When you suffer an injury, you may find that life has been turned upside down. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of medical bills and lost wages can be overwhelming. This is where an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney may be able to help.
Whether you have been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace accident, an experienced attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve. This includes:
1. Providing a Free Consultation and Legal Advice
The first role of a Chicago personal injury lawyer is to offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. They will ask about the details of your accident and injuries and request any evidence you may have that demonstrates the other party’s negligence.
This will allow the attorney to assess the strength of your case and advise you of your legal options, which may include filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. They will also review important deadlines to remember, such as the Illinois statute of limitations (which is two years in most cases, with some exceptions).
2. Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence
One of the most important jobs of a Chicago personal injury attorney is to thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident.
They will gather all relevant evidence, which may include:
- Accident reports: Police and incident reports from the accident scene documenting what happened.
- Eyewitness statements: Statements from witnesses that may corroborate your version of events.
- Medical records: Records from your doctors that show your medical history, treatment plan, and prognosis after an injury to determine its impact on your life.
- Photographs and videos: Visual evidence from the accident scene showing the severity of your accident and any contributing hazardous conditions.
A thorough investigation can improve your chances of successfully proving liability and recovering compensation.
3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts and offer settlements that are far lower than what you may need to recover.
A personal injury lawyer in Chicago will handle all communications with insurance representatives on your behalf. They will negotiate with adjusters to obtain maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses. This can help you avoid the pressure of settling for less than you deserve.
4. Calculating Your Damages
Determining the full extent of your damages after an accident in Chicago is critical. A personal injury lawyer will help you calculate your economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: These cover your quantifiable financial losses after an accident, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any future medical care you may need.
- Non-economic damages: These cover your intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A lawyer may work with expert witnesses to help prove your damages as part of an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. They can also help refute allegations that you share some responsibility for the accident. If the other side can shift some of the blame to you, it could reduce the compensation awarded under the modified comparative negligence rule.
5. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Chicago
Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, you may need to file a lawsuit if you cannot obtain fair compensation through the insurance claims process.
A Chicago personal injury lawyer can handle all aspects of the litigation process, from drafting your complaint to representing you in court. They will use evidence gathered during the investigation and discovery process to argue liability and show the impact your injuries have had on your life.
The litigation process can be lengthy and complex, but an experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to advocate on your behalf.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011