Frequently Asked Questions

One question our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers answer for grieving clients is, "Can you sue a hospital for wrongful death?" Yes, when the negligence of a hospital's employees or affiliated doctors causes the death of a patient, you can sue a hospital for wrongful death. The hospital bears responsibility for this negligence because of the employee-employer relationship or respondeat superior....

An uninsured driver is not automatically at fault in a traffic accident in Illinois. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident by an uninsured driver, or were injured while driving without insurance, our experienced car accident lawyers can help. According to the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI), fault in Illinois is determined based comparative negligence....

If you witness a car accident or you've been in a car crash, it's important to know what makes a good car accident witness. Our experienced car accident lawyers seek witnesses who can accurately describe the accident scene, including who was there and how it happened. Good witnesses to car accidents remain impartial and don't let personal biases or emotions...

One of the most common questions our wrongful death attorneys hear is, "How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?" Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer as each case is unique and varies in its complexity. However, there are certain factors that can impact the duration of a wrongful death lawsuit. Our wrongful death law firm will explore these factors...

One question our Chicago car accident lawyers often hear from pedestrian accident victims is "when will the Chicago speed limit drop to 25mph?" Chicago could lower its default speed limit to 25 mph from 30 mph starting in January 2026, under a measure advanced by a City Council committee on October 21, 2024. The City Council Committee on Pedestrian and...

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Illinois, you may be wondering how long you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit? In Illinois, wrongful death claims generally need to be filed within two years according to the wrongful death statute of limitations, with exceptions for minors. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you...

Yes, because of legal requirements under the Illinois Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), you have to respond to an out-of-state subpoena. Our Chicago personal injury law firm explains why. What is The Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act Illinois has the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (735 ILCS 35/1 et seq.), which is part of the legal...

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite wound, you may want to know do you have to report a dog bite in Illinois. Yes, by Illinois law, (510 ILCS 5/13). If an animal bites someone, the owner must have it examined by a vet within 24 hours for a checkup, rabies vaccination, and microchipping, and submit...

If you've been injured in a traffic accident, you are probably asking, "What do I do after a car accident?" The immediate steps that you take after an accident can have a huge impact on whether or not your car insurance claim is successful. Follow these tips from our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers and make sure your injuries are...

If you've lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence or criminal act, you may have a wrongful death claim. You will need to know 'how do you prove wrongful death?' Your wrongful death lawyer will prove that the loss of your family member is a wrongful death by introducing evidence that establishes each element of the civil tort...

When determining who is at fault in a rear-end collision, it is most often the rear driver's fault, although there are some exceptions. Every rear-end collision comes with its own set of circumstances. For instance, if you were rear-ended at a light by a distracted driver who didn't stop, the fault for the rear-end accident would likely rest on them....

Yes. You should get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn't your fault when you were seriously injured due to someone else's recklessness or negligence in an Illinois car accident. A car accident lawyer from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can protect your interests and help receive fair compensation. While recovering compensation...

Yes, in Illinois, you can settle a car accident without a lawyer. Here are questions you will need to be able to answer and things you need to know to settle a car accident claim without a car accident attorney. How to Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer The first step in handling a car accident claim without...

Though you may wonder, “What is the average semi-truck accident settlement amount?” this question is not especially useful. You should instead ask, “What is the amount of my semi-truck accident settlement in Illinois?” Every victim of a semi-truck accident has different losses, serious injuries, and prognoses. A truck accident lawyer from our firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and...

Comparative fault, also called comparative negligence or comparative responsibility, is a legal principle for personal injury claims that governs when an injured victim is entitled to financial compensation despite sharing in the fault in an accident. Because Illinois is one of the comparative negligence states, it's important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to minimize your...

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), the four types of workers' compensation benefits are: medical benefits, wage replacement benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and other benefits like death benefits. Each provides specific coverage and support to workers who have suffered workplace injuries or illnesses. If you suffered a work-related injury and you are looking for a more in-depth explanation...

When you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, you might wonder when should you get a lawyer for a car accident? Though you can talk to a lawyer at any point after an accident, the sooner you get help from a car accident lawyer, the sooner you'll have your questions answered, your rights protected, and get full and...

Calculating an average slip and fall settlement is challenging because circumstances and injury severity can be very different for accident victims. Each case is unique, causing wide variations in settlement amounts. For instance, compensation for nursing home neglect resulting in a fall differs greatly from construction site falls due to inadequate safety precautions. Some estimates suggest slip and fall injury...

The question “What is the average settlement for a whiplash injury in a car accident?” is not always relevant. Whiplash victims don't receive compensation based on average figures but upon their unique whiplash claims. Average whiplash settlements—from $10,000 to $100,000— are not published nor especially helpful. Our trusted car accident law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury...

If you have had a car accident and are calling your insurance company, you may ask, "What does an insurance adjuster do?" An insurance adjuster evaluates claims to determine the insurer's liability and aids the claims process. They investigate incidents to determine fault, assess claims, establish liability, calculate payouts, and settle claims. Remember, insurance claims adjusters work for the insurance...

Yes, pain and suffering damages are separate from medical bills in personal injury case. These damages are subjective and may not have a specific monetary value like medical bills. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering by filing a personal injury claim....

Our medical malpractice law firm has calculated the average medical malpractice settlement based on data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). While the average settlement amount can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case, over the 10 year period of 2014-2023, the average payout for medical malpractice in the United...

Intentional or negligent acts by caregivers that result in harm to patients are considered patient abuse or elder abuse. If your family member or loved one experienced elder abuse in a nursing home facility, a nursing home abuse lawyer from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, may be able to help you determine if...

An unlicensed driver is not automatically at fault for a Chicago car accident, as multiple factors can contribute to a motor vehicle accident and fault isn't always clear-cut. If you have been injured in an accident with an unlicensed driver, seek medical treatment first, then consult a car accident lawyer from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident...

A pre-settlement loan—also known as a lawsuit loan, litigation financing, pre-settlement funding, lawsuit funding, legal funding, or lawsuit loans—is a type of financial support or assistance provided to individuals who are involved in pending legal cases. Pre-settlement loans are not technically loans but rather a cash advance against the future settlement or verdict of a pending lawsuit. A personal injury...

Figuring out whether or not signing a release for settlement from the insurance company is a good idea can be a complex answer. By signing the release for settlement form, you are accepting the settlement offer and the insurance company has to make payment within 30 days. It's important to remember that signing the form waives your rights to all...

Medical malpractice lawsuits can vary significantly in their settlement amounts, depending on the nature and severity of the medical errors or medical negligence involved. Our clients often ask, “What types of cases get maximum payout for medical negligence?” Most medical malpractice cases leading to substantial compensation involve severe and permanent damage or wrongful death. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC...

In Illinois, a personal injury lawyer, insurance company, or jury will consider many factors in the calculation of pain and suffering damages including the severity of injuries, impact on daily life, emotional distress, length of recovery, and degree of fault. How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Illinois? What Is Pain and Suffering? Pain and suffering refers to the physical...

Holidays are times of joy, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. You might wonder, "Why is holiday driving so dangerous?" Distracted driving, increased traffic, alcohol consumption, and varying road conditions all impact safe driving. If you've been seriously injured in holiday travel, contact the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers...

If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering, "What is the average motorcycle accident settlement for these types of cases?" The amount of your particular motorcycle accident injury settlement will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, pain and suffering, the medical costs, the impact of your wreck on your day...

If you're injured in an accident with a leased car, be aware that more factors may be involved than in a driver-owned car accident. The details of your lease and accident specifics could lead to unexpected obligations. To learn what happens if you crash a leased car, seek legal advice from the car accident attorneys skilled in leased vehicle accidents...

There is no magic number for the “right” truck accident settlement amount after an accident with a truck driver in Chicago. Rather, the amount you should accept will be completely unique and dependent on your semi truck accident case and the severe injuries you suffered. The skilled truck accident attorneys from our law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury...

Meet Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., the founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers. Andy brings decades of experience representing workers who suffered some of the most common workplace injuries in Chicago and across Illinois. Known for making complex legal issues understandable, Andy answers the question, "What are the main causes of workers' compensation accidents?" in...

Meet Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., a personal injury lawyer and the founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers. Andy brings decades of experience representing slip and fall accident victims whose slip and fall case was due to the negligence of a property owner in Chicago or across Illinois. As a slip and fall injury lawyer...

Meet Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., the founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers. Andy and his legal team have decades of experience representing motorcycle operators seriously injured in accidents in Chicago and across Illinois. Known for making complex legal issues understandable, Andy describes the major causes of motorcycle accidents in this video. The motorcycle injury...

Hear from personal injury attorney Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., founding partner of the car accident law firm, The Kryder Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, "When we begin a case, many clients will ask, 'Do you have to go to court for a car accident?'... And the answer is, Maybe. We just don't know yet." Most car accident cases do...

It's not always necessary to appear in court after a truck accident involving you or your loved ones. Hear directly from Andrew S. Kryder, Esq. founding partner of the personal injury law firm The Kryder Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers who answers this question. "When we begin a case," Andy says, "many clients will ask, 'Do you have to...

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering “Do you have to go to court for a motorcycle accident?” Andrew S. Kryder, Esq. founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, addresses that question. "When we begin a case," Andy tells us, "Many clients will ask whether...

Meet Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., the founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers. Andy brings decades of experience representing car drivers seriously injured in commercial truck collisions in Chicago and across Illinois to clearly answer this question. Known for making complex legal issues understandable, Andy describes the major causes of truck accidents in this...

If you or a loved one have been injured in a hit and run, you might want to know, "How long do hit and run accident victims have to take legal action in Illinois?" There are two different answers to this question depending on whether you have a civil or criminal case: There is a statute of limitations of two...

If you were hurt in an accident caused by distracted driving, you may be wondering, "How does distracted driving cause accidents?" and if you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Distracted driving diverts attention from the road, delays reaction times, impairs judgment, and significantly increases collision risks. You can obtain compensation for a serious accident through a personal...

If you’ve been in an accident, you may find yourself wondering, "What is the difference between bodily injury and personal injury?" Personal injury refers to any injury that occurred in an accident, including physical, mental, or emotional damage, whereas bodily injury more specifically refers to physical injury to one’s own body. An experienced personal injury lawyer on our legal team...

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, you may ask, "Do insurance companies pay for pain and suffering?" Yes, insurance settlements often include compensation for pain and suffering. Personal injury claims comprise both economic (e.g., lost wages and expenses for medical treatment) and harder-to-quantify non-economic damages like emotional...

You may want to know how many MPH can you go over the speed limit in Chicago and not be ticketed for speeding violations. There is a misconception that as long as drivers stay within five miles per hour (mph) of speed limits, they are within the law. This is not true. If you have been seriously injured by a...

You may wonder, "Is going 5 MPH over the speed limit legal?" Going any amount over the posted speed limit is illegal—even if it’s only 5 miles per hour (MPH). If you were injured by a motorist who was speeding, even if it was just by a small margin over the speed limit, you still have rights. Working with an...

Automobile accidents are unfortunately common occurrences, with the main causes of car accidents ranging from reckless and aggressive driving, to harsh weather conditions. When such accidents occur, victims need reliable legal representation to fight for their rights. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, have decades of experience handling cases related to car accidents caused by the negligence...

If you or your loved ones suffered injuries from a house fire, the answer is yes, you should get a lawyer. House fires can become valid personal injury cases when negligence or wrongful actions lead to injuries or fatalities. The Chicago house fire lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of...

The short answer is yes. While insurance companies typically do not offer a settlement that exceeds the coverage they provide, there are certain exceptions that allow a car accident settlement to exceed the policy limits. These exceptions include situations where the at-fault driver was underinsured or uninsured, if multiple policies were involved in the accident, or if additional damages...

Each personal injury case is different, so there is no clear-cut answer when it comes to how long it will take to settle your Chicago personal injury case. Some cases can be be resolved quickly settled in a few days or weeks while others stretch out over months or even longer. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury...

When you've been seriously injured and are looking for a lawyer, you might see the slogan "we don't get paid until you do." But what does that really mean? How do personal injury contingency agreements work? These contingent fee agreements involve a lawyer taking your case in exchange for a percentage of any compensation they recover on your behalf. If they...

If you have settled on compensation from an insurance company, you may want to know, "How long will it take to get my settlement check from a car accident?" All car accident cases are different and may include various circumstances that can affect how long it will take to receive your car accident settlement check. Depending on the complexity of...