Are you an accident victim who is looking for financial compensation for personal injuries? If you are considering pursuing a car accident claim or lawsuit to cover medical expenses for a severe injury, a personal injury lawyer can assist you in achieving an accident settlement promptly.
Our legal team understands that being an injury victim or a motor vehicle accident can be traumatizing. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but trying to manage to pay for medical procedures and doctor visits with money you don't have.
By Illinois law, you have the right to file an auto accident claim and/or lawsuit to receive fair compensation for the costs of your accident injuries. Getting fair compensation for your injuries will certainly help you in your financial recovery.
Call our experienced car accident lawyers at DCAL to help you get your life back on track. Our lawyers can help you reach settlement negotiations and walk you through the injury claim process. Call us today at (720) 770-5454 for a free initial consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case?
After being hurt in a car accident, it's natural to wonder how long the auto accident settlement process will take. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer since it depends on the unique circumstances of each case. Some may be quick settlements and take place within a few months while other cases are far more complicated and can take years to settle.
To ensure your car accident claim is settled as swiftly as possible, reach out for help from a personal injury attorney who can review the details of your case and guide you through the accident injury claim process. A lawyer can help uncover any potential pitfalls and provide advice on how to move forward effectively.
With assistance from a knowledgeable professional, you stand a much better chance of resolving your claim faster and receiving fair compensation for your damages.
What Steps Are Involved in a Car Accident Case?
The process of settling an Illinois car accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but there are some general steps to consider.
Investigating and Gathering Evidence
To receive compensation after a car accident, you must first investigate and gather evidence of the other driver's fault. This can include accounts from witnesses to the incident, police reports, medical records, and more. After all necessary evidence has been collected and compiled into an appropriate form, you'll need to contact your car accident lawyer for assistance in submitting the claim for compensation.
Filing Your Claim
When a person is injured in a car accident, it's important to understand the process of filing a personal injury claim with the other party's insurance. After receiving treatment and all medical records from a doctor, the next step is to file the claim with the other driver's insurance company. This process can be daunting for a victim who may already feel overwhelmed by their injuries.
To initiate the filing process, victims will need to have their attorney write up a demand letter specifying all damages and needs associated with their accident. This letter will then be sent off to the appropriate insurance company which will respond in an attempt to come up with an agreeable settlement offer.
Victims need to have sufficient legal counsel in seeking damages that sufficiently cover all costs incurred from medical treatment and any emotional trauma sustained due to another's negligence or recklessness on the road.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
When negotiating with an insurance company over a claim, it is important to be aware of some of their common tactics. After you send in a demand letter for your claim, the insurer may choose to drag out their response time to encourage you to accept a lower settlement.
If you have not heard back within 45-60 days, you and your lawyer should follow up. The insurance company can also respond quickly with a lowball offer and hope that you will accept it out of desperation due to financial needs. This is when it is important to stand firm and not accept the first offer.
It is always beneficial to work with your lawyer during negotiations with the insurance providers. Your lawyer will likely be more knowledgeable about laws about claims settlements agreements so they can lead negotiations and get you the best possible compensation payout. Additionally, having your lawyer present gives more legitimacy from the insurance company's perspective. With all of this knowledge at hand, you are better prepared to go into negotiation and get the compensation that you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit can be a long and frustrating process, but it is often necessary to resolve disputes and obtain fair compensation for damages. Before filing a lawsuit, it is important to evaluate the cost of bringing the case before a judge or jury compared with the value of potential monetary compensation.
While not every case makes it to trial, having an attorney file a lawsuit on your behalf may put additional pressure on insurance companies to settle. It can also prompt them to assign high-level litigation adjusters who may offer more generous settlements than if the case was never filed.
Discovery Period and Preparing for Trial
The discovery period before a trial is an important part of the legal process in Illinois courts. This period allows both sides to gather information and evidence from the other side as they prepare for trial.
The length of this discovery period varies greatly between cases and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the case. During this time, many car accident cases are settled out of court as both sides work out agreeable terms between themselves.
Learn More: What to Expect in Court for a Car Accident
If the case proceeds to trial, there will be a great deal of preparation involved leading up to the date. This includes working with experts such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals, researching existing law related to the issue in dispute, gathering evidence from a variety of sources, and crafting compelling arguments for use at trial.
Trials typically last about two days on average however planning for these trials can take much longer than that depending on the specifics of each situation. All of this work and preparation is done to make sure each side being represented has its best chance at succeeding.
What to Consider Before Settling Your Case
When considering whether or not to settle your case, it is important to understand the risks and rewards that come with the decision. On one hand, there is a possibility that settling your case could provide an amount of compensation that covers all of your losses from the incident. On the other hand, by settling, you are foregoing the potential for a higher award if you were to take your case before a jury.
Before making any decision on settlement it is important to discuss any offers with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. He or she can advise you on legal considerations such as applicable laws and past court decisions for your case.
An attorney can also evaluate any amount offered by the defendant’s insurance company and help negotiate a fair settlement should you decide to accept it. Ultimately, weigh all of your options carefully and listen to the advice of your attorney as you make this difficult decision.
How Do You Determine and Prove Liability?
To make sure that the responsible party is held liable for your injuries and damages, it is essential to establish fault in a car accident. Liability must be proven so that insurance companies can offer just compensation.
Evidence such as witness testimony, pictures, videos, police reports, or inspections of damaged vehicles can help confirm negligence on the part of one or more drivers involved. However, this process takes time, and sometimes liability is difficult to prove or even determine after a car accident has occurred.
In these situations, it is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer who can work diligently on your case to provide evidence and prove liability. These legal professionals have experience with all types of cases and know how to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement figure.
Moreover, they are familiar with local laws and regulations that could impact the outcome of your case. Seeking professional legal advice and representation will ensure you get the justice you deserve promptly and without any further hassle or complications.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Car Accident Claim
When you have been involved in a car accident, it can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Not only do you have to go through the trauma that comes with any injury, but also there could be expensive medical bills that quickly add up.
To avoid being taken advantage of by the at-fault driver's insurance company, it is highly recommended that you consult an experienced car accident attorney. Doing so will better prepare you for a fair settlement and make sure that your interests are represented as best as possible.
At DCAL, our Denver injury attorneys take pride in providing professional support and legal expertise to our clients who find themselves in traumatic situations. Call us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation, and let us help get your life back on track.