What happens if the UNthinkable happens and you are hit by a vehicle? You may be in shock. However, remember your three good friends Photos, Reports & Witnesses. YOU MUST: (1) take PHOTOS of the vehicles and the scene of the accident; (2) get the name and contact information of each and every WITNESS; and (3) make a police REPORT, which includes getting the name, phone number, and insurance information of the at-fault driver.

What happens if you are hit by a driver who has no automobile insurance or the minimum policy limits? In Illinois, when you buy car insurance, you also pay for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You may be able to make a claim against your own car insurance for personal injuries using your uninsured/underinsured coverage.  If you make an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, this will make you an opponent to your own insurance company.  It’s important you obtain a lawyer to represent you.

True or False? You can be convicted for a DUI in Illinois if your BAC registers at .05 during a breathalyzer test?

TRUE. If your BAC (blood alcohol content) registers at .05 AND there is additional evidence that your driving is impaired you can be convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence).

What happens if you are hit by a driver who has no automobile insurance or the minimum policy limits? In Illinois, when you buy car insurance, you also pay for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You can make a claim against your own car insurance using your uninsured/underinsured coverage for personal injuries. This makes you an opponent to your own insurance company since an insurance company usually wants to pay out as little as possible on a claim. It’s important you obtain a lawyer to represent you.

Why does one person get out of jail on an I-bond (paying no money), one person has to pay a bond to get out of jail, and another person is not allowed to post bond at all and has to stay in jail?

A person gets out of jail on an I-bond if it is determined the person does not pose a danger to any person or the community and it is expected that the person is not a “flight risk”, which means the person will not leave town, but instead (s)he will show up for court.

A person has to pay a bond if there is a risk the person will not appear for court or will be a danger to a person or the community.

Finally, a person may stay in jail before trial if that person is considered a danger to a person/the community OR the person is considered a “flight risk”. There is fear that the person may commit another crime.

Did you know these 5 facts about orders of protection in Illinois?

1. An interim order of protection can be entered against you without you being present in court.
   2. The entry of an order of protection may limit your ability to live in your own home.
   3. An order of protection can affect your custody case.
   4. An order of protection can affect your divorce case.
   5. The violation of an order of protection may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on your particular circumstances.