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How To Identify A Manufacturing Defect After An Auto Accident

auto accident

Auto accidents often stem from driver error, but in some cases, a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process may be to blame. When manufacturing defects lead to accidents, injured parties may have the right to seek compensation from manufacturers, parts suppliers, or other responsible parties. Here, we explore how to identify a manufacturing defect after an auto accident, the types of defects commonly found, and what legal steps to take under Illinois personal injury and accident laws.

Understanding Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects occur when a product, such as a car or one of its components, is improperly constructed or assembled, making it dangerous to use as intended. To hold a manufacturer liable, it must be proven that the defect existed at the time it left the manufacturer’s control and directly caused the injury.

Types of Manufacturing Defects In Vehicles

Identifying a manufacturing defect starts with understanding the types of issues that commonly occur. Auto defects may involve:

  • Brake System Malfunctions – When brakes fail to work as they should due to faulty components, it can lead to loss of control and accidents.
  • Airbag Deployment Issues – If airbags fail to deploy in an accident or deploy too forcefully, the occupants may suffer unnecessary injuries.
  • Faulty Steering Components – Problems with steering can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
  • Tire Defects – Defective tires are prone to blowouts or separation, which can result in loss of control.
  • Fuel System Defects – Issues with fuel tanks and lines can lead to dangerous leaks or fires.

Each of these defects presents unique challenges for identifying responsibility and establishing proof. It’s important to examine vehicle components and determine whether the accident was avoidable had the product been properly manufactured.

Gathering Evidence To Identify A Manufacturing Defect

To pursue a claim based on a manufacturing defect, gathering strong evidence is essential. After an accident, collecting the following can help substantiate your claim:

  1. Police Reports – A police report provides an initial record of the accident and can include observations that suggest a mechanical failure.
  2. Photos and Videos – Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any unusual wear on vehicle parts can help identify issues caused by a manufacturing defect.
  3. Vehicle Inspection Records – If the vehicle was inspected regularly, these records may help demonstrate that a defect rather than poor maintenance led to the accident.
  4. Recall Notices – Manufacturers occasionally issue recalls for defective vehicle parts. Knowing if your vehicle was part of a recall can strengthen your case.
  5. Expert Analysis – Hiring a professional to inspect the vehicle and provide expert testimony about the defect’s impact can be crucial in court. However, this should be a certified specialist with experience in automobile defects.

Legal Process For Pursuing A Manufacturing Defect Claim In Illinois

In Illinois, personal injury claims arising from manufacturing defects generally fall under product liability law. Illinois law requires that we establish the following:

  • The Vehicle Was Defective – We must show that the vehicle or its component had a manufacturing defect when it left the manufacturer’s control.
  • The Defect Caused the Accident – It’s essential to demonstrate a direct link between the defect and the accident.
  • The Defect Resulted in Injury – Finally, we must prove that the defect led to physical injuries or other measurable harm.

Illinois follows the rule of “strict liability” for manufacturing defects, meaning the injured party does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent—only that the defect existed and caused harm. The Illinois Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years, so it’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your legal rights.

Potential Compensation For Defect-Related Accidents

If a manufacturing defect caused your accident and injuries, Illinois law allows for various types of compensation. This may include:

  • Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work due to injury recovery or related treatment.
  • Pain and Suffering – This accounts for physical pain and emotional trauma endured from the accident.
  • Property Damage – In certain circumstances, compensation could be pursued for the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement (if the vehicle was totaled).
  • Medical Expenses – Covering hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment related to the injuries.

Steps to Take After Suspecting A Manufacturing Defect

If you suspect a manufacturing defect was a factor in your auto accident, taking immediate steps is critical:

  1. Preserve the Vehicle – Don’t repair or dispose of the vehicle until a thorough inspection has been conducted. The vehicle itself is evidence.
  2. Consult a Lawyer – Illinois personal injury laws are complex, especially regarding product liability. Our team can help navigate these laws to ensure your case is handled effectively.
  3. Document Your Injuries – Keep all medical records and document any physical or emotional impact from the accident.
  4. File a Claim Promptly – Given the statute of limitations in Illinois, filing within the allowable timeframe is essential to preserving your right to compensation.

FAQs on Manufacturing Defects In Auto Accidents

What Should I Do If I Believe A Vehicle Defect Caused My Accident?

If you suspect that a defect caused your accident, the first step is to preserve the vehicle as evidence. Avoid having it repaired until a professional can inspect it for issues. Document as much as possible at the accident scene, including photos of the vehicle, injuries, and road conditions. Then, consult an experienced attorney who can guide you on the next steps under Illinois law and assess whether you have a viable claim against the manufacturer.

How Can I Tell If My Car Was Part Of A Recall?

To determine if your vehicle was recalled, you can check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by entering your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) on their website. Alternatively, contact your car dealership, as they will also have recall records. If a recall notice existed before your accident, this could strengthen your claim by showing the manufacturer was aware of the defect.

Is It Possible To Sue For A Defect If The Car Was Used?

Yes, Illinois product liability laws cover both new and used vehicles. However, the challenge with used vehicles is often proving that the defect existed when it left the manufacturer and wasn’t due to misuse or lack of maintenance by previous owners. Your lawyer can help assess whether the defect was likely present in the vehicle when it was manufactured.

What If My Insurance Company Says The Accident Was My Fault?

Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by attributing blame to the driver. However, if a manufacturing defect contributed to the accident, this can counter their position. A lawyer can work with experts to show that a defect rather than driver error was the primary cause of the accident. With strong evidence, it’s possible to hold the manufacturer accountable despite an initial insurance assessment.

Can I File A Claim If No One Was Injured But My Car Was Damaged By A Defect?

Yes, Illinois law allows for claims based on property damage alone. While injury claims may lead to larger settlements, property damage claims are also valid if you can prove the defect caused the damage. Compensation in these cases typically includes repair costs or the car’s replacement value if it was totaled.

Contact Our Antioch Auto Accident Lawyer For A Free Consultation

If you believe a manufacturing defect caused your auto accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., our Antioch auto accident attorneys understand Illinois accident and personal injury laws and can guide you through each step of your claim. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Ready to take the first step? Contact our Antioch auto accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at 847-395-2200 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients in Antioch and throughout Northern Illinois from our office locations in Antioch, Illinois. Let us work with you to hold negligent manufacturers accountable and ensure your rights are protected.

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What Should I Do If Police Refuse to Write a Report Of My Auto Accident?

Auto Accident AttorneyPolice Report

A police report is a formal document created by police officers that entails information pertaining to accidents and is used for verification purposes. There are many instances where police officers may not write a police report for auto accidents. They may determine that the severity of an accident is not high enough or perhaps the incident did not cause any serious injury to either party, thus concluding that the incident does not warrant a report.

In such a situation, police officers may refuse to write a report and simply ask both parties to exchange information with each other, even if they persist in a police report being made. However, an individual has a right to file a lawsuit even if the scene of an incident is not formally recorded by a police officer.

If you suffered an auto accident, then your first priority, after receiving medical treatment, is ensuring that a police officer issues an accident report. However, if they refuse to write a report, you may request them to make one for insurance purposes. If a police officer does not consider your request, you should follow these few steps:

  • Call 911 immediately to report the accident. This will help you to preserve a record of the date and time when the incident occurred.
  • Obtain names and contact details from people around the scene who witnessed the accident. Collect information from other involved drivers which may include their name, address, insurance information, and contact number.
  • Document information related to the responding police agency, including officers’ badge numbers and any piece of information or communication with police officers.
  • Capture pictures of involved vehicles, positions of cars, skid marks, and the surrounding area of the accident. This can prove to be invaluable evidence that can help you to substantiate your claim.
  • You must assume the responsibility of an investigator. Write down every detail you remember about the accident. Sometimes, small details such as an accurate time of incident and pictures of skid marks can have a big impact on your case.

You must understand that giving a verdict is the responsibility of a judge or a jury as police officers merely record information and details pertaining to the accident. Therefore, damages, fault, and compensation for your claim will be determined by the judge or jury. Thus, a police report may be helpful, but it is not a determinant factor in your case. Hence, if you follow the aforementioned instructions after your accident, then you should not be concerned if there is no police report of your incident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Reports In Illinois

When Do I Need to File an Auto Accident Report in Illinois?

You need to file an accident report if the crash resulted in death, bodily injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500 when all drivers are insured. If any driver is uninsured, the threshold is $500. Reports must be filed within 10 days of the accident.

How Do I File an Auto Accident Report?

You can file a report online through the Illinois State Police website if the crash meets specific criteria (e.g., single vehicle, property-damage-only crash on certain roads). Otherwise, you can file a report in person at a local police department or by mail.

What Information Do I Need to Provide?

You’ll need to provide details such as driver’s license information, vehicle registration, proof of liability insurance, and contact information for all parties involved.

Can I Get a Copy of the Accident Report?

Yes, you can obtain a copy of the accident report online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Facility. There may be a fee for obtaining a copy.

What Should I Avoid Doing After an Accident?

Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. It’s important to remain calm and exchange information with the other driver(s).

What Happens if I Don’t File a Report?

Failing to file a report can result in fines and other legal consequences. It’s important to file the report promptly to avoid these issues.

Contact Our Lake County Auto Accident Lawyer

If you have become a victim of an auto accident, it can be highly beneficial for your case to acquire the services of an experienced Lake County auto accident lawyer. Your attorney will ensure that your rights remain protected throughout the litigation process.

Furthermore, a skillful auto accident lawyer will find evidence, prepare witnesses, and establish facts to prove your claim, which will help you to hold the defendant liable for their actions. Following the instructions provided above after an accident will provide your auto accident lawyer grounds to construct a solid case in your favor, enabling you to obtain rightful compensation for damages you sustained due to the accident.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you wish to find out more about this topic or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer.

(Content updated 10/30/2024)

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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.