As a resident of Chicago, you’re likely aware of the alarming rate of automobile accidents on our city’s roads. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 287,000 crashes in Illinois in 2020 alone, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to understand the importance of seeking experienced legal representation.
Reason #1: Protect Your Rights and Interests
When dealing with insurance companies, it’s crucial to remember that their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Without proper guidance, you may inadvertently compromise your claim or accept an inadequate settlement. An attorney specializing in personal injury law can level the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected and interests are represented.
Insurance companies often employ tactics to reduce or deny claims. For instance, they might request recorded statements that can be used against you later or ask you to sign medical releases, potentially compromising your privacy. An experienced attorney will anticipate these strategies and take proactive measures to safeguard your claim.
Some common insurance company tactics include:
- Requesting recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement, which can be used to gather evidence against you. An attorney can advise you on how to handle these requests.
- Making lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies may offer inadequate settlements, hoping you’ll accept without consulting an attorney. An attorney can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate a better settlement.
- Delaying or denying claims: Insurance companies may stall or deny claims, hoping you’ll miss critical deadlines. An attorney can manage the claims process efficiently, ensuring timely filing and aggressive advocacy.
The Consequences of Insufficient Representation
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. However, insurance companies may try to delay or stall the process, potentially causing you to miss critical deadlines. Without an attorney, you risk losing access to essential evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance footage, and missing opportunities to negotiate with insurance companies.
Reason #2: Accurately Assess and Calculate Damages
Calculating the true value of your claim requires expertise and attention to detail. An attorney will consider various factors, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
To accurately assess damages, your attorney will:
Gather medical records and expert testimony to establish the full extent of your injuries.
Analyze employment records and financial documents to determine lost wages and earning capacity.
Consult with economists and life care planners to calculate future medical expenses and other costs.
Reason #3: Effective Negotiation and Litigation
Insurance companies often resist paying fair settlements, hoping claimants will accept inadequate offers. An experienced attorney will negotiate assertively, using evidence and legal precedent to support your claim.
In Illinois, mediation and arbitration are sometimes used to resolve disputes. Your attorney will guide you through these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, ensuring your interests remain protected.
Real-Life Example: The Importance of Experienced Representation
Consider the case of Jane Doe, who was injured in a car accident on I-90. Initially, the insurance company offered her $20,000, which wouldn’t cover her medical expenses. With the help of an experienced attorney, Jane was able to negotiate a settlement of $100,000, covering her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, don’t risk compromising your claim or accepting an inadequate settlement. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights, accurately assess damages, and negotiate effectively.
If you’re looking for an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer to help navigate your personal injury claim, we will fight assiduously for your right to the compensation you deserve. Call Bizzieri Law Offices at 773.881.9000. The case evaluation is free, and we never charge a fee unless we recover damages for you.