At times, a lawyer might be presented with a car accident case that is beyond their capabilities to handle. This could be due to being situated in another state or the case being outside their area of expertise, or too intricate for their firm to handle. In such scenarios, the lawyer might need to refer the case to another attorney.
If your client is involved in a car accident in Chicago, it might be beneficial to seek the assistance of a skilled attorney who specializes in such cases. By working with a lawyer who is familiar with the local court system, you can take advantage of several key benefits. Typically, car accident cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. Experienced attorneys who are well-known in the area might have established relationships with defense attorneys and insurance adjusters, making it easier to reach a favorable settlement. However, if negotiations fail, it is crucial to have a lawyer with the expertise to take your case to court and present it before a jury.
Call the Ratigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 today to schedule a free case review with our experienced attorneys for a car accident referral.
Why You Should Refer Your Client’s Case to Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys
There are several factors that could lead an attorney to refer their client’s car accident case to another lawyer. It is crucial for attorneys to provide their clients with competent legal services to safeguard their interests. To fulfill this duty, attorneys must acknowledge when a case falls beyond their expertise. That is why our car accident attorneys can accept referrals from other attorneys to provide stellar representation for their clients.
Out-of-State Attorneys with a Car Accident Case Referral
Car accident cases often come as referrals from out-of-state attorneys. Although a car accident attorney might have the necessary experience to handle a case, they might not be licensed to practice in the jurisdiction where the accident took place. Most car accident cases require filing in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. For example, if the accident happened in Chicago, the case would need to be filed in a Chicago court.
An out-of-state attorney might not be well-versed in the intricacies of Illinois personal injury law or car accident litigation in Chicago. Fortunately, our Chicago-based attorneys are available for car accident referrals, even if the referring attorney is not licensed to practice in Illinois. Having an attorney who is familiar with the Chicago judiciary can be valuable in representing your client’s case.
Attorneys in Other Areas of Practice with a Car Accident Case Referral
Attorneys with expertise in other areas of law might occasionally refer car accident cases, but litigating a car accident lawsuit is far from routine. Successfully handling such cases requires an attorney who understands the nuances and complexities of car accidents. Even a highly respected medical malpractice lawyer might not know where to begin in a car accident lawsuit.
An experienced car accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to ensure that clients receive maximum compensation. Inexperienced attorneys might be taken advantage of by insurance adjusters. Our firm has the knowledge to obtain the necessary evidence to prove your client’s case. We know the steps required to get the job done right.
Attorneys with a Car Accident Case Referral That is Too Complex or Expensive
It is not uncommon for clients to seek assistance from an attorney for a car accident case that might be too complex or beyond their abilities to handle effectively. Cases involving multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, or wrongful deaths can be particularly challenging, as they often require proving significant injuries. To support the case, expert testimony is usually necessary, and a large amount of evidence needs to be collected. If your firm has a high caseload or a smaller operating capacity, such cases can quickly deplete your resources.
Legal Considerations That Impact Car Accident Cases in Chicago
When referring a client’s car accident case in Chicago, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. It is crucial for attorneys to be knowledgeable about Illinois’s laws and regulations, as it can greatly affect the outcome of their client’s case. Familiarizing oneself with the statute of limitations and rules that apply to all car accident lawsuits in Illinois is essential when referring a Chicago car accident case for your client.
Illinois’s At-Fault Insurance Rules
Illinois follows at-fault insurance rules for handling car accident claims, which might be unfamiliar to those coming from a state that follows no-fault insurance rules. In an at-fault state like Illinois, car accident victims are required to use their own car insurance to cover their injuries and might have limited options to sue unless they have sustained serious injuries. However, victims can still recover damages from the at-fault driver and have the option of pursuing compensation through insurance or a lawsuit. If the insurance payout is insufficient to cover the victim’s injuries, they can file a lawsuit to recover the remaining damages.
Illinois’s Statute of Limitations
It is important to note that each state has its own statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit. If a case is not filed before this time limit expires, it can have serious negative impacts on the client’s case. In Chicago, under 735 I.L.C.S. 5/13-202, car accident victims usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is crucial for attorneys to be aware of these deadlines and act accordingly to best serve their clients.
There is an exception if the client in question is under 18. If the victim were a child when they were injured, the statute of limitations would begin to run on the 18th birthday. Our team can help ensure your client’s case is filed before time runs out.
Contributory Negligence in Illinois
When it comes to determining fault in a car accident lawsuit in Chicago, Illinois, it follows modified comparative negligence rules. That means that your client might still be able to receive compensation, even if they played a role in causing the accident, as long as their share of liability is not found to be 50% or greater. If the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
Vicarious Liability
When assessing a car accident case, it is crucial to consider whether the driver at fault was on the clock during the incident and whether their employer can be held accountable. In most cases, employers can be held responsible for the negligence of their employees if it occurred while they were performing their regular job duties. However, if the accident involved a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft, there might be obstacles in holding them liable for damages in a legal suit. Our lawyers specializing in car accident referrals can thoroughly examine your client’s case to pinpoint and assign accountability to all parties responsible for their injuries.
Our Chicago Attorneys for a Car Accident Referral Can Help
For a free evaluation of your client’s case with our attorneys for a car accident referral, contact the Ratigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502.
Resources