Thousands of fender benders occur in Chicago each year, but many accidents turn out to be far more serious. Even those minor accidents can result in serious injury or high repair bills. Many Chicago residents find themselves on the receiving end of a lowball insurance settlement after a car accident, but don’t know where to turn to receive fair compensation. Should they hire a lawyer? When is it necessary to hire a lawyer after a car accident? At Saperstein Law Group, P.C., we’re here to answer all your questions about when you should hire a lawyer after a car accident.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer After an Accident?
Ongoing Injuries
While many car accident victims are immediately hospitalized after an accident, some injuries may take days or even weeks to manifest. There’s also situations that require continued treatment, such as physical therapy or multiple surgeries. An experienced attorney has taken multiple clients and can help predict future damage amounts for your injuries and can help you file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. Your attorney can work on your behalf to help cover your injuries in addition to any losses caused by the accident, such as loss of income.
Insurance Negotiations
Sometimes, the other party’s insurance will offer you a settlement that doesn’t cover the cost of your medical bills or car repairs. A lowball offer might seem tempting, but then you’re left paying out of pocket for any additional expenses. There are also many cases of drivers getting into accidents that don’t have insurance in the first place. In those instances, an attorney can help you negotiate with your own insurance to get the compensation that you deserve.
Additionally, since Illinois is a comparative negligence state, insurance may determine that you’re partially at-fault for the accident. Although insurance requirements in Illinois have minimum coverage amounts, you may still find yourself in need of additional compensation.
Death of a Loved One
Cook County saw nearly 400 car accident fatalities last year, with over 1,200 fatalities occuring across the state. Wrongful death caused by a car accident is the worst case, causing unimaginable pain and suffering to the surviving spouse or next of kin. Illinois laws may allow you to receive compensation for the death of a loved one, including funeral costs, pain and suffering, hospital costs, and more. The best way to recover these costs is to hire an attorney. Not only will they be able to assist you during your time of grieving, but they will take a load of financial stress off your shoulders.
Excessive Property Damage
Insurance minimums may mean that your property damage isn’t covered in full. If your car sustained excessive damage or was totaled and insurance doesn’t cover the full losses, an attorney may be able to help you receive compensation for the damaged property. Chicago’s uninsured motorist coverage laws only cover bodily damage, so if the other driver didn’t have insurance at the time of the accident, your attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Other Situations
There are several other situations in which an attorney can help you after a car accident. Handling things by yourself may mean that you don’t receive the compensation that you deserve. You may also find yourself facing an aggressive attorney representing the at-fault driver. In many cases, having your own attorney will save you time, money, and headaches as you sort through the details of your car accident.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney After an Accident?
If you were injured, lost income, or sustained property damage after a car accident in Chicago, help is available. Saperstein Law Group, P.C. has assisted countless clients around Chicago by protecting their rights and fighting for fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can assist you with your unique situation.