Car accidents can have a devastating effect on everyone involved. After a car accident, the victim will be in serious physical and financial distress. Then there’s the emotional aftermath of the car accident. All this can make life a living hell for the victim.
The situation about car accidents is particularly true for Chicagoans. The city, known for jazz music, hot dogs, and pizza, recorded 98,563 crashes in 2021. This accounts for 33.3% of all crashes in the state.
Experienced Chicago car accident attorneys at Midwest Injury Lawyers have the skills and resources needed to get victims the compensation they deserve. They do everything in their power to make sure that the at-fault party is punished for their negligent actions.
Winning a car accident claim is a collective effort. The victim and the lawyer need to support each other through the case to ensure victory.
This guide discusses the steps involved in a successful car accident claim.
Step 1: Seek medical attention
It is important to visit a hospital immediately after a car accident. Seeking medical attention has three major advantages. They are:
- You get treatment for your injuries
- You get a diagnosis for hidden injuries (if any)
- Your medical records will be updated
Each has its own advantages.
Receiving prompt treatment for your injuries puts you on the road to recovery and prevents the injuries from getting worse.
Diagnosing hidden injuries allows you to tend to conditions that do not show physical symptoms.
Updated medical records give you a list of do’s and don’ts necessary for a quick recovery. Medical records are also vital in a car accident claim to prove the injuries you’ve suffered.
Step 2: Report the incident to the police
You are expected to report the accident to the local police department, no matter what your role is. A police officer will be assigned to investigate the accident. Once the investigation is completed, the officer will draft a police report.
The police report legitimizes the accident. Insurance companies consider police reports as strong evidence when filing a claim.
Also, leaving the accident scene is a punishable offense in the state of Illinois. You may have to pay up to $25,000 in fines in addition to jail time and a revocation or suspension of your driver’s license.
Step 3: Gather evidence
You are expected to gather as much evidence as possible immediately after the accident. If your injuries prevent you from doing so, request the help of someone nearby.
Capture photos of your injuries, the damaged cars, the weather, tire marks, and other environmental elements. These pictures will come in handy during the car accident claim.
Also, don’t forget to talk with witnesses and collect their statements. If possible, get the insurance and contact information of the at-fault party.
Step 4: Hire a lawyer
You aren’t going to fare well in a car accident claim without a lawyer. Contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The lawyer will provide all the assistance you need, right from preparing an estimate for fair compensation to tackling insurance adjusters.
Step 5: Get in touch with your insurance company
Illinois is a no-fault state. This means that the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for your damages.
However, that doesn’t mean you should forget about your insurance company. Inform them about the accident and discuss the facts. There are two reasons why you should do this.
- Your insurance policy requires you to do so.
- Your insurance policy will pay if the at-fault driver happens to be uninsured or underinsured.
Step 6: Negotiate a settlement
This is one of the final stages of a car accident claim. Your lawyer will negotiate hard with the at-fault driver and their insurance company to get you fair compensation.
The at-fault party’s insurance company will deny the initial offer and make a counteroffer. This negotiation goes back and forth until an agreeable situation is reached.
Step 7: Move to court
When negotiation fails, the next choice is to move to court.
Your lawyer will present the case before the judge and jury, making strong statements on why you deserve the compensation you have requested.
The car accident lawyer will train you on how to handle the opposition cross-examination as well.
Conclusion
A car accident claim is by no means simple. Even the most minor mistakes can have disastrous consequences.
The services of a lawyer are useful in a car accident claim. With their skill, you can maneuver the complexities of a car accident claim easily.
