Did the State of Illinois Contribute to My Car Crash?

 Posted on September 19, 2024 in Car Accidents

When you hear about someone being injured in a car or truck accident, you probably think the drivers were responsible. It may not occur to you that a state, federal, or local government might share the blame. However, government agencies may be held liable for your injuries in certain situations.

How can the government cause motor vehicle accidents? Can I get compensation from a government entity? These claims are more complex than many other personal injury cases, but a knowledgeable lawyer from McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC can overcome the potential challenges to help you achieve a successful resolution.

How Could a Government Agency Cause Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Government departments are responsible for much of our nation’s infrastructure. For instance, the Joliet Department of Public Works is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, streetlights, roadway signs, and other public properties. The federal government provides some funding for various interstate highways in Illinois via the Highway Trust Fund, but state and local governments are also responsible.

When the department responsible for infrastructure, whether state, federal, or local, fails to keep it maintained and safe, that agency may be held accountable for injuries that result from its negligence. Examples of potential negligence include:

• Unrepaired potholes

• Broken pavement

• Road construction issues

• Burned-out streetlights

• Malfunctioning traffic signals

• Inadequate signage

Any of these and other similar issues can contribute to causing truck or car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and even wrongful death. Government employees or government-owned vehicles can also cause collisions. If you can prove that the applicable agency was negligent in its duties to provide safe travel, you may be entitled to compensation. However, many people are intimidated by the thought of asking the government for a settlement. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we are confident in our abilities to win these cases.

What Challenges Can You Face in Claims Against the Government?

There are many differences when you pursue compensation from a government agency as compared to individuals, organizations, and businesses:

• In some cases, the agency may have sovereign immunity.

• The statute of limitations for these cases is one year as opposed to two for most other claims.

• You must file a notice of claim.

• You need evidence that clearly establishes negligence and liability.

Other protocols may confuse you further. When you choose McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we will explain the procedures and ensure your case is handled correctly.

What Damages Could You Receive?

As with any other motor vehicle collision, your accident and injuries likely produced expenses such as medical care, car repair or replacement, and lost income. You may also suffer from various ways the accident adversely affected your quality of life. You may qualify for reimbursement or compensation for these and other losses.

We cannot tell you what damages you are eligible for or how much you might receive until we assess your unique situation. However, your attorney from McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC will work to help you obtain the maximum allowable amount.

Call Our Skilled Joliet, IL Car Accident Lawyers Today

When you partner with McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we will work to protect your best interests regardless of who is at fault for your accident, even if it is a government entity. Call us at 815-727-0100 now for your free consultation with our determined Will County, IL personal injury attorneys.