Seek legal advice

Not all auto accident claims require guidance from a legal professional. For example, if you were involved in a minor fender in Winnebago County and you sustained only a few hundred dollars in total property damage, a lawyer is unlikely to be able to add much value to your case. It may be better to pursue any insurance claim on your own.

That being said, if you were injured in a car accident in Rockford, it is imperative that you seek professional legal advice. The personal injury claims process is deeply complex. Sadly, many injured victims struggle to get the full financial support that they deserve. The big, well-staffed insurance companies know how to take advantage of the process — tilting things in their own favor.

1. Investigating Your Crash — Building a Claim

Illinois is a fault-based auto insurance state. To hold another party responsible for a wreck, a plaintiff must prove fault. Major car accidents should always be comprehensively investigated. Your Rockford auto accident lawyer will conduct an immediate investigation of your crash — gathering evidence and building a strong legal case on your behalf. In addition, your attorney will ensure that you follow all of the required rules and procedures pertaining to personal injury claims. For example, you only have a limited amount of time to bring your case. Under the Illinois statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202), injured victims have two years from the time of their crash to bring a personal injury claim.

2. Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are aggressive, for-profit businesses. As soon as an accident is reported, they may try to undermine their financial liability — potentially even blaming you for causing part or all of a crash. Even when liability is not in question, an insurer is likely to push back on your claim. In these cases, insurance carriers usually work to reduce the value of a settlement offer. They will use any information that they can against you. Injured victims should avoid dealing directly with opposing insurance companies. Never agree to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without seeking professional advice. Instead, the best thing you can do to protect your rights is to work with the insurance company through an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney. You have a right to legal representation. Use it.

3. Handling Settlement Negotiations

Despite what you may be told on the phone or in a letter, an insurance company is unlikely to lead with its best and final settlement offer. In order to maximize your financial recovery, it is recommended that you hire an experienced car accident lawyer to handle all settlement negotiations. Not only will your lawyer be able to put together the strongest possible claim — carefully assembling relevant medical evidence and proving your losses — but your lawyer will also be prepared for the settlement and defense strategies used by the insurance company. You deserve full and fair financial compensation for your damages.

4. Preparing for Personal Injury Litigation

Most car accident injury claims are settled. By some measures, less than five percent of personal injury claims ever make it into the courtroom. Still, injured victims should always be represented by a trial-tested lawyer. Any claim could potentially end up in litigation. If the insurance company does not believe you have a strong case, they may be unwilling to offer a fair settlement. By preparing for a lawsuit and presenting a strong claim, your Illinois personal injury attorney will be able to put you in the best position to achieve successful results.