5 Ways to Get Max Value From a Car Accident Claim in Illinois | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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5 Ways to Get Max Value From a Car Accident Claim in Illinois

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 25 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents


After a serious car accident, dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim may feel overwhelming. However, taking the right steps early can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive.

If you need help maximizing your car accident claim in Chicago or throughout Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago car crash attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for a free consultation.

5 Tips to Maximize Your Car Accident Compensation

To get the most out of your injury claim, you must take proactive steps to protect your rights. Here’s how:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If you hope to get the max for your car accident claim, it is critical that you obtain medical treatment and care immediately following your collision. This is important because you may have suffered invisible injuries that could worsen if left untreated.

That’s not the only risk. If you do not receive medical attention immediately after the accident, it gives the insurance company and the defense an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not caused by the car accident but in another way. If you obtain a medical evaluation and care, these medical records can be used as evidence to support your right to compensation.

2. File Police and Accident Reports

Not every type of car accident needs to be reported to police under the law. However, calling emergency responders and police to the accident scene can only help support your case. When police arrive, they will document:

  • How the accident happened
  • Who may be at fault
  • Witness statements
  • Vehicle damage and injuries

These accident and police reports can then be used to establish liability against the defendant.

3. Be Prepared to Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Insurance companies prioritize their profits and often try to minimize payouts. They may offer a low initial settlement, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve.

However, you don’t have to fight alone. A skilled car accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive the full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

4. Avoid Social Media

One of the top ways the defense and insurance companies can get away with reducing your settlement is by arguing that your injuries are less severe than you claim. Many defendants have taken to social media to prove such claims. To increase your chances of receiving the settlement you deserve, be sure to:

  • Set your accounts to private
  • Don’t post about your accident or recovery
  • Ask friends and family not to discuss your case online

Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys monitor social media for any posts they can use against you. Even a seemingly harmless photo or status update could be misinterpreted to suggest you aren’t as injured as you claim.

5. Claim Non-Economic Damages

One of the biggest mistakes injury victims make is failing to include non-economic damages when calculating the value of their claim. With that in mind, some common types of non-economic damages you could seek in your Chicago car accident claim Include:

Although non-economic damages can be more difficult to prove since they do not have a monetary value in comparison to concrete expenses like your vehicle damage and medical bills, they are often far more impactful and should be considered accordingly.

Get a Free Case Evaluation from a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Obtaining maximum compensation following a car accident can be more challenging than many people expect. However, when you have the right legal advocate on your side, you can rest easier knowing we are taking every measure to bring the liable party to justice.

Find out what your case is worth today when you contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Fill out our online contact form or give our office a call at 312-236-2900 to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.

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