored throughout the trip. For instance, if you have a puppy, it will not be able to remain still for long and will demand your attention. Prevent it from getting out of its crate by ensuring you take toys and treats with you. These will keep your pooch distracted and happy as you drive.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident in Illinois, The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident victims for two decades and can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us for a consultation in Chicago, Waukegan, Woodstock, Libertyville and Antioch, today. A team of legal professionals will be assigned to your case as soon as you make a claim with us.

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3 Ways to Avoid an Auto Accident and Prevent Costly Fines

Personal Injury AttorneyResponsible drivers can avoid hefty fines in Illinois. For example, if you text while driving and your actions caused great bodily harm to another, you can lose your license for a year and have to pay a $1,000 fine, according to the new bill that was signed to fine driving violations.

These new penalties apply to all tablets, laptops and other hand-held devices you use while driving. They don’t apply to drivers who are reporting emergencies to emergency personnel, those using hands-free or voice-activated modes or drivers who are parked in neutral on the side of the road or in traffic.

The new law comes into effect July 2020 so take measures to prevent violations and avoid accidents by following these tips:

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Keep your eyes on the road when you are behind the wheel – it’s no place for multi-tasking. This includes brushing your hair, applying makeup, eating or shaving. If you try to do more things, your attention will not be focused on possible obstructions or pedestrians in front of your car. The best way to ensure your eyes remain on the road is by ensuring your hands are in the 9 and 3 o’clock position on the wheel. This will automatically make your brain pay attention.

Don’t Use your Cell Phone

If you don’t have a hands-free device, an incoming call or text can wait – even if it is from your boss. If you still pick up that call, you will take your eyes off the road, especially when you must look down to text or dial a number, which can cause an accident. So make sure your phone is either on silent mode or shut down while you are traveling in your vehicle and only turn it back on when you reach your destination and are off the road.

Don’t Drive Angry

Your mind should be at peace when you are driving. Anger gives us tunnel vision, which results in blind spots, which can hide oncoming cars or pedestrians. Plus, you will drive more aggressively when you are upset, which can increase your chances of getting into a car accident. According to the law, aggressive driving can also lead to hefty penalties – especially if you have been repeatedly involved in such cases. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case.

Personal Injury Attorney

Get Compensation for Car Accident Claims

Even the most responsible drivers can fall victim to erratic drivers on the road. If they refuse to pay for damages, you have the right to retain an attorney. If you find yourself in such a situation, get in touch with us at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. We have a team of professionals working to protect your rights. Call us today in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock or Antioch, IL and get the money you need and deserve. The call is free and the advice will prove invaluable for your case.