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Car Accident Attorney in Makanda

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Over $50 Million in Recoveries

Personal Injury Attorney Chicago
Personal Injury Lawyer Orland Park Illinois | Carlson Bier Associates

About Carlson Bier Associates

Experiencing a car accident can be daunting, and the process that follows can often feel overwhelming. Carlson Bier knows this firsthand and is dedicated to providing exceptional legal support focused on car accident claims in Makanda. Our team of skilled attorneys is well-versed with Illinois law, understanding all its nuances to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome for your case. We believe every detail matters during an investigation; our methodical approach will scrutinize every facet of your situation before pursuing compensation on your behalf. Our expertise extends over various circumstances related to automobile accidents — whether it involves negotiation with insurance companies or aggressive courtroom representation, we strive for excellence at every turn. Time after time, victims have entrusted us their distressing experiences because we honor these personal narratives by making them central to our representation strategy. To choose Carlson Bier means choosing total commitment towards protecting your rights post-accident while aiming toward favorable resolutions — an example of dedication known throughout Illinois’ justice system as second-to-none.

About Carlson Bier

Car Accident Lawyers in Makanda Illinois

At Carlson Bier, we are a reputable group of personal injury attorneys located in the heart of Illinois and known for our dedication to achieving justice for victims of car accidents. Our commitment resonates with clients from diverse backgrounds who have been embroiled in vehicular incidents due to the negligence or reckless behavior of others. As your legal representation, we bring to bear immeasurable expertise and experience gained through years of extensive practice in the field.

Here’s what you should understand about car accidents. They’re indiscriminate – no one is immune from them; they can happen suddenly at any time due to several reasons such as distracted driving (texting while driving), speeding, drunk-driving, reckless driving, weather conditions or even automotive defects. Key pointers on these individual causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Did you know that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds which can result in fatal collisions?

• Speeding: Accidents occur in milliseconds yet speed reduces reaction time causing severe damage when it results in an accident.

• Drunk-Driving: Alcohol impairs coordination and critical thinking — necessities when operating a vehicle.

• Reckless Driving: Not signalling before changing lanes or not checking the blind spot may seem small but often culminate into dangerous situations.

• Weather Conditions: Through no fault of the drivers involved, heavy rainfalls and snowstorms can trigger disastrous roadway circumstances.

• Automotive Defects: Factory defects including faulty brakes or poor quality tires could be responsible for an unexpected accident.

When involved or affected by any such incident, it’s important to remember that preserving your right is fundamental. Whether injured physically, psychologically or both following a car crash accident, Carlson Bier steps up to help protect those rights by offering exceptional legal advice and guidance. We will tirelessly work with our clients through comprehensive negotiations all aimed at securing fair compensation packages that address lost wages during recovery periods along with medical expenses incurred due to the accident.

Further to this, we also understand emotional or psychological sequela arising from the incident – such post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression that may lead to lost earning power. We thoroughly examine every detail of the case and fight for compensation in these areas too.

No case is too small or too big; be it a simple fender-bender at the town intersection or a catastrophic accident on Illinois’ freeways, our team of personal injury attorneys are committed to delivering tailored legal solutions developed through meticulous litigation strategies. Even when confronted with challenging scenarios like hit-and-run incidents or uninsured motorist disasters where locating culpable individuals becomes cumbersome, we’re more than ready to rise up for your rights!

Additionally, while working towards obtaining financial compensation that you deserve following an auto-accident injury is our primary work as personal injury lawyers, Carlson Bier takes greater strides in empowering its clientele. We do this by providing them with insightful knowledge about obtaining suitable medical care and dealing with pesky insurance companies keen on avoiding payouts. Equipped with all this information coupled with an experienced law firm backing your claim enables you to navigate these murky waters seamlessly.

Over time Carlson Bier has distinguished itself as one among few Illinois-based firms that have managed significant wins against even the most formidable opponents. This has been born out of relentless preparation, masterful negotiation skills and courtroom tenacity supplied by our deft team of lawyers.

How much compensation can you expect after a car crash? The answer isn’t straightforward because various factors come into play including specifics about injuries sustained, overall impacts on personal life and future earnings projection following recovery periods off work due CMS policies (policy number / proposal values). So why not let us help guide you through this process whilst striving for justice during each step? Click on the button below now – discover what your potential claim could be worth!

Testimonials from Clients

Your Success Is Our Success

Notable Illinois Appellate Wins

Moruzzi v. CCC Servs., Inc., 2020 IL App (2d) 190411, 171 N.E.3d 61
Background: Insured motorist filed action against insurer for declaratory judgment seeking construction of automobile insurance policy issued to insured and that was in effect when insured was injured by an underinsured driver. The Circuit Court, DuPage County, Bonnie M. Wheaton, J., granted the insurer's motions for summary judgment. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Zenoff, J., held that:1 medical payments reduction clause in automobile insurance policy conflicted with underinsured motorist provisions so as to render reduction clause ambiguous, and thus medical payment benefits were deductible from insured's damages;2 law firm representing insured did not create common fund or common funds when it reached settlement with underinsured motorist, and thus law firm was not entitled to recover fees under common-fund doctrine; and3 collateral estoppel did not bar automobile insurers from litigating whether common-fund doctrine applied in insured motorist's declaratory judgment action.Affirmed in part and reversed in part.
Maier v. CC Servs., Inc., 2019 IL App (3d) 170640, 132 N.E.3d 795
Background: After insured, who was injured in automobile collision with another driver, recovered full liability limits of driver's policy, she filed amended complaint for declaratory judgment against her own automobile insurer, alleging that insurer breached contractual duty to pay for insured's damages in accordance with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in insured's policy and that insurer acted in bad faith in denying insured such coverage. The Circuit Court, La Salle County, Troy D. Holland, J., granted the insurer's motion to dismiss claims as time-barred. Insured appealed.The Appellate Court ruled that neither the insurer nor the insured could add amended policy provisions to the court record. It was decided that the policy's requirement for a written arbitration demand applied to both uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. The court found that a letter from the insured's attorney to the insurer wasn't a valid arbitration demand nor a proof of loss to toll the statute of limitations. Finally, the insurer was permitted to use the defense based on the two-year statute of limitations period. The court's decision was affirmed.
Econ. Premier Assurance Co. v. Country Mut. Ins. Co., 2021 IL App (1st) 192364-U
Holding: The circuit court's order that granted defendant's motion for summary judgment and denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment was proper where defendant had no duty to indemnify its insured with respect to the underlying complaint and therefore plaintiff was not entitled to recover against defendant on its subrogation or unjust enrichment claims; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Westerheide, 2023 IL App (5th) 220343-U
Holding: The court affirmed judgment of the circuit court granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff where the defendant failed to make a written demand for arbitration within two years from the date of the accident as required by the underinsured provisions of the defendant's automotive insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Olsak, 2022 IL App (1st) 200695, 216 N.E.3d 291
In a complex legal case, an insurer sought to avoid defending or indemnifying a hockey player under a policy issued to the player's stepfather after the player was sued for assaulting his coach. The initial Circuit Court ruling favored the insurer, but the Appellate Court reversed this decision, leading to a protracted legal battle. Ultimately, the Appellate Court determined the insurer was liable only up to the $3 million policy limit and found the insurer's four-year delay in seeking a declaratory judgment to be reasonable. This case highlights important aspects of insurance litigation and policy limit liabilities.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Durkin Elec. Co., Inc., 2022 IL App (1st) 210293-U, appeal denied, 199 N.E.3d 1187 (Ill. 2022)
Holding: The circuit court's order that denied plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment and found that defendant was an additional insured under the policy was proper. The circuit court's order that denied defendant's motion for summary judgment and found that plaintiff did not have a duty to defend or indemnify defendant under the policy was proper; affirmed.
Country Preferred Ins. Co. v. Groen, 2017 IL App (4th) 160028, 69 N.E.3d 911
Background: Uninsured motorist (UM) carrier brought action against insured for declaratory judgment that it owed no benefits since workers' compensation received by insured exceeded policy limits. The Circuit Court, Sangamon County, Chris Perrin, J., entered summary judgment in favor of the carrier. Insured appealed.Holdings: The Appellate Court, Harris, J., held that:1 employer's medical payments entitled carrier to setoff, and2 setoff clauses were enforceable.Affirmed.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Frobish, 2021 IL App (3d) 190473-U
Holding: Allegations in the underlying complaint that a township employee caused property damage by excavating and digging out a ditch failed to impose a duty to defend under township employee's individual farm insurance policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Jones, 2018 IL App (1st) 173154-U
Holding: The judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed; plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment on its claim for a declaratory judgment that it has no duty to defend or indemnify its insured against the underlying complaint because the loss claimed in the underlying complaint is subject to an exclusion. The court held that it would also enter judgment for plaintiff because the underlying complaint does not allege an “occurrence” causing bodily injury within the meaning of the policy.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Schmitt, 2021 IL App (5th) 190173-U
Holding: The appellate court reversed and remanded the judgment of the circuit court where plaintiff had no duty to defend its insured and thus was not stopped from raising policy defenses to coverage for the underlying tort action contained in the amended declaratory action.
Country Mut. Ins. Co. v. Livorsi Marine, Inc., 222 Ill. 2d 303, 856 N.E.2d 338 (2006) (the late Keith Carlson)
Liability insurer brought action against insureds for a declaratory judgment based on failure to provide timely notice of lawsuits against them. The Circuit Court, Cook County, Stephen A. Schiller, J., entered judgment for the insurer. Insureds appealed. The Appellate Court, Wolfson, J., 358 Ill.App.3d 880, 295 Ill.Dec. 665, 833 N.E.2d 871, affirmed. Leave to appeal was granted.Holdings: The Supreme Court, Garman, J., held that:1 if the insurer did not receive reasonable notice of an occurrence or a lawsuit, the policyholder may not recover under the policy, regardless of whether the lack of reasonable notice prejudiced the insurer, overruling Rice v. AAA Aerostar, Inc., 294 Ill.App.3d 801, 229 Ill.Dec. 20, 690 N.E.2d 1067, and Cincinnati Insurance Co. v. Baur's Opera House, Inc., 296 Ill.App.3d 1011, 230 Ill.Dec. 624, 694 N.E.2d 593, and2 insured did not need to prove that it was prejudiced by delayed notice of lawsuits.Affirmed.
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Car Accident FAQ​

The most common causes of car accidents in Chicago include:

  • Driver negligence: This includes distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield.
  • Road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
  • Vehicle defects: Defective vehicles can cause accidents in a variety of ways.
  • Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slick and dangerous.

If you are involved in a car accident in Chicago, you should:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
  • Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, insurance information, and license plate number.
  • Take pictures of the scene of the accident. This will help you document what happened and build your case if you decide to file a lawsuit.
  • Report the accident to the police. This will create a record of the accident and help you get help if you need it.
  • Contact a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.

As a car accident victim in Chicago, you have the right to:

  • Seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
  • File a lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident.
  • Have your case heard by a jury.

In a car accident lawsuit in Chicago, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages: This includes the wages you lost while you were unable to work because of your injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a result of your injuries.

In a car accident lawsuit in Chicago, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages: This includes the wages you lost while you were unable to work because of your injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured as a result of your injuries.

    Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

    Punitive damages: These damages are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious or reckless conduct.

The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Illinois is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

All Attorney Services in Makanda

Areas of Practice in Makanda

Pedal Cycle Collisions

Proficient in legal advocacy for individuals injured in bicycle accidents due to others' indifference or risky conditions.

Fire Injuries

Supplying expert legal help for victims of severe burn injuries caused by occurrences or carelessness.

Healthcare Carelessness

Providing expert legal services for individuals affected by physician malpractice, including negligent care.

Merchandise Liability

Handling cases involving defective products, delivering specialist legal services to victims affected by product-related injuries.

Elder Abuse

Supporting the rights of seniors who have been subjected to malpractice in elderly care environments, ensuring compensation.

Fall and Slip Mishaps

Skilled in handling tumble accident cases, providing legal representation to persons seeking compensation for their harm.

Infant Wounds

Offering legal guidance for relatives affected by medical malpractice resulting in birth injuries.

Vehicle Incidents

Collisions: Committed to assisting patients of car accidents obtain just settlement for harms and damages.

Motorcycle Mishaps

Specializing in providing representation for victims involved in bike accidents, ensuring justice for harm.

Truck Accident

Extending adept legal advice for persons involved in truck accidents, focusing on securing adequate claims for hurts.

Building Site Accidents

Focused on supporting employees or bystanders injured in construction site accidents due to oversights or recklessness.

Head Damages

Committed to providing expert legal services for clients suffering from head injuries due to incidents.

Dog Bite Damages

Adept at tackling cases for victims who have suffered injuries from canine attacks or animal attacks.

Foot-traveler Incidents

Expert in legal support for joggers involved in accidents, providing effective representation for recovering compensation.

Wrongful Fatality

Standing up for grieving parties affected by a wrongful death, offering caring and expert legal assistance to ensure justice.

Backbone Impairment

Specializing in representing clients with vertebral damage, offering compassionate legal guidance to secure compensation.

Contact Us Today if you need a Person Injury Lawyer