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Common Insurance Forms After a Car Accident 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, Insurance


Getting into a car accident can be frightening, and in the aftermath of the crash, you could be in shock. But, in order to recover the compensation you deserve, you should immediately gather evidence related to the wreck and fill out common insurance forms and paperwork. By doing this right away, you can avoid many common insurance issues.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a car crash, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. right away. We can help you file your claim with the negligent party’s insurance company and help you seek compensation.

Call us at (312) 236-2900 to set up a free consultation today.

Understanding First-Party and Third-Party Insurance Claims

After an accident, whether it was your fault or the fault of the other driver, you will likely call your insurance company to report it. This is called a first party claim. On the other hand, working with the other driver’s insurance company is known as a third-party claim.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies, even yours, are going to try to pay as little as possible or act in bad faith. Their goal is to keep as much money as they can and not to give those involved in a car accident sufficient compensation.

To protect yourself:

  • Only provide basic information about the accident when reporting your claim
  • Avoid making detailed statements until you speak with a lawyer
  • Let an experienced car accident attorney negotiate on your behalf

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, our Chicago car attorneys have spent years negotiating with insurance companies in order to help our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries and damages.

Be Cautious with Medical Waivers

If you were injured or received medical treatment after the accident, the negligent party’s insurance company will likely ask you to sign a medical release form so they can access your medical records. This document allows them to access your medical records, but not just the ones related to your accident.

Signing a broad waiver can give them access to your entire medical history, which they may try to use to:

  • Blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions
  • Argue that your injuries are less severe
  • Deny or reduce your compensation

Before signing any medical waiver, have an attorney look it over. Our lawyers can protect your privacy and ensure you’re not giving up key legal rights.

Don’t Sign a Release of Claims Without Legal Advice

The release form is probably the most common insurance form. When the insurance company is ready to offer a settlement, they will name their figure. If you agree to it, they will ask you to sign a form releasing the claim and waiving liability. Again, you may want to have a skilled attorney examine the settlement award and the release before you sign anything.

This is a legally binding agreement, and once it’s signed, you can’t go back. For example, if your injuries worsen down the road, you will not be entitled to seek reimbursement from the insurance company.

Talk to A Dedicated Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you’re up against insurance companies who aren’t concerned with giving you fair compensation, you should hire a skilled lawyer. Our attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. have negotiated with countless insurance companies on the behalf of our clients. We will help you pursue the compensation you need to repair your car, pay your medical bills, and fully recover from your crash.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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