Auto accidents are on the rise in Chicago, and victims of car accidents are often left with injuries that leave them in pain, out of work, and struggling to pay their bills. In 2019, there were over 312,000 car accidents in Illinois, 20% of which caused major injury to those involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or trucking accident, it’s time to fight for the compensation you deserve. A settlement will compensate you for your lost wages and medical expenses in addition to your pain, suffering, and loss of a normal life. In the event of a permanent injury, the settlement will cover not only past damages but those you are likely to experience in the future as well.
At Mitchell, Hoffman & Wolf, we work hard to get critical funds into the hands of clients like you. We know how frustrating and stressful pursuing a car accident case can be, and we’re committed to serving your needs and fighting for the settlement you deserve.
Filing a Claim and Building Your Car Accident Case
When you’ve been hurt in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to monetary damages from the at-fault driver. This claim is generally made against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover damages. Based on Illinois Law, the other party may be liable for your lost wages, medical bills, pain, suffering, disfigurement, and any disability or loss of a normal life you experience. In addition, the driver who is to blame is also responsible for the cost of the repairs to your vehicle and in cases where the car is damaged beyond repair, the cost of a replacement vehicle.
It’s important to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer early in the process to begin the investigation and collect the damages to which you’re entitled. Your attorney will conduct the investigation for you, gathering facts from the accident reports, witness statements, evidence gathered from the crash site, and dash cam videos, when applicable. With their extensive experience and knowledge of car accident cases, your personal injury lawyer will ensure all the evidence is gathered in order to build your best case.
Remember, your attorney is on your side; the defendant’s insurance company is not. Never communicate or cooperate with the insurance company of the defendant. Their main goal is to find evidence that justifies offering you a low settlement offer or no settlement at all. Don’t talk to the insurance company, speak freely with your personal injury lawyer instead. They’re here to help and fight for your case, and they will handle all insurance company interactions for you.
Treating Car Accident Injuries
If you’ve been injured, seek treatment. No matter how minor your injury may feel, it’s important to get your complaints on record with a formal medical statement — this ensures your claim is inclusive of all the damages you suffered. For example, if your arm hurts after the accident but doesn’t feel severe, you may not feel the need to see a doctor. However, if the injury worsens or if you bring it up later, it will be used against you by the insurance company because it wasn’t mentioned or documented at the time of the accident.
Take pictures of your bruising or scarring and document your car damage as well to ensure your lawyer has everything they need to deliver a compelling, comprehensive argument for your case. If you have any questions throughout the process, your attorney will help you navigate them.
At Mitchell, Hoffman & Wolf, we’re dedicated to keeping our clients informed and comfortable throughout the process and do our best to offer ample resources about how car accident cases are handled. One of our partners, J. Wesley Mitchell, even contributed a chapter on Discovery & Litigation in the book ‘Proving Fault in Auto Accident Cases.’
Get the Compensation You Need with Mitchell, Hoffman & Wolf
At Mitchell, Hoffman & Wolf, we have over three decades of experience representing victims of auto accidents and helping them get the compensation they need to recover. We’ve successfully secured many multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including an $8 million dollar settlement for a car crash victim and many other wins you can explore here.
Work with one of our name partners who will offer critical guidance throughout the entire process and answer any questions you have so you can stay informed and at ease. We’re dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving on from the accident without financial worry. If you or a loved one has been the victim in an auto and trucking injury case our skilled lawyers are here to help you fight for the settlement you need. Contact us today for a free case assessment.