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General

Is Illinois a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Many drivers ask, "Is Illinois an at-fault state or a no-fault state?" Local car accident laws dictate that Illinois is a tort state, also known as an “at-fault” state. This means when an accident happens, the driver who did not cause the accident files a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. State Laws for Car Accident Liability Car insurance and auto accident liability laws work differently from state to state. States may fall under one of three categories, including: No-fault At-fault Choice no-fault At-Fault vs No-Fault States No-Fault States In no-fault states, you file claims with your own insurance company, regardless of who caused the crash. Your insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages up to policy limits. You can only sue the other driver if your injuries are severe or exceed certain cost thresholds. At-Fault States In at-fault states, like Illinois, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for all damages. Their insurance must pay for others' injuries and vehicle damage. You may also be able to...

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Is Sliding On Ice an At-Fault Accident? Liability in Winter

Northern Illinois winters create hazardous driving conditions that lead to numerous car accidents each year. From unexpected black ice to heavy snowfall, winter weather challenges even the most skilled and careful drivers. Many Illinois residents may wonder, who's liable when snow and car accidents combine? This question can have different answers depending on the situation. To learn about winter car accident liability, continue reading. If you've been injured in a recent collision, reach out to our law firm to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Understanding Liability in Winter Crashes When winter car crashes happen, many drivers assume no one is at fault because of the bad weather conditions. Sleet, snow, icy roads, and high winds can easily cause accidents to occur. However, Illinois law expects drivers to take proper precautions when navigating winter weather hazards. This means every person behind the wheel of a car has a responsibility to drive as carefully as possible. Therefore, accidents caused by black ice or blizzard winds usually still...

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Common Real Estate Disputes: Contracts, Titles, & More

Buying or selling property in Illinois should be exciting, not stressful. However, real estate transactions can become complicated when legal issues arise. Understanding common real estate disputes and how to handle them can help protect your investment and give you peace of mind. Real Estate Legal Issues: Examples Contract Disputes & Breaches Real estate contract disputes happen when either party fails to meet their contractual obligations. These issues can delay or derail your transaction. Watch out for these common breach of contract examples: Sellers backing out of agreements Buyers missing payment deadlines Disagreements about included fixtures or appliances Changes to the property between contract and closing Seller failed to disclose known issues about the property Disputes about earnest money Missing or incorrect paperwork Clear contracts protect both parties. Having a qualified lawyer review your contract before signing can prevent problems from arising. Title Issues One of the most serious examples of real estate legal issues is problems with property titles. Concerns surrounding the title of a property can threaten your...

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How To Talk About Estate Planning With Your Parents

Are you wondering how to talk to your parents about estate planning? Starting a conversation about this topic isn't easy. Many adult children worry about appearing greedy or making their parents uncomfortable. However, having these important conversations helps protect your parents' wishes and their legacy. If you want to learn some tips for how to approach this sensitive topic with care, continue reading. Why an Estate Planning Conversation Is Important Estate planning isn't just about distributing assets— it's about giving your parents peace of mind and protecting their wishes. When families avoid these conversations, it often leads to confusion, stress, and even legal complications later. A clear estate plan helps prevent family conflicts and ensures your parents' healthcare and financial decisions are honored. Tips for Discussing Estate Planning 1. Make a Plan Before You Talk Choose a quiet, private time to broach the subject when everyone feels relaxed. Start by having a conversation with your parents about the future. Prepare specific questions, but stay flexible as the conversation progresses. Understand...

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Why Estate Planning for Business Owners Is Important

As a business owner, you've dedicated yourself to building a strong operation. You've invested countless hours, resources, and energy into making your business successful. That's just one major reason why estate planning for business owners is so crucial. If something unexpected were to happen and you could no longer run your business, do you know if it would survive? Would your family know what to do if they inherited it? Would the state have control over its future based on predetermined laws? These are all matters a thorough estate plan can help address. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of having an estate plan as a business owner in Illinois. The Value of an Estate Plan for Your Business Estate planning isn't just about distributing personal assets, it's about protecting everything you've built. For business owners, an estate plan serves as a roadmap for your company's future. It helps to ensure that your life's work continues to thrive even when you're no longer at the helm. Let's explore...

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Five Most Important Estate Planning Documents

There are five basic estate planning documents that make up a thorough estate plan. These include a will, beneficiary designations for insurance policies and retirement accounts, power of attorney (POA), trusts, and health care directive. Planning your estate can be difficult as it involves intricate legal paperwork, financial complexities, and tax considerations. Nevertheless, an estate plan is a crucial part of protecting your legacy and family. While it might be unsettling to think about, having a strategy for your estate after death is essential. All your possessions, from your home to bank accounts and other assets, make up your estate. While estate planning can be complicated, it's not as stressful as you think when you hire an experienced attorney. Our estate planning lawyers serving Rockford, IL, are here to help you understand the basics. Below, you'll find more information on what is included in an estate plan. Estate Planning Documents Checklist As stated above, the most important legal documents that make up a thorough estate plan include five essentials: A...

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When Should You Make a Will? A Guide for Illinois Residents

Have you ever wondered when to create a will? It's a common question but the answer isn't always straightforward. At Crosby Law Firm, we understand that thinking about writing a will can be uncomfortable for many people. But having one is crucial for protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are carried out after you're gone. In this article, we'll dive into when and why you should create a will, and how to go about the process in Illinois. When To Create a Will The best time to make a will is once you become a legal adult and turn 18 years old. The second best time is after going through a significant life event. In other words, right now is probably a good time to start, especially if you have assets or dependents. Many people think wills are only for the elderly or the wealthy. That's not true and in fact, there's no "right" age to write a will. There's also no monetary milestone you have to reach...

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What Is a Probate Lawyer and How Can They Help You?

If a loved one has recently passed away, you may be wondering, "What does a probate lawyer do and do I need one?" In simple terms, a probate attorney assists the executor of an estate and beneficiaries in getting through the probate process to settle asset distribution and other proceedings. Probate is a legal term for determining how the distribution of a deceased person's estate will go. Probate can be long and complicated, depending on various factors. Regardless of the situation, working with a qualified probate lawyer can help ensure the process goes smoothly. Why Do I Need a Probate Lawyer? Probate can be a complex process and it's wise to have a skilled legal professional at your side to help navigate it. Some of the many responsibilities a probate lawyer handles include: Identifying and compiling a list of the estate's assets Gathering life insurance proceeds Organizing property appraisals Settling outstanding debts and estate taxes Handling other financial aspects of the estate Drafting and submitting necessary probate court paperwork Distributing...

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