Car Accident

Illinois Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of an injury car accident is stressful. You are likely dealing with significant pain, traveling to doctor appointments, losing time from work, and more. Understandably, you might be looking for answers on what to do next and whether you need to find a car accident lawyer in Illinois. Hiring a lawyer to represent you is a smart decision. Even minor car accidents can become complicated.

What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault

What you do in the moments following a car accident can impact your subsequent personal injury claim. You must not say anything that someone could perceive as admitting fault. Something as simple as “I am sorry” could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.

If you can do so safely, take photos of the damage to both vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, and debris. Look for anything significant to the investigation, such as foliage blocking a stop sign, construction equipment, road hazards, wet ground from rain, etc.

Seek timely medical treatment if you are not transported to the hospital from the accident scene. You must get checked out even if you do not think your injuries are severe. The insurance company will use a delay in treatment against you and argue your injuries were caused by another event, not this accident.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accident lawyers handle all the challenging legal aspects of your claim so you can concentrate on your recovery. Attorneys conduct their investigation and gather evidence that supports your claim for damages.

Your attorney will also handle all communication with the defendant’s insurance adjuster. This way, you are protected from saying anything to the adjuster that could jeopardize your case. When it is time to talk settlement, car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators acting on your behalf.

Should the insurance company be unwilling to negotiate, or if you cannot reach a compromise, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf. It is crucial you do not miss any applicable filing deadlines; otherwise, the court might bar you from receiving any money for your injuries.

If the defendant does not settle during the discovery phase of litigation, you need a skilled litigator who can try your case in front of a jury.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Illinois law does not require hiring a lawyer to represent you, but we highly recommend that you consider doing so. Most car accident claims will benefit from legal representation. One example where it might not make sense to hire a lawyer is when your injuries are minor and you saw a doctor only one or two times. In this situation, it makes more sense to negotiate a settlement independently rather than lose a part of your settlement to legal fees.

How to Find a Lawyer for a Car Accident

It is easy to find a car accident lawyer online. The hard part is deciding whom to hire. Not all attorneys have the same experience or desire to take a case to trial. You want to look at lawyers whose experience aligns with your case.

Most Illinois car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. Create a list of essential questions you want answers to and meet with several lawyers before deciding.

If you are looking for an Illinois car accident lawyer, contact Polivick Law Firm. Attorney John Polivick is passionate about pursuing justice for injured victims in car accidents. Unlike some firms, he does not believe in quantity over quality. He will give your case the individualized attention it deserves. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help.