Working with a Lawyer
Do you know what the scariest sound is? It’s the loud crash of two cars colliding. No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, it is an all too common occurrence on Chicago’s busy streets. If you have been injured in a car crash, then this blog post is for you. Here we will discuss the legal steps you should take following an accident to protect your rights and potential claims. If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Chicago, the best thing you can do is to contact an experienced Chicago car accident attorney right away. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and make sure your claims are handled properly.
You’ll need to find a lawyer who deals with car accident cases and is comfortable representing clients in the Chicago area. Ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations or if they’ve ever had any personal experiences with lawyers they recommend. It’s also important to make sure that the lawyer is familiar with Illinois law since every state has different rules governing motor vehicle accidents and related legal matters..
Gathering Evidence
After a car crash, gathering evidence is critical in order to maximize your chances of recovering compensation. Evidence can be used to prove who was at fault and the severity of the victim’s injuries. When seeking to recover damages for lost wages, medical expenses, mental anguish, and other losses related to the accident, either through insurance claims or a lawsuit, it is important to present as much relevant evidence as possible.
If able, you should begin gathering evidence immediately following the accident. This includes taking pictures of any visible damage and making notes about what happened that day. It is also important to keep track of any conversations you have with representatives from the other driver’s insurance company or anyone else involved in the crash.
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Understanding The Statute of Limitations
In the state of Illinois, victims of car accidents have a two-year window in which to bring a claim for compensatory damages. This is known as the statute of limitations and it applies to all cases involving personal injury, pain, and suffering or emotional distress.
It is important to understand that this two-year window starts from the date that you are involved in the car accident. If you attempt to file your lawsuit after this time frame has expired, then it will very likely be rejected by Illinois courts, regardless of how compelling your case may be.
Because of this, it is important to act quickly and take steps towards commencing legal action following a car accident if you are seeking compensation for pain and suffering or any other related losses. There is no room for error with regard to understanding and adhering to the statute of limitations – so an experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance through this process.
Negotiating a Settlement
When negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, it’s important that you understand the value of your claim and have documentation of any economic losses you have incurred because of being in a car accident. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence for any medical expenses or lost wages due to being unable to go back to work as quickly as anticipated. Your losses caused by intangible issues like pain or discomfort should also be addressed if appropriate. Any records you can use to document these factors should assist in convincing insurance adjusters why they should agree to your terms and how much you are entitled to.
Conclusion
Although seeking legal action for a car accident can feel intimidating, by understanding your rights and the appropriate steps to take after an accident, you are positioning yourself to receive the compensation you deserve. It is recommended that anyone injured due to another’s negligent driving in Chicago contact a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible.
