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At Walner Law®, we know how challenging it can be to experience a severe accident that results in you or someone you love suffering harm. It’s vital to recognize how the aftermath can significantly impact your life. Obtaining compensation can help you cover many of the expenses associated with the crash, but it’s vital to recognize a few important details before moving forward.
Our team has a clear understanding of car accident claims and lawsuits. With so much on the line after a crash, you should have a legal team ready to safeguard your rights. Here are the ten things you should know before moving forward with a car accident claim:
- Hiring a Chicago car accident lawyer after a crash is the most effective way to achieve success
- You may be entitled to more than one type of compensation
- You should never agree to handle matters without insurance or a lawyer
- The four factors of liability impact a claim
- Settlements and verdicts are two very different ways of obtaining compensation
- It’s vital to work quickly when filing a claim
- These cases can take some time to navigate thoroughly
- The evidence you gather after a crash plays a large role in your case
- Recognize Illinois’ fault-based system
- Most car accident cases can begin at no cost to you
If you need to discuss your potential case with a lawyer, call our firm today at (312) 410-8496.
If you need to discuss your potential case with a lawyer, call our firm today at (312) 410-8496.
Hiring a Lawyer Is the Most Effective Way to Achieve Success
It’s easy to feel that you can manage the entire process on your own. However, there are several problems that can arise, and you may be unsure what comes next. Working with a lawyer is the most effective way to maximize how much you can recover. Having a legal team can also protect you from insurance adjusters who try to limit how much you may recover.
You May Be Entitled to More Than One Type of Compensation
Compensation can come in multiple forms. You can seek compensation for your economic losses, which include property damage, medical bills, and other expenses. You can also seek non-economic compensation, which can cover your ongoing pain and suffering or mental trauma stemming from the crash.
You Should Never Agree to Handle Matters Without Insurance or a Lawyer
In many situations, someone who causes an accident may request that you handle matters without going to the insurance company. They intend to keep their costs low. However, if you agree to manage your claim without insurance companies or legal advocates, you risk missing out on financial compensation that you rightfully deserve after a crash.
The Four Factors of Liability Impact a Claim
When determining liability, you must consider if:
- The other driver owed a duty of care
- The other driver breached that duty of care
- The breach of duty caused the accident
- The accident caused the injury
Having a lawyer in your corner during this process becomes even more crucial as these four factors can be difficult to prove on your own.
Settlements and Verdicts are Two Different Ways of Obtaining Compensation
When someone wins a case and obtains compensation, it usually occurs in one of two ways: a verdict or settlement. A verdict comes at the end of a lengthy process. A jury determines who is negligent and how much the victim can recover. A settlement is an offer from the insurance company to avoid trial. Working with a lawyer can help you understand which is best for your situation.
It’s Vital to Work Quickly When Filing a Claim
Time is of the essence. Not only must you worry about time limits presented by the law, but you must also work quickly to preserve evidence. The sooner you see a doctor and contact a lawyer after a crash, the better.
These Cases Can Take Some Time to Navigate Thoroughly
While you must work quickly to start the process, you should also be patient. These cases can often take time to gather evidence, build a case, negotiate your settlement, and go through trial if necessary. Choosing the right legal team to help in these matters can improve the situation.
The Evidence You Gather After a Crash Plays a Large Role In Your Case
What you do after your crash can significantly impact the compensation you recover. The photos you take, the witnesses you talk to, and the information you gather; all of these can help your case.
Recognize Illinois’ Fault-Based System
Illinois has a fault-based system that applies to car accident cases. As such, if you suffer injuries in a crash, you will go through the at-fault party’s insurance provider to obtain compensation for your damages. Know that these adjusters will often try to protect profits first.
Most Car Accident Cases Can Begin at No Cost to You
One situation that prevents people from filing a case is they believe they don’t have enough money to hire a lawyer. However, you should know that you can often hire a lawyer based on contingency fees. This means you can hire a lawyer with no out-of-pocket costs and only pay if the lawyer wins on your behalf.
At Walner Law®, we fight on our clients’ sides. We know how challenging it is to suffer an injury because of someone else’s actions. Our team is ready to stand on your side and seek the most favorable outcome on your behalf. It’s our goal to put you first and safeguard your rights while pursuing maximum compensation for your damages.
