Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

When starting a lawsuit with a Chicago accident attorney in Illinois, a complaint must be filed with the local court, and a Summons must be prepared. The Complaint outlines your legal arguments as to why the other party, the defendant, should be required to pay for damages from the accident, and the summons notifies the defendant that the lawsuit has been filed and that they have the right to respond to the lawsuit. In the case of a small claims case, the summons can be delivered by certified mail with a return receipt, but they are often served personally.

The defendant can then respond to the claim, and depending on the circumstances, there may be mediated negotiations in hopes of reaching an agreed settlement before the lawsuit proceeds.

If negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion, the suit then proceeds into the discovery phase, where lawyers from both parties investigate the accident independently. Information found during the discovery phase is shared between both legal teams. This can be a very lengthy process depending on the scope of the case. When the discovery phase is complete, the trial begins. The trial itself is often resolved within a few days for most car accident claims.

Illinois works on a modified comparative negligence system. This means that whoever is found to be responsible for an accident is also responsible for paying damages to the other parties involved based on the percentage of their fault for the accident.

For example, if you were considered 30% at fault for an accident and the other party was 70% at fault, you would be able to seek compensation for 70% of your damages from the accident. However, this is generally limited if you are 50% or less than at fault for an accident.

Shuman Legal has over 70 years of combined experience in auto accident law. We will help you maneuver any and all challenges!

If you are involved in an accident where your vehicle collides with a parked vehicle or other unattended property, you must stop immediately at the scene or as close to it as possible and attempt to find and alert the owner of the damaged car.

You must give them your name, address, and vehicle registration number. If you’re unable to locate them, leave a written note attached in a clearly visible place on the damaged property that includes the same information you would have shared if you had managed to find them.

You must also make a report to the police notifying them of your accident if it resulted in a total of more than $1,500 in damages, which is likely to be the case.

The amount from a car accident settlement can vary widely depending on factors like the severity of injuries, damage to the vehicle, lost wages, and the circumstances of the accident. Each case is unique, so settlements can range from small amounts to substantial sums.

If you’ve been in a Car Accident in the State of Illinois and are unable to reach an agreement outside of court, there is a limited window of time where you can still file a claim for your injuries or property damage.

In the State of Illinois, the Statute of Limitations for filing a claim for injuries from a car accident is two (2) years, though this is reduced to one (1) year if the other party was a local public employee. The Statute of Limitations for filing a claim for property damage is typically much longer and can be for as long as five years.

In either situation, it is usually a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you to make the best choice for your case and to navigate the often-complicated process.

Though the total length of a case varies based on a variety of factors. The most important factor is the length of treatment needed before you fully recover. We can’t begin the settlement process until you are released from your doctor. Once you’ve completed your treatment, we will immediately order all of your medical records and bills. In many straightforward cases, your case can then be resolved within 2-4 months after you complete your treatment. However, in more complex cases, your case could last for more than a year.

A few factors that influence how long a case takes include how long insurance takes to respond to you, the nature and extent of your injuries, and the degree of cooperation from the other side.

Most cases don’t end up needing to go to trial, which also can significantly reduce the time taken for completion, as it can sometimes take many months to get a trial date set in court. Trials themselves can last anywhere from a few days to two or more weeks, depending on the complexity.

According to Illinois law, motorists are required to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to help pay for damages they might cause in an accident.

Though higher amounts are always recommended, the legal minimums for your insurance are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage. You are also required to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage worth at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This is often included with higher levels of coverage.

Though the response to an accident may vary depending on its severity, there are at least a few basic things that you should do after any car accident.

First, let’s assume that you’ve already called 911 and received medical care for your injuries. If not, please get expert medical care immediately. There may be injuries that are not immediately apparent, and in your shock from the accident, it can be easy to overlook some profoundly serious injuries. It’s also important so that your injuries can be documented should you need to file a case in the future.

If you’re in a condition to do so, take pictures of the vehicles involved and the immediate surroundings of the scene – any skid marks, broken glass, and other nearby hazards that may have contributed to the accident.

Be sure to file an official police report as soon as possible afterward, within ten days of the accident. You will want to exchange your contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved and get their information as well. If you can, also try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Report your accident to your insurance provider, but don’t make any statements and stick strictly to the facts.

Speak to an attorney before making any official statements. Insurance companies don’t want to pay out money so they’ll do what they can to get you to make a statement that they can use against you later.

It’s perfectly normal to grab your phone after an accident and just Google “Lawyers for Car Accidents Near Me”. However, what you need to be sure of is that you end up working with a lawyer who is experienced, has great customer reviews and is willing to go the distance to fight for the maximum settlement possible – the team here at Shuman Legal is THAT team.

In the aftermath of a car accident, proving the other driver’s fault is essential for a successful claim. An experienced attorney can be invaluable in this process. Here’s how they can assist:

1. Collecting Medical Records: An attorney will efficiently gather all relevant medical documentation that links your injuries directly to the accident.
2. Securing Eyewitness Accounts: They will track down witnesses and ensure their statements are formally recorded, which can provide crucial insights into how the accident occurred.
3. Obtaining Photo and Video Evidence: Attorneys often work with investigators to ensure that all available visual evidence from the scene is collected, including traffic surveillance footage if available.

By handling the collection and organization of this evidence, an experienced attorney can build a robust case to demonstrate the other party’s liability, thereby boosting your chances of a favorable outcome.

Shuman Legal boasts a diverse range of practice areas within the realm of personal injury law, catering to clients across the entire state of Illinois. Their legal services are readily available in locations including, but not limited to, Chicago, Joliet, Wheaton, and Rockford. Additionally, their attorneys extend their expertise to residents of Peoria, Aurora, Champaign, and Naperville along with several other cities such as Springfield, Elgin, Evanston, Schaumburg, Cicero, and Waukegan, ensuring wide-reaching legal representation throughout the region.

In Chicago, some highly-rated auto repair shops include Fulton-Desplaines Garage at 225 N Desplaines St, Lee’s Auto Clinic at 727 S Jefferson St, and Midas at 510 W Roosevelt Rd. These shops offer various services for vehicle repairs and maintenance.

If an insurance company denies your claim, you can challenge their decision. Start by reviewing the denial letter for the reason, gather supporting documents (like medical records and accident reports), and submit an appeal. Consulting a lawyer can also be beneficial to navigate the appeal process effectively.

Car accident settlements involve negotiations between the affected party and the insurance company to agree on a compensation amount for damages and injuries sustained. This process may require legal representation to ensure fair treatment and adequate compensation.

When faced with the aftermath of a car accident, you need a legal team that not only understands the intricacies of personal injury law but also has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients. At Shuman Legal®, our car accident lawyers bring decades of combined experience to every case. We have successfully handled countless motor vehicle accident claims, consistently achieving substantial compensation for our clients.

Here is the full article of how our services and consultations stand out: An experienced car accident lawyer from Shuman Legal® can assist you with evaluating the facts, assessing your options, and managing your legal challenges. As a result, you can get compensation for your loss so that you can focus on getting back on your feet. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Our dedication to your case starts from the moment you reach out to us. We treat each case with the utmost care, ensuring that every client receives personalized legal strategies tailored to maximize their compensation. With a high success rate in claims and litigation, we are committed to helping you recover the financial support you need to move forward.

Contact Shuman Legal® today and schedule your free consultation to discover how our top-rated legal services can make a significant difference in your life post-accident. We are ready to fight for your rights and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Shuma Legal is committed to treating each case with meticulous attention and care throughout every stage of the legal process, ensuring personalized service.

We offer the benefit of free initial consultations, allowing potential clients to discuss their cases without any upfront financial obligation.

Shuman Legal boasts a high success rate of 99%, with a strong track record of achieving significant compensation amounts for our clients.

We provide specialized legal representation aimed at securing compensation for individuals injured in car accidents due to the fault of another driver.