Car wrecks send tens of thousands of people to the hospital each year in Illinois. Each victim has their own unique story.
Some will struggle to overcome devastating injuries, including amputation, paralysis, or serious brain injuries. Many will deal with pain for years.
Michael J. Lichner helps clients seek justice and access financial compensation following a car crash. Give our office a call.
You can discuss your case with a Joliet car accident lawyer who knows how to fight and win!
What Insurance Applies to a Joliet Car Accident?
Illinois is still a “fault” state when it comes to car wrecks. The state requires that drivers carry liability insurance, which can pay out benefits when the driver is to blame for the accident. If a driver doesn’t share fault, then they aren’t legally obligated to pay anything.
Our firm knows how to analyze and synthesize the evidence to establish fault. It’s a good idea to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Fault is sometimes shared—however, you cannot seek compensation in Illinois if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident. (735 ILCS 5/2-1116.)
Other insurance might come into play, including medical payments, collision coverage, or uninsured motorist insurance. A Joliet car accident lawyer can untangle the facts and determine which policy covers our client’s damages.
Steps to Take after an Accident
Your success at winning a case depends heavily on making the right choices following an accident. We recommend:
- Stop immediately and help victims. Illinois requires that you stop and assist anyone after a car wreck. Call an ambulance if someone is injured and in need of immediate care.
- Call and report the accident to the police. An officer will respond and create a crash report.
- Document the accident. Critical evidence exists at the scene. If you wait until the next day, witnesses will disappear, and physical evidence can be swept away. We recommend talking to witnesses and taking pictures of the cars, including the surrounding area.
- Avoid admitting fault for the crash. Any admission could reduce the value of your claim—or prevent you from receiving any compensation. It’s best not to say anything.
- Go to the hospital for medical care when you are finished at the scene of the accident. Tell the doctor where you feel pain. A doctor can order tests and start a treatment plan.
- Refuse to give any type of recorded statement to the insurance companies. They might search for evidence that shows you are mostly to blame for the crash. Instead, decline to speak to them until you have hired a lawyer.
- Continue with your medical care. Your doctor might prescribe rehab or other therapy. Do everything you can to get well.
- Consult with an experienced Joliet car accident lawyer. We can go over what happened and review whether you qualify for compensation. If you hire us, we can also start pulling together the evidence you need to bring a winning claim.
- Never accept a settlement offer without showing it to your lawyer. The first offer is typically low. Let an experienced car accident lawyer negotiate with the insurance companies to increase the amount offered.
- Stay positive. This is a stressful time for everyone. Our firm has other helpful tips for helping clients preserve and fight to recover.
Compensation Following a Joliet Car Accident
Our firm has won many settlements for car accident victims. You deserve fair compensation for all damages:
- Cost of medical care. Diagnostic tests, surgery, rehab, prescription medication, and doctor’s visits add up. You should request compensation to cover the costs of all past, present, and future medical care.
- Lost income or wages. Car crashes cause major injuries which keep people at home. For example, a concussion can make it impossible to sit down and focus for months at a time. We can request lost income or wages for any work you miss and wages you have lost.
- Car repairs. Even minor fender benders usually result in expensive repairs. Indeed, the cost of car repairs has skyrocketed over the past few years.
Our Joliet car accident lawyer can also request compensation for intangible losses like bodily pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, irritability, disfigurement, and reduced enjoyment of life. These kinds of non-economic damages can make up a big part of your settlement. It might seem like money can’t make up for pain and anxiety, but the at-fault defendant should pay you compensation nonetheless.
Have You Hired the Right Joliet Car Accident Lawyer?
Your choice of lawyer matters greatly when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. You should hire a law firm with the resources necessary to obtain compensation.
Michael J. Lichner is an experienced Joliet car accident lawyer, recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, who is prepared to advocate for you to receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet Car Accident Lawyer
We also proudly serve personal injury clients in DuPage County, Cook County, and all other Northern Illinois counties. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident, please contact Micheal J Lichner for a free consultation.