Multi-Vehicle or Pile-Up Accidents
A multi-vehicle or pile-up accident involves more than two vehicles. These accidents commonly occur on highways or at intersections, and can result in very serious injuries and death. Due to the fact that these accidents involve more than two vehicles, determining who was at fault for the accident can be extremely difficult. Not only that, dealing with multiple parties, witnesses, and insurance companies can make dealing with the clean-up of such an accident a lot of work.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Pile-up Accidents
Every driver has the responsibility to drive safely for the sake of others on the road, their passengers, and themselves. Despite the many technological advances that enhance motor vehicle safety, every year more accidents occur.
The failure to drive carefully leaves drivers responsible for any consequences of resulting accidents. According to data evaluated by the Insurance Information Institute, the following kinds of driver behavior are commonly at play in car accidents:
- Speeding above the posted limit, or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting or talking)
- Aggression
- Fatigue
Compensation You Deserve
Under Illinois law, if you are involved in a multi-vehicle or pile-up accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement of medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent impairment, lost wages, and property damage. If you or a loved one was killed as a result of a multi-vehicle or pile-up accident, you may be entitled to recovery under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1). Consulting an attorney early on in your case is the best way to ensure that your damages have been properly documented so that you receive fair value for your claim. Also, be sure to seek medical treatment right away if you believe that you have been injured, as more often than not, this is a big factor in the outcome of car accident cases.
Illinois Time Limits on Filing Suit
Illinois sets a time limit of two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. In most cases, this two-year time limit, known as a “statute of limitations,” begins to run on the date of the accident. Sometimes, however, a statute of limitations might run from the date that you discovered you were injured, rather than the date of the event that injured you. This later date is known as a “discovery date.”
For injury claims against a city or county, you have one year to file a lawsuit. The time limit to sue the state is generally two years, but you must file a formal claim within one year in order to sue.
A qualified personal injury attorney can help guide you through this difficult time and alleviate some of the stress.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
For a confidential, compassionate, in-depth, free, and, most importantly, thorough consultation with a Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer about your multi-vehicle or pile-up-related auto accident injury case in Rockford, Belvidere, Freeport, Rochelle, Oregon, Loves Park, Byron, Machesney Park, Roscoe, Rockton, or elsewhere in the State of Illinois, call or text message us at (815) 391-0089, or e-mail us 24/7/365. We offer in-office consultations, and routinely make visits to clients’ homes, hospital rooms, nursing homes, and other off-site locations to make retaining our services as easy as possible.