Get Answers To Your Questions About Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most terrifying, disorienting events that anyone can experience. Whether you have survived a car crash or lost a loved one in a crash, you probably have questions about the legal process.

At The Law Offices of Eugene K. Hollander, our Chicagoland attorneys can help you find answers. With decades of experience and a reputation for positive results in personal injury claims, we understand how car accident cases work. Here are answers to some of the questions we get the most:

Do I have a car crash claim?

Did you suffer damages such as medical bills or lost wages as a result of the car accident? Do you believe that the motor vehicle accident was caused by the negligence of another driver or some other party? If you answered yes to either of these, you may have a car crash claim.

Keep in mind that not all car accidents are clear cut in terms of who was to blame. While sometimes a texting driver rear-ends a stopped car and negligence is clear, there are also incidents where, especially in the aftermath with adrenaline running on high, nobody is quite sure what happened. If there is any possibility that someone else’s carelessness caused the car wreck, you should ere on the side of caution and speak with a lawyer. By filing a claim, you can hold the other driver accountable and seek compensation for the damages you have suffered, so it is always worth checking to find out for certain if you have a claim, especially since the consultation with a lawyer is free.

What should I say when the insurance company calls?

Don’t be surprised if you get a call from an insurance adjuster. Be aware that you may not be obligated to answer their questions. You should not be forced to speculate about what happened, about who was at fault, about how long your injuries will take to heal or other similar issues. While many adjusters are kind and helpful, keep in mind that they do have a job to do, and that job is to serve the insurance company’s bottom line. That does not always correspond with paying out claims.

Some people find it helpful to know that part of a lawyer’s role in these cases is to act as in intermediary between the victim and the insurance company, ensuring that the adjuster does not try to take advantage of the claimant during a vulnerable time. This can take a great deal of stress off a person who should be focused on recovering anyway.

How long do I have to file my claim?

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations to file an injury claim. If you do not file your claim within two years of the date of your crash, then you may lose the right to recover compensation for your damages.

For many reasons, it can be beneficial to take immediate action after a claim. One of them has to due with evidence collection. As you can imagine, getting evidence of an automobile crash that took place a few days ago is much easier than getting evidence of a crash that took place a couple years ago.

With that being said, even if your car wreck took place more than two years ago, there is no harm in reaching out to an attorney for a free discussion of your options.

Should I accept a settlement offer?

Are you 100 percent certain that the settlement offer is enough? Will it provide you with enough money to make up for all your missed paychecks? Do you think it will cover all of your medical bills – even those that may arise in the future as a result of the injuries suffered in the auto wreck? Has compensation for your pain and suffering been factored in?

If you are truly certain that the settlement amount is going to cover you, and you understand that you will not be able to go back and ask for more money if it turns out to be too low, even then you should review the offer with an expert before accepting. In a free case evaluation, a lawyer can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have received the amount of compensation you deserve.

How much is my claim worth?

The value of your claim depends on a variety of factors. These include:

The cost of your medical treatment
The value of your vehicle
The amount of fault of the other party
The presence of evidence
The other driver’s insurance coverage

Simply put, in most cases, car accident victims should get money for economic damages – this is to cover past, present and future medical costs associated with their injuries, as well as lost wages. You may also be entitled to noneconomic damages – this is to cover the pain and suffering you incurred due to the other driver’s negligence.

Every car accident is unique. There is no way to estimate the value of your claim unless you speak to a personal injury attorney.

Do I need a lawyer?

You should not attempt to navigate the complex world of insurance law and personal injury law without an attorney by your side. Many people try to handle their claims on their own but encounter red tape or make an error that costs them more money in the long run. A lawyer can help you maximize your compensation and make your claim go as smoothly as possible.