If you are involved in a car accident in Illinois, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and gather evidence. This includes getting the contact information of the other driver(s) involved, taking pictures of the scene, and getting the contact information of any witnesses. It is also important to seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they are minor.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can file a claim with the other driver's insurance company. This is called a third-party claim. It is important to note that in Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it is best to file a claim as soon as possible, as there are certain deadlines that the insurance company has to respond to.
When filing a claim, your accident attorney or lawyer will help you to determine the value of your claim by considering various factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. They will also help you to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, your car accident attorney or lawyer can help you to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a legal action that you take against the other driver to seek compensation for your damages. In a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent (at fault) and that their negligence caused your injuries.
During the lawsuit, your attorney will help you to gather evidence, file paperwork, and represent you in court. They will work to prove the other driver's negligence and to demonstrate the extent of your damages.
If the car accident was caused by a government entity, you will have to file a claim against the government entity and the process can be more complicated. It is important to note that there are different deadlines, notice requirements and procedures that need to be met when filing a claim against a government entity.
If the accident was caused by an uninsured driver, you may have to file a claim against your own insurance company. In this case, your car accident attorney/lawyer will help you to understand the process and to navigate the insurance company's requirements.
Overall, hiring a car accident attorney or lawyer is highly recommended when involved in a car accident in Illinois. They can help you to understand the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you to navigate the complicated process of filing a claim against a government entity or an uninsured driver.
You can find experienced car accident attorneys at Imeri Rogers, LLP, where we help clients navigate the process so that they can maximize their recovery. So if you are searching for a car accident attorney near me or car accident attorneys in Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Decatur, Clinton, Peoria, Pontiac, or anywhere else in Illinois, you have come to the right place. Give us a call to us to see how we can help.