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It is often necessary for a victim of a Chicago car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against family members responsible for a crash involving injuries. In most cases, the driver responsible for the accident and the victim suffering injuries usually never met prior to the crash. However, there are many incidences where family injured in a car accident must file an injury suit against a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or other close relatives, to receive financial compensation for their injuries.
When an auto accident occurs with a friend or family member who is responsible for the crash, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you with getting the compensation you are entitled to while protecting the interests of those you care about. Contact our Chicago auto accident attorneys today to learn more about your rights under Illinois law.
Obtaining Insurance Coverage For An Injury Caused By A Relative
In most incidences, an insurance policy will cover members of an immediate family, but usually do not cover extended family. Because of that, the insurance company will often view family members that do not live in the same household as a stranger. This means that any aunt, uncle, or cousin suffering injuries in a vehicle accident where family member is responsible would need to file a lawsuit or make a claim to receive financial compensation for their pain, suffering, injuries and damages.
Usually, the insurance policy will list all of the available drivers covered on the policy, and limit specific family members from suing for damages beyond extended medical and no-fault coverage. Unless it is specifically stated in the insurance policy, the motor vehicle policy will not always automatically cover any individual not of the direct household.
Car Crashes Involving Family and FriendsAny member of a family injured in car accident caused by an immediate family member should file a claim for financial recompense to cover property damage expenses, injuries, pain, suffering, and emotional anxiety.
In every incident, the automobile insurance company hires a lawyer for the family member that owns the policy to provide their defense in court, or to negotiate a settlement. The attorney hired by the insurance carrier protects the rights of the policyholder and the insurance company, and works to offer the lowest possible compensation for damages and injury.
Because of that, it is important to understand that it is not a personal attack when any injured family member or friend sues the responsible party. It is not based on vengeance, but just simply the way the system works to obtain compensation.
Receiving Fair Compensation For Chicago Auto Accident Injuries: Regardless of Who Causes The AccidentIn many incidences, filing a claim or lawsuit against a family member that was responsible for passenger’s injuries in a car accident is the only way to receive adequate compensation. It is important to note that the money paid out comes from the insurance company, and not the defendant of a lawsuit.
The amount of compensation received as a settlement out of court, or as an award at trial after a verdict by a jury, can vary. Financial recompense is usually based on the ability to prove damages, injuries, pain and suffering. Often this requires the skills of an experienced attorney that handles personal injury cases. A skilled lawyer can gather all the necessary information and evidence, speak to witnesses, and develop a strategy to make a strong claim for the insurance company, or take the case to trial.
The amount of compensation received is usually enough to pay off a variety of ongoing expenses, directly associated with the injuries. These include:
- Ongoing Medical Expenses
- Other financial bills
- Earnings lost from missed work
- Future earning potential when it is not possible to return to the job
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offer skilled legal counsel for family injured in car accident caused by the negligent actions of a relative. The lawyers provide negotiation skills to achieve the highest out-of-court settlement, and/or develop a strong strategy for taking a lawsuit to trial.
Our office has successfully resolved Chicago car accident injury cases for injured family members when a relative is driving. We know the law and appreciate the delicate balance between preserving a familial relationship and maximizing a recovery from a car accident.
The lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that their services are paid only when the victim receives financial compensation. For a free consultation, call the law offices at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment to speak to an experienced attorney that can evaluate the case.
