Car Accident Lawsuit Basics
If you’ve recently been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to speak with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL car accident lawyer about your rights and options under the law. Otherwise, you could spend years of your life wondering “What if?” you had pursued any and all compensation to which you were rightfully entitled. By connecting with the dedicated team at Therman Law Offices, LTD, you could discover that you are in a position to mitigate the ways in which your crash is affecting your family’s finances. Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Therman Law Offices, LTD specializes in representing clients who have been injured in car accidents.
As you’re preparing to meet with a client-focused car accident lawyer on our team, consider the following “essential” information that everyone should understand in the wake of an accident. In the event that this information sparks any questions or concerns, write your thoughts down and bring them to your consultation. That way, we can make sure to address each of them in turn. We have over 35 years of combined experience helping clients with personal injury accidents and are available to help you.
You may be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault
In Illinois, you may be up to 50% at fault for your own injurious circumstances and still be in a position to pursue damages from other parties whose negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous conduct directly contributed to the cause(s) of your harm. This is due to a legal theory known as modified comparative negligence, which has been adopted by the majority of states to one degree or another.
You may have legal options, even if you were the victim of a hit and run
If a motor vehicle operator struck you or your vehicle and then fled the scene, you may be under the impression that there is nothing to be done. Rest assured that, under a number of different circumstances, hit-and-run victims remain entitled to at least one form of compensation. Speaking with an attorney can help you to assess your rights and options.
If your loved one died in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss
Wrongful death claims may generally be filed by closely related surviving loved ones or the representative of a deceased injury victim’s estate. Most of the time, grounds upon which eligible actors may file a wrongful death lawsuit arise in the event that the victim would have been able to successfully file a personal injury lawsuit on their own behalf had they survived their injuries.
What you say online could undermine the strength of your case
It is now common practice for insurance claims adjusters and opposing counsel to scroll through an injury victim’s social media accounts for any activity that could be used to undermine their claims. As a result, it is critically important to take care when utilizing social media until your legal case has been fully resolved.
Table of Contents
- Car Accident Lawsuit Basics: Essential Knowledge
- Tips When Filing a Car Accident Claim
- How to Avoid Distracted Driving
- Arlington Heights, IL Car Accident Infographic
- Arlington Heights Car Accident Statistics
- Arlington Heights Car Accident FAQs
- Therman Law Offices LTD Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer
- Contact Our Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer Today
Tips When Filing a Car Accident Claim
As a trusted car accident lawyer in Arlington Heights will advise you, you should gather as much information and evidence for your case as soon as you can. This includes obtaining the other party’s contact and insurance details, taking photographs of the accident scene, and collecting witness statements if possible. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical report will serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
Inform your insurance company immediately following an accident. Most insurance policies have a deadline for reporting accidents, so make sure to inform them within the specified timeframe. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident, including any injuries sustained and damages to your vehicle.
How to Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Speaking with insurance companies to conduct negotiations is a challenging task that is best left to your lawyer. These companies often aim to minimize their financial liability, which may result in low settlement offers. Here are some effective strategies to help you negotiate with insurance companies.
When you are working on a case, be as organized and prepared as possible. Gather all the necessary documentation, such as medical records, repair estimates, and any other evidence relevant to your claim. Presenting a strong case with supporting evidence will help you negotiate from a position of strength. Understand the value of your claim. Research the average settlement amounts for similar cases in your area. This will give you a baseline figure and help you evaluate whether the insurance company’s offer is fair or not. Maintain clear and concise communication. Keep records of all conversations with insurance adjusters and ensure that any agreements or promises made are documented in writing. Avoid providing recorded statements without consulting your attorney.
The Importance of Evidence
It is important that you build a compelling body of evidence to support your case. Photographs and videos of the accident scene can show the vehicles involved, damage sustained, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Eyewitness statements from individuals who saw the accident occur. Their testimony can provide valuable insights into what happened and help establish fault. Police reports, which document the details of the accident, including statements from drivers, witnesses, and any citations issued. These reports often carry significant weight in determining liability. Medical records and bills that demonstrate the injuries sustained and the resulting medical expenses. They serve as evidence of the physical and financial impact of the accident. Expert opinions, such as accident reconstruction reports or statements from medical professionals, can provide objective analysis and clarification on complex issues, helping to support your claim.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois. When drivers do not have their complete attention on the road ahead, they are more likely to cause a crash. Here are some different ways to avoid distracted driving.
- Put your cell phone out of reach. Whether it is talking on the phone or texting, cell phone use is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. If you use your cell phone while behind the wheel, you can’t keep your eyes and focus on the road ahead. If you are always tempted to use your cell phone while driving, put it out of reach, like in your back seat.
- Groom at home. When people are running late in the morning, they might brush their hair or do their makeup in the car. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of a car accident. When you groom yourself, you are forced to take at least one hand off the wheel. You may also have trouble concentrating on the road. That is why you should always groom yourself before you leave the house, even if you have to wake up earlier.
- Do not eat or drink. As our car accident attorney can attest, eating or drinking while behind the wheel can increase the chances of getting into an accident. Although eating or drinking behind the wheel might be convenient and save you time, it is not safe. Make sure to eat and drink before you get on the road.
- Avoid deep conversations. If you have passengers in your vehicle, you likely want to talk to them, especially if you are driving long distances. While it is okay to have basic conversations, you should avoid talking about anything too deep while behind the wheel. If you are discussing a deep subject, you may have trouble focusing your entire attention on the road.
- Get plenty of sleep. It is never a good idea to operate a vehicle when you are feeling drowsy. When you are very tired, you may have a much harder time focusing on the road ahead and get distracted easier. Try to get eight hours of sleep at night.
- Set up your GPS beforehand. When you are traveling somewhere unfamiliar, it can be very helpful to use a GPS. However, you should avoid fiddling around with your GPS while behind the wheel. Set up your GPS before you head out on the road to avoid taking your hands off the wheel.
Arlington Heights, IL Car Accident Infographic
Arlington Heights Car Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 43,000 people are killed in car accidents each year. NHTSA data also reveals that the months of the year that are the most dangerous are July to September, with October to December following close behind.
If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else, make sure you have a skilled car accident lawyer fighting for you to ensure you get the financial compensation you may be entitled to. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize—if not outright deny—an injured party’s claim. Don’t let that happen to you. Call our office today.
Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer FAQ
How can car accidents affect those involved?
Car accidents are life-altering incidents that can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. The aftermath of such a tragic event can be overwhelming, often filled with countless medical appointments, dealing with insurance companies, and struggling to cope with the new reality. After an accident, it’s critical to have a knowledgeable and compassionate Arlington Heights, IL car accident lawyer by your side who will guide you through the legal process.
In what ways are car accident lawyers equipped to handle their client’s cases?
Understanding the specific local laws and regulations that govern auto accidents is crucial. A skilled car accident lawyer will also comprehend how insurance companies operate and the tactics they use to reduce the compensation you deserve. By employing a strategic approach and aggressive negotiation techniques, car accident lawyers work to ensure that you get the maximum possible compensation for your damages, pain, and suffering. Experienced car accident lawyers handle a wide range of car accident cases, from minor fender-benders to severe accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death.
What do the investigations that car accident lawyers perform look like?
Our car accident lawyers work diligently to compile evidence, enlist expert witnesses, and build a compelling case. Each case is treated with the same level of importance, regardless of its size or complexity. Comprehensive services may include but are not limited to investigating the accident scene, consulting with medical experts, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking the case to trial. Car accident lawyers are prepared to go the extra mile to get you the justice you deserve. Their goal is to alleviate your stress and make the legal process as seamless and understandable as possible.
How do car accident lawyers deal with insurance companies?
Leveraging decades of experience, meticulous attention to detail, and tireless commitment, attorneys aim to secure the best possible outcome for their clients in an often-complicated legal landscape. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, car accident lawyers are skilled at cutting through their red tape. Insurance companies often aim to minimize their liability, offering lower settlements that don’t adequately cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Experienced car accident attorneys advocate for your rights and fight to secure the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Why should clients hire a car accident lawyer?
Car accident lawyers are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. They understand that you are likely to have many questions and concerns throughout this process and pledge to provide timely and clear responses. A car accident can upend your life in an instant. The road to recovery can be long and arduous, and the last thing you need is to navigate the complex legal system alone. If you’ve been injured in a car accident don’t hesitate to contact our Arlington Heights car accident lawyer today to schedule a risk-free consultation.
Therman Law Offices, LTD Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer
1701 Woodfield Rd #1101, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Contact our Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer Today
All too often, injury victims are under the impression that they do not need to seek legal counsel if they have a strong case to make. Unfortunately, even the most deserving self-represented litigants are statistically likely to be utterly unsuccessful in pursuing rightful compensation without the assistance of a legal professional. We focus on taking care of our clients and have recovered millions for them. By connecting with a knowledgeable Arlington Heights car accident lawyer at Therman Law Offices, LTD., you’ll place yourself in a much stronger position to secure what is rightfully yours.