Construction accidents, motorcycle mishaps, car crashes, truck accidents, dog bites, slip-and-fall injuries – A wide range of personal injury cases are reported in Illinois each year. Victims who have suffered injuries because of someone else often fail to take appropriate action, and as a result, they don’t get compensated for their losses. If you were injured in an accident in Rockford, you must be proactive about your next steps. As the first move, consider meeting an injury lawyer to learn more about your claim. In this post, we answer some frequently asked questions about injury cases in the city.
What should you do after a personal injury?
Get medical attention before anything else. Call 911 for immediate help if you are severely hurt or see your doctor within the next 72 hours, even if you don’t feel extreme pain. Your medical records are critical for your claim, and if you delay seeking care, you may have a tough time proving your injuries. Also, if you can, take pictures of the accident scene with your phone and note down the details of people who witnessed the accident. Report the accident as required. For example, for a car crash, you should call the local police, while for a premise liability claim, you should inform the property owner or management.
How long can you wait to file a personal injury lawsuit?
According to Illinois’s statute of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit in court against the other party. However, this is only for lawsuits and not insurance claims. If you want to recover compensation through the other party’s carrier, you must initiate the claims process soon.
Is it necessary to hire an attorney?
While not mandatory, hiring an attorney is definitely necessary. You must understand the other party or insurance companies have their own interests, which means they will do what it takes to avoid responsibility. You don’t want to get into negotiations without legal help. From handling the paperwork to discussing the compensation, your lawyer can take over and fight for you. If the case ever goes before the jury, your lawyer will represent you.
What if you share the blame for the accident?
For such situations, Illinois follows the modified comparative fault rule. You are mostly to blame for the accident, or when your fault share is over 50%, you don’t get to sue others. Also, the award you get for your lawsuit in other situations is reduced based on the fault percentage. If you are 20% at fault and you recover $50,000 in a settlement, you will now get $40,000.
How do you find an injury lawyer in Rockford?
References from others are always handy, but you can also consider checking online listings. Look for attorneys and law firms that are based in the city and have a proven track record. Comparing lawyers based on ratings and reviews can also help. Check how you feel when you step in for the first consultation. A competent attorney should listen to your story, answer your questions, and educate you about the right steps. They will also do an assessment to determine the damages you can recover.
How to protect your personal injury case?
Avoid talking about your claim with anyone other than your attorney and doctor. Also, do not post anything about the accident on social media. If you talk to the insurance agent, do not admit blame or agree to give a recorded statement. In fact, all conversations should happen when your lawyer is around.
Connect with an injury lawyer in Rockford soon after your accident so that they can start investigating the case and gather evidence.