Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

My Friend Was Driving and Crashed the Car. Can I Sue Him?

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Devastating car accidents that cause serious injuries are events most people believe will never happen to them. Yet the most serious car accidents often happen when people least expect it; driving with friends in the car, for example, is a prime cause of distracted driving accidents because people are talking, handing each other things, and calling the driver’s attention away from the road.

Young men are particularly susceptible to car accidents involving friends in the car. Goofing around and trying to show off are classic young adult behaviors, and while they are typically harmless, they can have serious consequences when they happen in a car. If you were injured when your friend crashed the car he was driving, you may be wondering if you can take action.

Insurance Companies and Car Accidents

After a crash involving close friends, you may be tempted to discuss the crash with your friend who was driving. However, their car insurance policy is likely to be a significant source of compensation for your injuries, and comments you make to your friend can make their way back to the insurance company.

Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone else involved in the accident. If the insurance company calls you, you can provide basic details about the crash (when and where it happened) but do not speculate about what caused the crash or how seriously you are injured. Insurance companies are for-profit companies trying to minimize their payouts whenever possible and will use any information you give them to their advantage.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue My Friend?

Beyond what your friend’s insurance company offers, you may want to pursue a personal injury case that directly holds your friend responsible for their negligent behavior. It is important to have an attorney to represent you in any car crash in which you are injured, but this is especially true when a good friend is involved. Many companies do not cover harm caused by intentional acts of the insured party. Let your attorney handle the legal aspects of the case and take the pressure off you.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Will County Personal Injury Lawyer

The reckless actions of even a good friend can have a lifetime impact on someone injured in a car accident. If you were hurt because your friend crashed the car you were in, schedule a complimentary case review with the Plainfield, IL car crash injury lawyer with Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer. We will examine your case, help you gather evidence, and pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Call 815-730-1977 now.

 

Source:

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/teenagers

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

Call 815-258-7877

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