Quincy Auto Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim After A Motor Vehicle Accident

Arriving safely is your number one goal when you get behind the wheel. Other drivers may have different concerns. Although you drive cautiously and remain alert, you may not be able to prevent an auto accident from happening. If a careless or negligent driver causes your collision, you may still be responsible for paying the bills that result from your a motor vehicle accident.

At the Law Office of Stephen P. Rapp, our legal team is dedicated to holding at-fault drivers responsible for their actions. Auto accident attorney Stephen P. Rapp has advocated for motor vehicle accident victims and their loved ones in Quincy and West Central Illinois for more than 30 years. He challenges insurance companies when they reject accident claims or offer low settlements.

Protecting Victims Rights Involved In A Range Of Collisions

Since 1993, Attorney Rapp has represented thousands of injured people and their loved ones in obtaining compensation for their injuries and damages. He uses his substantial personal injury background to establish a compelling case for complex matters related to:

• Motor vehicle and semi-truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Accidents caused by drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs
• Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
• Wrongful death claims

Although Illinois requires all drivers to carry car insurance, many drivers are underinsured or uninsured motorists. If you do not have qualified representation, you may have a hard time recovering money to pay for your damages. Our team regularly handles these cases with the goal to secure fair compensation.

As your steadfast lawyer, Mr. Rapp’s commitment is to protect your interests. Insurance companies and claims adjusters are focused on maintaining their profit. It makes sense to contact a proven auto accident lawyer to help you resolve your personal injury matters effectively.

Do You Need To Report A Car Accident In Illinois?

Illinois law requires drivers to report accidents in specific situations. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences:

• Any accident involving injury or death must be reported immediately to law enforcement
• Accidents with property damage exceeding $1,500 must be reported within 10 days
• Failure to report an injury accident is considered a felony under Illinois law
• Not reporting a property damage accident can result in driver’s license suspension

These strict reporting requirements exist to ensure proper documentation of accidents, which becomes crucial evidence when pursuing compensation claims. Even in minor accidents, filing a police report creates an official record that can protect you if the other driver later changes their story or if injuries develop days after the collision.

How Do Illinois Car Insurance Laws And The At-Fault System Factor Into A Car Accident Claim?

Illinois operates under an “at-fault” insurance system combined with “modified comparative negligence” principles:

• All Illinois drivers must carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to multiple people, and $20,000 for property damage
• Under the modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
• Many drivers carry only minimum coverage or drive without insurance entirely

Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to reduce their liability. Our Quincy auto accident lawyers ensure these tactics do not prevent you from receiving fair compensation.

How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Lawsuit?

Time limits for filing legal action after a motor vehicle accident in Illinois are strictly enforced:

• Personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident
• Property damage claims have a longer statute of limitations of five years
• Claims against government entities may have much shorter notice requirements
• Missing these deadlines typically means permanently losing your right to seek compensation

The sooner you consult with an attorney after an accident, the better positioned you will be to preserve evidence, document injuries properly and meet all required deadlines. At Law Office of Stephen P. Rapp, we help clients navigate these time-sensitive matters while building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation. As experienced Quincy auto accident lawyers, we provide critical guidance to protect your rights from the moment an accident occurs.

Our Local Firm Has An Impressive Record Of Success. Contact Us For Help.

For information about protecting your claim, we invite you to schedule your confidential, no-obligation claim evaluation by calling us at 217-223-4570 or by using our contact form.