CHICAGO, IL – When someone runs a red light, they normally will be cited for causing the accident. If property damage occurs, the insurance company for the other driver is likely to accept responsibility and pay the claim. However, it’s important to know that if you are claiming bodily injuries as a result of the auto collision, you can bet the insurance company will try to reduce their liability by blaming you too.
How an Insurance Company Blames the Person with the Green Light
Under Illinois law, all drivers have the responsibility to keep a proper lookout while driving. This means that when you arrive at an intersection you are expected to look left and right before proceeding. If you see a car approaching too quickly, you should stop to prevent an intersection collision. If you don’t see the car in time, the insurance company will blame you for not keeping a proper lookout.
How They Get Away with It
Under Illinois law, all parties’ actions are judged under a comparative negligence standard. This means that the jury doesn’t simply decide that party “A” is at fault or party “B” is at fault. The jury considers both parties’ conduct and divides responsibility for the accident between the parties. If your percentage of responsibility is less than 50%, you collect that percentage of damages. If your percentage of responsibility is more than 50%, you get nothing.
How Insurance Companies Trick You
Insurance adjusters are highly trained at tricking victims to save their own company money. They will call you following the car accident and act like they are there to help you. They get you to allow a recorded statement and lead you into agreeing you didn’t take the time to look before driving after the green light.
Suddenly, a simple situation where the other driver was clearly at fault for running a red light becomes unclear and defensible by the insurance company because you didn’t seek legal advice before speaking to a trained insurance adjuster. It’s important to never speak to an insurance company without consulting a car accident attorney before. Contact the car crash lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group so we can speak on your behalf to yield a positive outcome.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice
If you have been in a car crash, don’t get victimized twice. Speak to a Chicago, Illinois car accident lawyer before you speak to an adjuster. Consult with the Dinizulu Law Group to promptly be advised on your legal rights. In Illinois, you have a two-year statute of limitation period in which you must file a lawsuit or be forever barred from bringing such a claim; therefore, our Illinois car accident lawyers should be consulted as soon as possible.
Contact us today at (312) 384-1920 to receive a free consultation.
