Recovering from a car accident can be painful and expensive. You might be unable to work due to your injuries, and your medical bills may be piling up. Our legal team can help you get fair compensation from the at-fault driver.
You should contact the police so they may investigate and help us determine who caused the crash. You may also need to take active steps to preserve details from the accident scene. It may be helpful to record photos and videos of the accident while you wait for help to arrive. The more evidence we have, the stronger your claims may be in an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
For a private, free case assessment, call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 and speak to our car accident lawyers.
How Do I Determine Who is Responsible for My Car Accident?
You may need to hire a lawyer and speak to investigating authorities about your accident to determine exactly who is to blame.
Contact Law Enforcement
Call the police to report your accident immediately. Even if you do not feel like the accident is that serious, or the driver who hit you wants to keep the police out of it, call the authorities anyway. They may investigate, talk to the other driver and witnesses, and help you determine what happened and who is to blame.
Preserve Details of the Accident
While waiting for help, you should take steps to preserve details from the accident scene. This may include, but might not be limited to, recording photos and videos with a camera or your phone. You can also jot down important details, like the driver’s license plate number and a description of their car.
Talk to Witnesses
You can also take down the names and phone numbers of potential witnesses. If anyone stopped to help or otherwise remained at the accident scene, try to get their information. They may provide useful testimony later.
What Are My Legal Options After a Car Accident in Bartlett, IL?
There may be several ways in which you can claim financial compensation for your accident. A lawyer should help you decide which method works best for you.
Auto Insurance
You can file a car insurance claim after a bike accident. This might seem a bit strange since you were not driving, but you can still file a claim since you were struck by a vehicle.
Illinois is a fault-based insurance state, meaning you likely must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. We must also present some evidence to their insurance company proving that they caused the accident.
Other Insurance Claims
You might need to file more than one insurance claim to get adequate coverage. Often, injured bike riders will receive coverage from their health insurance, if they have any, before the at-fault driver’s auto insurance kicks in.
You may also file claims with other policies, like MedPay or certain first-party insurance policies. Our bicycle accident lawyers will assist you in coordinating benefits so that overage is maximized.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
When insurance is exhausted, and you still have damages to cover, your attorney can help you prepare a personal injury lawsuit. In many cases, we can tell whether a case will likely proceed to a full trial in court long before insurance claims are completed, and we can begin building your case almost right away.
FAQs About Car Accident Cases and Claims in Bartlett, IL
What Sort of Factors Can Cause a Car Accident?
Car accidents may stem from any number of factors. Common factors include high speeds, reckless driving, distractions behind the wheel, and driving in bad weather.
Do I Have to Be Badly Injured to Sue for a Car Accident?
No. While you must have a physical injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, the injury need not be severe. You must be able to prove your damages, but the injuries may be relatively minor, and you may make a full recovery and still be able to sue.
How Does Insurance Affect a Car Accident Lawsuit in Bartlett, IL?
In Illinois, drivers may need to file third-party claims with the other driver’s liability coverage. When you do, you must present evidence to the insurance company demonstrating how the other driver caused the accident.
How Do I Find Evidence for a Car Accident Case?
Much of your evidence may come right from the accident scene. Taking pictures and recording videos of the accident while you wait for help may preserve more details and evidence. We may also identify witnesses who were present at the accident and can testify.
What if I Do Not Know Who Caused My Car Accident?
If you do not know who the other driver is for any reason, you should contact the police for help. If the driver fled the scene or refused to give you their information, they may be in trouble, and the police can help us identify them.
Should I Go to the Hospital After a Car Crash if I am Not Seriously Hurt?
Yes. Even if you do not notice any injuries or you feel like your injuries are not severe, you should seek urgent medical attention. You may have internal injuries that may worsen if not treated right away. Still, other injuries may not fully reveal themselves until hours or even days after the accident.
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help Me with a Car Accident Case?
An attorney can first help you evaluate your various legal options so can make a more informed decision about what to do next. They may also help you gather evidence, assess your damages, and plan a legal strategy that is as effective and strong as possible.
Do I Have to Have a Trial to Get Monetary Compensation for a Car Crash?
Not necessarily. If you file a lawsuit, you have the option of taking the case to a full trial in a court of law. However, you also have the choice of accepting a settlement from the defendant, which would render a trial unnecessary.
What Happens if I am a Little Bit to Blame for My Car Accident?
You may still sue for damages, but your damages may be reduced under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule. In short, your damages may be reduced according to your share of the blame unless you are at least 50% responsible. At that point, you may be barred from recovery.
How Do I Pay Hospital Bills While Waiting for Financial Compensation from My Car Accident Case?
While waiting for compensation, you may have to pay for your hospital bills out of pocket or by using other insurance policies, like your health insurance. In other cases, plaintiffs may enter into legal agreements with health care providers to pay them upon completion of their legal case.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Bartlett, IL for Help Now
For a private, free case assessment, call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 and speak to our car accident lawyers.
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