Reviewing the Illlinois Vehicle Code

On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, September 25, 2014.

Motorists in Illinois may benefit from reviewing select provisions from the state vehicle code. It's worth noting that under state law, the motor vehicle owner's registration certificate, sticker and license plates shall be suspended if the insurance liability insurance coverage becomes inoperative. Owners using the vehicle for work purposes would have their certificate of compliance repealed until the vehicle complies with the state's requirements again.

Motor vehicle owners who fail to comply with the provisions set forth by the Secretary of State may be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Illinois Vehicle Code also outlines the rights and parameters concerning insurance coverage for private and public sector employees using a work vehicle. The Illinois Insurance Code also expands upon some of the rights expressed in the vehicle code provisions. The laws also state that occupants of a vehicle that crashes are only entitled to take action for damages if injuries or death result from the owner or operator's willful and wanton misconduct.

Drivers or motor vehicle operators for hire are not provided any protections from the responsibility for injuries or death suffered by a passenger. However, employers are not held liable for injuries or death caused by workers ridesharing if the arrangement is not sponsored or contracted through the employer. In addition, employers cannot be held liable for merely encouraging workers to participate in ridesharing. People who are injured by an accident in Illinois may benefit from contacting legal counsel as quickly as possible.

Car accident victims may be entitled to recover restitution to help account for medical expenses, repair costs, loss of income or other damages related to the incident. In order to collect compensation, plaintiffs' lawyers may be required to prove that the accident was caused by the defendant's negligence. Legal counsel might focus on gathering credible evidence by examining the police report and witness accounts.

Source: Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/9-107
Source: Illinois General Assemblu, "Illinois Compiled Statutes", September 19, 2014