The Clock is Ticking: Auto Bodily Injury Claims After an Accident

 Posted on June 17, 2016 in Personal Injury

The unfortunate circumstances that surround car accidents are multi-faceted and can end up impacting more than just the driver and immediate passenger(s). Any driver involved in a crash is affected in some way, no matter how minor or major the damage. Crash aftermath is overwhelming from start to finish, as those affected are faced with everything from auto insurance claims and hospital bills to blemishes on their driving records.

A Limited Window of Opportunity

What is often the most troublesome factor for those involved in a car crash, however, is the burden of any personal injuries incurred. Even mild injuries can mean serious repercussions for the driver at fault, and what might seem like a small injury at first can often times turn out to be a serious injury just days or weeks following the accident, thanks to the human body’s response to shock and its delay in registering certain aches and pains. This is why bodily injury claims (and how quickly you handle them) after the crash are so important.

Basic Bodily Injury Claim Guidelines

The fact that evidence of some injuries can take time to appear after an accident is one of the reasons the law places a timeframe limitation on when you can file and conclude a claim. Appropriate time is given to address and treat certain injuries, and ample time is given to file a lawsuit and agree on a settlement. This encourages a just platform for conflict resolution for each party involved.

To stay in line with the proper statutes of limitations, the state of Illinois requires the following:

• Those claiming bodily injury must either file a lawsuit or accept a final settlement offer within 2 years from the date of the accident.
• If the person claiming bodily injury is under the age of 18 at the time the accident occurred, the claim must be made within 2 years from the date of their 18th birthday.
• For anyone claiming bodily injury caused by an accident with a government entity, the claim must be made during the allotted time period that is imposed by the statute of limitation for that specific entity of government.
• Should you disagree with an insurance company’s settlement offer, you may consider filing a suit against the at-fault driver in a small claims court, or consider making a claim under your own policy. This can only be done if you possess the appropriate coverages, however. Regardless of your course of action, seeking proper legal counsel is crucial when it comes time to handle any personal injury claim.

If you have been involved in a car accident and are attempting to navigate the personal injury claim process, you do not have to face the storm alone. It is important to contact an experienced, knowledgeable DuPage County personal injury attorney to protect your rights, ensure your best interest is properly represented, and to preserve your peace of mind. Call the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today at 630-932-9100 for a free initial consultation.