Car crashes happen every day in the greater Chicago area. Even if you are a safe, careful, and attentive driver, there is always the risk that you could end up in a serious wreck. According to data published by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 319,146 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state in 2018 alone. Following a serious crash, you need money to pay your bills and support your family. Unfortunately, the big insurance companies never make the claims process easy.
At I Am Calling My Lawyer, our Chicago car accident lawyers have more than five decades of combined legal experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. We know how to hold the big insurance companies accountable for paying clients. You do not have to go through this alone.
If you or your loved one was hurt in a car crash, our legal team is more than ready to get started on your case. For a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a skilled Illinois car accident lawyer, please call our Schaumburg law office at (888) 258-6665 or send us a message directly online.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States, with over 30,000 casualties annually and many more life-changing injuries. Even as regulations and technology improve, from seatbelts and airbags to texting laws, these numbers continue to rise. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do when they are involved in a car accident, so we’ve composed a comprehensive list of the first 4 things you should do after you are involved in one.
Under Illinois state law, all motorists have a duty to stop their vehicles and exchange information after an accident. Failure to do so could even result in a criminal charge. After a serious crash, you should call law enforcement. While waiting for the police and paramedics to arrive, take some time to take photos and exchange insurance information with the other party if possible. Additionally, take photographs of the crash damage, the accident, and try to get contact details for anyone who witnessed the wreck.
Compile any necessary information or materials your insurance company needs to file your claim. This is when those photos and exchanged information will come in handy. It is important to emphasize that insurance companies—especially another driver’s insurer—are not on your side. At this point in the process, you are not required to give a recorded statement or answer questions. If you suffered a significant injury in a crash, it is best to deal with insurers through an experienced car accident attorney.
If you are visibly injured at the time of the accident, you should visit a physician as soon as possible. Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the collision, you should still visit a physician as conditions like whiplash can manifest symptoms later on. Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Beyond protecting your own health and well-being, you need to see a doctor to preserve your ability to bring a personal injury claim. You will not be able to recover the full and fair compensation you rightfully deserve under Illinois law unless you have seen a physician. Medical records are the basis of any successful personal injury case.
Do not go up against big insurance companies alone. Their goal is to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. Insurers are not looking out for you, your family, or your best interests. A top-rated Chicago, IL auto accident attorney will protect your rights. Many reputable attorneys will offer free consultations so make sure you take the time to find the right attorney for you.
You must file a car accident injury claim before the statute of limitations runs out. As with most other personal injury cases in Illinois, a car accident injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of the collision. Though, you should notify all implicated insurance companies “promptly” after a serious accident.
Illinois is a fault-based auto insurance state (735 I.L.C.S. § 5/2-1116). To hold a driver or any other defendant legally liable for a motor vehicle collision, you must prove that their careless or reckless conduct caused the accident. As the state follows the comparative negligence legal standard, each party to a crash is responsible for their share of the blame. For example, if a distracted driver was deemed 70 percent at fault for your crash, they can be held liable for 70 percent of your damages.
In Illinois, car accident victims have the right to recover compensation from the at-fault party. You should receive financial relief for economic and non-economic damages. At I Am Calling My Lawyer, our Chicago auto accident attorneys know how to make the big insurance companies pay their fair share. You may be entitled to recover money for:
You’ve read this far—now is the time to call to receive a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in Schaumburg and the Greater Chicago Area. Our work has shown that the longer you wait to press your case, the greater leverage insurance adjusters and their attorneys have in denying your claims. We will work with you to collect evidence and develop a strategy for healing your physical and emotional pain.
Car accident claims are complicated. At I Am Calling My Lawyer, we are here to simplify the process—making sure that your legal rights and financial interests are protected every step of the way. Among other things, our Chicago, IL auto accident attorneys will:
With a long history of successful results in motor vehicle accident claims, you can trust our Schaumburg-based car accident team to get the job done right. Our clients don't pay anything until we achieve a positive result in their case and obtain your entitled settlement.
At I Am Calling My Lawyer, our Chicago car accident attorneys believe that every client deserves exceptional representation. Results matter. If you or your family member was hurt in a traffic collision, we are more than ready to help. Contact our law firm at (888) 258-6665 for a free, no-commitment case evaluation. From our office in Schaumburg, we represent motor vehicle accident victims throughout the entire region, including in Streamwood, Hanover Park, Roselle, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Elk Grove Village.
1990 E. Algonquin Rd., Ste 230
Schaumburg, IL 60173
