Can You Sue for a No-Contact Accident?

If you were injured in a crash that did not involve a collision, you may be wondering if you can sue for a no-contact accident. Not all auto accidents involve two vehicles physically colliding with one another. Although these crashes may not involve car-to-car contact, the law can still hold the at-fault driver liable for other people’s injuries.

The knowledgeable car accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane have helped accident victims in a wide range of auto accident cases. We know that after a serious wreck, you may be facing high medical bills, pain, disability, and time away from your job that you can’t afford. You can’t trust the insurance company to help you in these situations. You need a trusted attorney with proven results you can trust to protect your rights and best interests.

If you were hurt in a no-contact accident, we encourage you to contact our office right away. You have a limited time to seek justice after a crash, and the clock is already ticking on your case. Coplan + Crane offers free case evaluations and handles car accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win.

What Is a No-Contact Car Accident?

A no-contact car accident occurs when the actions of one driver cause another driver (or drivers) to crash in some way. In these cases, the at-fault driver’s vehicle does not collide with other vehicles, but he or she is still ultimately responsible for the crash and any subsequent injuries.

Some of the main causes of no-contact car accidents include:

• Vehicles swerving into adjacent lanes
• Drivers running other vehicles off the road
• Drivers cutting others off and causing a wreck
• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, causing others to swerve and crash
• Drivers stopping abruptly, causing vehicles behind them to swerve to avoid hitting them
• Defective vehicle parts

Just because a negligent driver does not physically hit your car, it does not mean they aren’t responsible for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. An experienced attorney can investigate the facts in your case, gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. 

Who Can You Sue For a No-Contact Accident in Chicago?

Determining liability for a no-contact car accident requires a careful examination of all the evidence available. Depending on the details of the crash, multiple parties could be responsible for your losses, such as:

• The driver who caused the crash: Reaching a car accident settlement typically involves negotiating with the negligent driver’s insurance company. If another driver’s wrongdoing caused your accident and injuries, his or her insurance company may be fully liable for your related losses.
• The employer of the at-fault driver: In certain circumstances, employers in Illinois can be held liable for wrecks caused by their employees. If the driver who caused the crash was on the clock at the time of the accident, you may be able to seek compensation from his or her employer’s liability insurance. 
• A rideshare company like Lyft or Uber: Although Lyft and Uber drivers are not employees, rideshare companies can be held liable for accidents that occur while their drivers are giving rides to passengers.
• Government agencies or contractors: When an issue with a road or signage contributes to a crash, a government agency or contractor responsible for the road’s upkeep or signage can be held liable. This includes issues with the road’s repair, maintenance, and construction. 
• A vehicle manufacturer: Vehicle defects are common causes of no-contact car accidents. If an issue with your car (or another driver’s car) triggered your accident, the car’s manufacturer may owe you compensation.

Determining what caused a crash and who is at fault requires a thorough investigation. The car accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane gather all available evidence to identify the factors that led to the wreck. Pertinent evidence can include:

• Eye-witness testimony
• Photos from the accident scene
• Traffic or surveillance video footage
• Cell phone, employment, or business records
• Maintenance and repair records
• A forensic investigator’s report
• A computer-simulated reconstruction of the accident

Call a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for FREE

Your first step toward justice in a no-contact car accident begins with a free initial consultation with the attorneys at Coplan + Crane. During your free case evaluation, our lawyers will listen to your story, answer your questions, address your concerns, explain your rights, and discuss your legal options.

If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else, contact the Chicago car accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane today. Our experienced attorneys can ensure your rights and best interests are protected.

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Contact our office online or call (708) 358-8080 today for a FREE initial consultation. We welcome clients from Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas throughout Illinois.