Illinois has a high number of car accidents, leading to numerous injuries annually. Under Illinois law, individuals involved in car accidents have the legal right to hold negligent drivers responsible for any losses they incur. However, proving negligence in a personal injury case can be complex. With the right approach, evidence, and legal strategy, it is possible to achieve a favorable outcome. 

In this guide, we will outline some key steps to take to prove negligence in a personal injury case.

What Is Negligence?

Negligence is a legal principle that denotes a lack of reasonable care in one's actions or omissions, leading to harm to another individual. To establish negligence in a personal injury case, the plaintiff, who is the injured party, is required to demonstrate that the defendant, who is the person or entity responsible for the harm, owed a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution, violated that duty, and consequently caused harm.

According to Illinois law, car accident victims have the right to hold negligible drivers accountable for their losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and suffering and pain. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for these losses. 

How Does Fault Affect a Car Accident Case in Illinois?

Illinois is a "fault-based" state, meaning that the individual at fault for the crash is also responsible for the resulting vehicle damage, injuries, and other losses. The at-fault party is usually another driver. However, businesses, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and several other parties may also be at-fault for a car accident. 

Requirements for Car Insurance Illinois 

A key question that needs to be answered after a car accident is whether the drivers involved in the crash have the proper auto insurance. Illinois drivers must have a minimum of $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage and $20,000 property. 

Anyone who has been around dogs can confirm that their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. A large dog may run and jump on somebody, knocking them to the ground where they suffer a serious head or spine injury. Dogs who think a neighborhood child is a threat may try to attack the child. Sometimes, dog-related injuries occur not because the dog is aggressive, but because the dog is playing and does not realize its own strength. However, this can still lead to serious injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, you may have several questions about your legal rights and options. According to Illinois law, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in most circumstances. These laws typically apply to dog bite injuries, but the law also covers people who have suffered another type of dog-related injury.

When is an Owner Legally Responsible for an Injury Caused by Their Dog?

Each state has slightly different rules when it comes to dog owners’ liability. In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for dog-related injuries to others. This means that the owner does not have to know that the dog is aggressive to be considered legally responsible for an injury caused by his or her dog. The very first time the dog injures somebody, the owner is liable.

Falling and hitting your head can lead to severe injuries to the skull and brain. Even if the skull remains intact, the brain may strike the inside of the skull and become damaged. An injury to the brain can lead to severe symptoms that dramatically impact a person's everyday life. Depending on the severity of a brain injury, a person may be left with disabilities that prevent him or her from working or enjoying life to the fullest.

If you or somebody you care about suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall, you might be able to take legal action to recover financial compensation for damages.

Fall Accidents Caused by Unsafe Properties

Illinois law states that property owners and property managers may be liable for injuries that occur on their properties due to hazardous conditions. A property owner cannot completely guarantee that no injuries will ever occur on the property. However, the property owner is expected to maintain reasonably safe premises.

Car crashes can lead to head injuries, neck injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, burns, and lasting emotional trauma. Victims of car accidents may be entitled to compensation for the damages caused by the accident. Auto insurance is designed to cover accident-related expenses. However, many people who get into a crash soon realize that insurance companies make it very difficult to secure the compensation they need. One of the most challenging parts of securing compensation after a crash is negotiating a settlement with the insurance company.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash in the Waukegan area, consider working with a car crash injury lawyer who can communicate with the insurance company and negotiate a settlement that covers your losses.

Recognize that the Insurance Company is Not Your Friend

Insurance adjusters are employed by the insurance company. They are going to look after the insurance company’s interests before your interests. Just like any other business, insurance companies want to make money. This means that they may use various tactics to try to undervalue your claim.