Rockford Car Accident Lawyer
East State Street, Alpine Road and the I-90/I-39 interchange see some of the heaviest traffic in the Rockford area, and crashes there are often serious. If another driver’s carelessness put you in the hospital, you shouldn’t be left to cover the cost.
Meyer & Kiss represents injured drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians across Rockford and Winnebago County. We deal with the insurance companies and build the evidence while you recover.
Common causes of car accidents in Rockford
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 Rockford and Winnebago County
Rockford’s mix of busy retail corridors, the tollway and older city streets creates many crash points, including East State Street near the I-90 interchange, Alpine Road, Perryville Road and the Rock River crossings downtown. Car accident lawsuits arising in Rockford are typically filed at the Winnebago County Courthouse (Illinois Seventeenth Judicial Circuit). We serve clients in Rockford and nearby communities including Loves Park, Machesney Park, Cherry Valley, Belvidere, Roscoe, Rockton and Byron.
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 Rockford
- 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 Rockford 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 Rockford 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.
