Peoria Car Accident Lawyer
A crash on War Memorial Drive at rush hour or a sudden slowdown on I-74 near the Murray Baker Bridge can change your life in seconds. One moment you’re heading to work; the next you’re dealing with injuries, a totaled vehicle and an insurance adjuster asking for a recorded statement.
Meyer & Kiss represents people hurt in car accidents throughout Peoria and Central Illinois. We handle the investigation, the paperwork and the negotiations so you can focus on getting better.
Common causes of car accidents in Peoria
Most crashes we see come down to a driver who wasn’t paying attention or didn’t follow the rules of the road. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting and phone use behind the wheel
- Speeding or driving too fast for rain, snow or ice
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failing to yield or running red lights at intersections
- Following too closely, causing rear-end collisions
- Unsafe lane changes and merges on the interstate
- Hit-and-run drivers and uninsured motorists
Serving Peoria and Peoria County
Crashes in Peoria often happen at busy commercial corridors like War Memorial Drive and Knoxville Avenue, on the Murray Baker and McClugage bridges over the Illinois River, and on interstate stretches where traffic merges at speed. Car accident lawsuits arising in Peoria are typically filed at the Peoria County Courthouse (Illinois Tenth Judicial Circuit). We serve clients in Peoria and nearby communities including East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Pekin, Bartonville, Morton, Washington and Dunlap.
Illinois car accident law: what you should know
Deadlines are strict. In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Claims against a city, county or other local public entity generally must be filed within one year (745 ILCS 10/8-101). Missing a deadline can end your case before it starts.
Shared fault doesn’t automatically bar recovery. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). You can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurers often try to shift blame to you for exactly this reason.
Illinois is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, and their insurer, is responsible for your losses. Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, which often isn’t enough for serious injuries. Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection.
Compensation you may be able to recover
Every case is different, but injured people in Illinois may seek compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of a normal life
- Disability and disfigurement
- Vehicle repair or replacement
What to do after a car accident in Peoria
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is made.
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take hours or days to show up.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions and your injuries.
- Collect names and contact information for witnesses.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Keep copies of medical bills, records and proof of missed work.
- Contact a Peoria car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Illinois?
In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. Claims against local government entities generally have a one-year deadline. Because exceptions apply, talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Early offers often come before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept and sign a release, you usually can’t ask for more. Speak with a lawyer before agreeing to any settlement.
Talk to a Peoria car accident lawyer today
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect evidence and your deadlines. Call Meyer & Kiss or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Attorney advertising. This page provides general information about Illinois law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
