If you were injured due to the negligent actions of another person, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, or other accident-related costs. However, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. You might have questions about your rights or the next steps to take.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about personal injury claims. For more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers.
What Is a Personal Injury?
A personal injury occurs when someone’s negligent or reckless behavior causes harm to another person. Common examples include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
If you were injured in any of these situations, the responsible party may be financially liable. You can work with a personal injury attorney to hold them accountable. Your attorney can help you recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Who is Responsible for My Injuries?
Determining who is liable for your injury requires proving that another party was negligent. To establish negligence, you must show:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party had a duty to act reasonably (e.g., driving safely).
- Breach of Duty: They failed to meet this duty (e.g., by speeding or ignoring traffic laws).
- Causation: Their breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered harm as a result.
Responsible parties could include individuals, businesses, government entities, manufacturers, or employers of negligent parties. A thorough investigation is needed to identify all liable parties.
How Can I Prove Negligence?
Proving negligence can be challenging. At-fault parties rarely admit responsibility. Insurance companies often try to reduce their payouts. To build a strong case, you may need the following evidence:
- Police or accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Expert witness testimony or accident reconstruction reports
- Medical records
- Employment records
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers will gather and preserve the evidence needed to support your claim. We want to help you recover from devastating injuries and get your life back.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Handling a personal injury claim on your own can be daunting. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Explain your legal rights
- Identify all responsible parties
- Preserve crucial evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Coordinate with medical providers and negotiate medical liens
- Prepare a demand package for settlement negotiations
- Aggressively negotiate for the compensation you deserve
If you have a personal injury claim, a lawyer can help you work through the legal complexities and obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Chicago?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Chicago, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the accident to the police and request medical help if necessary.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Get a copy of the police report once available.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s).
- Collect witness contact information if possible.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Avoid admitting fault, providing recorded statements to insurance companies, or signing any releases without consulting with your lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive a full and fair settlement.
What is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Illinois law allows personal injury victims to recover a range of damages. These damages can include:
- Economic damages: These damages cover concrete losses, like medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, future medical costs, and reduction in earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These damages cover losses that are presumed to flow from your accident. For example, damages include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: These damages are rare. However, they may apply in cases of particularly reckless behavior.
You can trust a personal injury lawyer to analyze your damages and maximize the potential value of your claim.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of legal services can be a concern. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis with their clients. This arrangement means you don’t pay any legal fees upfront. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you won’t owe them anything.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this period could result in losing your right to seek monetary damages. There are exceptions, but these exceptions are limited. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be barred from recovery for missing the deadline.
How Can I Get Help With My Personal Injury Case?
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago or the surrounding area, contact our law firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys will review the details of your case at no cost to you. We will help you understand your legal options and point you in the right direction. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at (312) 635-5400.