Many people believe they can manage their car accident claim in Chicago, IL, without legal help, but they often face unexpected challenges. Attempting to secure compensation alone after a collision can be risky.
That said, if you weren’t injured and your case involves only minor property damage, handling the claim without an attorney might be feasible. Otherwise, it’s worth considering legal assistance from a Chicago car accident lawyer.
If any complications arise, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is ready to support you. Contact our Chicago, Illinois, office at (312) 726-1616 for a free consultation.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You With Your Chicago Car Accident Claim
Our Chicago personal injury attorneys bring decades of legal experience, and we’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients. We are confident we can help you achieve successful results as well.
When you choose Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys to represent you, you’ll receive full support for your car accident case.
You can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your crash to identify all responsible parties
- Offer a clear explanation of your legal rights during a free consultation
- Gather and review evidence essential to your claim
- Handle all interactions with insurance companies and adversaries on your behalf
- Submit an insurance claim
- Evaluate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate to secure fair compensation
- Take your case to court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached
Contact our compassionate and experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers for a free case review today.
How To Handle Your Own Car Accident Claim in Chicago, IL
Filing a car accident claim involves several essential steps, including:
Seeking Medical Attention
Immediate medical care is critical for both your health and establishing a direct link between any injuries and the accident through medical records.
Reporting the Accident
In Illinois, you are required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 if all drivers are insured (or $500 if any driver is uninsured). A law enforcement report provides an unbiased investigation.
Documenting the Scene
Accident scenes are often cleared quickly, so it’s important to take photos of damages and injuries, gather witness statements, secure evidence, and collect details from the other driver. This can be difficult if you’re severely injured.
Establishing Liability
In Illinois, the at-fault driver or their insurer is responsible for covering a victim’s losses. This may require examining traffic laws and proving the other driver’s negligence.
Determining Your Claim’s Value
Compensation should cover medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Complicating factors include future medical treatment and the inability to work, along with non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Resolving Medical Liens
If insurance initially covers your medical bills, you may need to address medical liens placed by providers when compensation is received.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies might deny claims or offer low settlements, requiring careful negotiations.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit If Necessary
If negotiations fail, you might need to file a lawsuit.
Given the complexity of these steps, having an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago to handle these tasks on your behalf may be in your best interests.
Common Mistakes People Make When Handling Their Own Car Accident Claims in Chicago
Many individuals attempting to handle their accident claims independently encounter challenges that jeopardize their chances of securing fair compensation.
Providing a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may contact accident victims soon after the incident, suggesting that a recorded statement is required for settlement purposes. These statements are often used to undermine the claimant’s case, with the goal of denying or reducing the value of the claim.
Accepting an Offer Prematurely
With mounting medical bills and potential loss of income, victims might feel pressured to accept a quick settlement from the insurance company. However, doing so without fully understanding the extent of their damages or the long-term consequences of the accident can be detrimental.
Insurance companies may take advantage of this urgency by offering a low settlement, knowing the victim needs immediate financial relief. It’s essential for victims to understand the true value of their case before accepting any offer.
Taking “No” as a Final Answer
Claims can be denied for various reasons, but a denial should not always be accepted without further investigation.
Assuming the Insurance Company is Acting in Their Best Interest
Many claimants mistakenly believe that insurance companies are working in their favor. In reality, insurers are driven by profit and aim to minimize or deny claims to protect their bottom line.
Missing Critical Deadlines
In Illinois, victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline could result in the case being dismissed and the loss of the right to compensation.
When Do You Need a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer?
In certain situations, the assistance of an attorney can be crucial, including when:
- You’ve sustained severe injuries
- You’re required to take time off work
- The opposing party disputes liability
- Your claim has been denied by the insurance company
- The insurance company blames you for the accident
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is prepared to help with your case.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys if You Need Help or Have Questions
If you’ve been injured in a Chicago auto accident due to someone else’s negligence, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can explain how we can help you. During a free case evaluation, we’ll clarify your legal rights and explore potential courses of action.
Our attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us today to learn more.
