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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 who are responsible for a crash involving injuries or fatalities. In most cases, the driver responsible for the accident and the victim suffering injuries usually never met before the crash. However, there are many incidences where family members 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 LLC can assist you with obtaining the compensation you are entitled to receive 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 might not cover members of an extended family. When this occurs, the insurance company will view certain family members as a stranger if they do not live in the same household. This might mean that an aunt, uncle, or cousin suffering injuries in a vehicle accident where a family member is responsible would need to file a lawsuit or file a claim against their relative's policy to receive financial compensation for their pain, suffering, injuries, and damages.
Usually, the insurance policy will list all of the available drivers who are covered under the policy, which may 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 coverage will not always automatically include benefits to any individual who does not live in the same household.
Car Crashes Involving Family and Friends
Any member of a family injured in a car accident caused by an immediate relative 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 will hire a lawyer for the family member that owns the policy to provide legal representation for their defense in court or to negotiate an out of court 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 an injured family member or friend sues the responsible party. It is not based on vengeance, but just one of the few ways that the system works to obtain compensation.
Receiving Fair Compensation For Chicago Auto Accident Injuries: Regardless of Who Causes The Accident
In many incidences, filing a claim or lawsuit against a family member who was responsible for a passenger’s injuries in a car accident is the only way to receive adequate compensation. It is important to note that the money used to settle or resolve the case is paid by the insurance company and not the defendant of a lawsuit.
The amount of compensation received in an out-of-court settlement, or as an award at trial once the jury has reached a verdict, can vary greatly. Financial recompense is usually based on the ability to prove damages, injuries, pain, and suffering. Often this requires the skills of an experienced attorney who 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 by presenting their case to the insurance company for negotiation or to take the case to trial.
The amount of compensation received is usually enough to pay off all ongoing expenses that are directly associated with the accident. 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
Hiring an Illinois Attorney To Pursue An Auto Claim Against A Relative Or Friend
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC offer skilled legal counsel for family injured in car accidents 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 presenting the lawsuit case at trial.
Our law office has successfully resolved Chicago car accident injury cases for injured family members when a relative is driving. We have a comprehensive understanding of Illinois tort law and appreciate the delicate balance between preserving a familial relationship and maximizing a recovery from a car accident.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that their services are paid only after 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 who can evaluate your case and provide numerous legal options on how to proceed.
