Car Accidents Involving Non-U.S. Citizens

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we understand the challenges you may be facing after a car accident involving a non-U.S. citizen in Illinois, whether you or the other driver is not a citizen. We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through this complex situation. We recognize that language barriers, cultural differences, and legal complexities make the process even more daunting. Our team can support you every step of the way, protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. Call our skilled Chicago car accident lawyers today to talk about your case.

Why Working with an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer Is Important

When you’ve been in a collision with a non-U.S. citizen in Illinois, or you are a noncitizen who is worried about making a personal injury claim, working with an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial. The attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have recovered more than $2.5 billion for our clients. This includes the highest compensatory verdict award to an individual plaintiff in Illinois history and more than 350 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million.

We are dedicated to advising our clients of their rights and ensuring they receive fair treatment. This is especially important when dealing with cases involving non-U.S. citizens, as there may be additional legal considerations to address.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we understand that being in an accident and sustaining injuries as a non-citizen may be confusing or overwhelming. We have several bilingual staff members and translators on hand who are ready to assist you. We will navigate the process for you from investigation to settlement or verdict and put your best interest first every step of the way.

Our personal injury attorneys can be your advocates and intermediaries when communicating with insurance companies. Insurers prioritize their own interests. Having the right lawyer on your side can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and additional expenses you incur because of the crash. We will handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.

It’s essential to understand that when you choose a lawyer to represent you, they adhere to the rules of attorney-client privilege. This means that any information you share with your lawyer remains strictly confidential. You can discuss the details of your case openly and honestly, knowing that your lawyer will not share confidential information with anyone.

Immigration Status and Illinois Personal Injury Law

If you or the other party in your Illinois crash is a noncitizen, you may be concerned about how citizenship status affects your legal rights and options. In Illinois, your immigration status does not keep you from seeking compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from an auto accident.

Under Illinois law, all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, have the same legal right to pursue compensation if another party’s negligence harms them. This means that even if you are an undocumented immigrant, you can still file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for all your losses stemming from the incident. The court’s primary focus will be on the facts of the case, such as who was at fault for the crash and the injuries sustained.

What If I’m an Undocumented Immigrant?

Many undocumented immigrants are involved in car crashes in Illinois. If you are an undocumented immigrant and you’re involved in a car crash, it’s understandable to feel frightened and unsure about contacting the police. However, reporting the accident to law enforcement is still in your best interest. Failing to do so could lead to legal consequences and may harm your ability to recover damages for your injuries.

When a police officer arrives at the collision scene, their primary focus will be investigating the incident and securing the safety of those involved. If the police do not come to the collision scene, you can fill out an Illinois Crash Report form.

Through a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: You should seek medical attention immediately after a car crash. You can pursue compensation for hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, medical bills, and any ongoing medical treatment related to the incident.
• Lost wages: This is money to replace what you lost by missing work because of your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Your personal injury attorney will know how to quantify the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered if you were injured in a car crash. They will include this amount in your demand for compensation.
• Property damage: You can seek reimbursement for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the collision, such as your cell phone.

Remember, your immigration status should not prevent you from seeking the compensation Illinois law says you’re entitled to.

What if the At-Fault Party Is Undocumented?

If you have been in a collision where the at-fault party is an undocumented immigrant, you may face additional challenges. One of the primary concerns in these situations is that the other driver may not have valid car insurance.

When the at-fault driver is uninsured, you might have to rely on your uninsured motorist coverage to recover compensation for your crash-related losses. Illinois requires owners of registered vehicles in Illinois to purchase this type of coverage, which protects you in the event of a crash with an uninsured motorist. You can make a claim with your own insurance company to get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the incident.

In some cases, the owner of the vehicle driven by the undocumented immigrant may be liable for your compensation, even if they were not the one driving at the time of the accident. If the owner of the vehicle gave the undocumented driver permission to use their car, they could be held responsible for any collisions or injuries the driver caused.

If the at-fault party is an undocumented tourist driving a rental car, the situation may be more complex. Most car rentals require insurance for their vehicles, which may provide coverage in the event of a collision. However, the specific terms of the rental agreement and the insurance policy will determine the extent of the coverage and who is liable for damages.

Regardless of the at-fault party’s immigration status or insurance situation, it’s essential to work with an experienced lawyer who can manage your collision claim for compensation and fight for your rights. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle cases involving uninsured immigrants and other uninsured drivers. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and help you seek the maximum compensation possible in your situation.

Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been in a car crash with a non-U.S. citizen in Illinois, or if you are an undocumented immigrant who has been injured in a crash that was someone else’s fault, don’t hesitate to reach out to the compassionate attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can discuss your case and how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.