A bad car accident can affect you for years, maybe even for the rest of your life. If you were injured in a crash, a lawyer will assist you in obtaining just and fair compensation.
Getting compensation is often easier said than done, and there might be various ways you can get it. Insurance can help, and many drivers find their needs fully met this way. Others need to take things a step further, and they take their case to the courts. Either way, you need evidence. Photos and videos of the accident, medical records of your injuries, and testimony from witnesses are paramount to your case. Your claims might be with more than you realize. Between medical costs, the cost of a new vehicle, and your pain and suffering, your damages might be substantial. While it is reasonable to take some time to recover and think about what you want to do next, it is best to speak to an attorney as soon as you are ready.
Our car accident lawyers are available for a free initial case evaluation if you call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
How to Get Compensation After a Car Accident in Peoria, IL
It goes without saying that you probably want the other driver to cover your costs after being hurt in a car accident. It is only fair since the other driver caused the accident. Unfortunately, many drivers are unwilling to own up to their mistakes and will not pay any compensation unless made to do so. Legal action might be necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
All drivers on the road must have insurance. It is often the first step taken by injured drivers in their quests for compensation. Since Illinois is a fault-based state, you must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance and present evidence of their fault.
The insurance process can be tricky, and having a lawyer to help you is wise. Fault is not always clear, and you need to make sure you have the strongest evidence possible. Our car accident lawyers know where to find evidence and how to use it to prove fault. If the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to pay you the value of your full damages, our team can help you take your claim to the next level.
When filing a lawsuit, we must submit a formal complaint to the court. The complaint must have details of how the accident happened, what the defendant did to cause it, and what kind of damages you have. If any information is missing or insufficient, the case might be rejected. Lawsuits sometimes get a reputation for being difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating, but they may be worth the effort. A lawsuit can help you get the full range of your damages paid for if we have the right evidence.
How to Find Evidence in a Car Accident Case in Peoria, IL
The right evidence often comes to us right from the scene of your car accident. Unfortunately, much of this evidence might be lost if we do not act quickly. Law enforcement tends to clear away accident scenes quickly, as they need to make sure the roads are clear and safe for other drivers. This is why so many drivers take pictures and record videos of their accident scenes immediately after a crash. These photos and videos might be all that remains of the accident scene, and they might contain valuable details we can use to prove fault.
Medical records might also be important when we establish your injuries and related damages. It is not unusual for an injured driver to recover by the time their trial date arrives. To prove the extent of your injuries, we can present your medical records as evidence. Not only may these records help us prove how much your treatment costs, but they might also serve to demonstrate the degree of pain and suffering you endured.
Even if other forms of evidence are unavailable, we can rely on strong witness testimony. Witnesses can be very convincing and compelling when their memories of the accident are clear and accurate. The more witnesses backing you up, the stronger your claims may be to the jury.
How Much Are My Car Accident Claims Worth in Peoria, IL?
Questions of money are extremely important when taking legal action. You need to make sure your case is worth pursuing. After all, legal action is time-consuming, costly, and difficult, and the ends should be worth the means. Car accidents are often worth considerable compensation, especially when plaintiffs suffer severe injuries.
Much of your damages calculations will be based on the money you lost due to the accident and your injuries. Accidents are infamously expensive, and many people simply cannot afford to be in one. Medical costs are chief among your damages as they may be very expensive. It would be best if you also talked to your lawyer about adding the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged car. If you have to leave your job for a while to recover, your lost earnings should be accounted for, too.
Non-economic injuries are experiences that were painful to endure but did not actually cost money. Physical pain, psychological distress, humiliation, and more may be major concerns in your case. Since these experiences are very subjective, the jury has the final say on what they are worth. As such, it is important to have compelling evidence demonstrating how much you suffered because of the accident. Our attorneys can help you.
When to Call a Lawyer About Your Peoria, IL Car Accident
Call a lawyer as soon as possible. It is reasonable to take some time to think about whether filing a legal claim is right for you, and you might want to recover from your injuries somewhat before getting started. Just know that time is limited, and your claim has a filing deadline.
Under 735 I.L.C.S. § 5/13-202, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Illinois, including car accident claims, is only 2 years. The deadline begins to run on the date of the accident. This means the clock is already counting down to your filing deadline the day you are in the accident,.
Lawsuits and insurance claims take time to prepare. Speaking to an attorney as early as possible gives them more time to assess your claims, find evidence, and develop effective legal strategies.
If You Were in a Collision, Call Our Car Accident Attorneys in Peoria, IL
Our car accident lawyers are available for a free initial case evaluation if you call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
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