Changes in Illinois Law Impacts Motorists & Boaters in the New Year
Thus, it is highly advisable that motorists familiarize themselves with the new laws before taking to the road.
Suite 2424, January 23, 2015 (Newswire.com) - It's a new year, and that means new laws are going into effect. From speed limits to increases in the amount of liability coverage motorists are required to carry. Thus, it is highly advisable that motorists familiarize themselves with the new laws before taking to the road.
Among the most notable changes, the minimum mandatory coverage motorists must carry has been increased for the first time in 25 years. As of this year, drivers must carry $25,000 for bodily injury or death for one person, and $40,000 to $50,000 for more than one person. Further, motorists must also carry $20,000 in coverage for damage or destruction to property.
In reference to these new laws, Cary Wintroub, a car accident attorney in Chicago said, "These new laws won't prevent accidents, but they will make it easier for victims of negligent drivers to secure the compensation they need to recover from their injuries." Expanding upon this, Wintroub continued, "While these amounts represent an increase in coverage requirements, they still leave victims considerably exposed if they experience significant injuries."
This is important to note as the speed limits on the tollways around the Chicago area have been raised to 70 mph. This is the same speed limit as other highways throughout the state. However, there is a caveat to these increases. As of now, toll road officials have the opportunity to initiate studies to determine whether or not raising the speed on sections of the tollways is advisable. If proven that raising the speed limit would present an undue risk to public safety, they will not be required to raise the limits in accordance with SB 2015.
Wintroub said, "I genuinely hope the toll operators will complete the studies necessary to maintain the speed limits where they are. As a car accident attorney in Chicago, I understand the desire to get to work, or get home a little earlier. I also understand that increased speeds translate to higher accident rates around major metropolitan areas."
There are new changes to the waterways as well. Under SB 3434, boaters can now have their watercraft seized and forfeited if they are found to be operating such vehicles while under the influence. While Illinois has an average incidence of this of approximately 1.5 per million boaters, it is expected that this new law will drive that rate down even further in the coming year.