Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

The Car Accident Process

1. Stage 1/8

   The Accident

   

   Auto accidents can change your life in an instant. Before you assume the worst, find a safe place and seek medical attention.

   When you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, your first concern should be your health. The impact could have left you with serious injuries of the spine, neck, back, or more. Your injuries could disrupt work, family, and personal obligations. However, they don’t have to have a long-term negative impact.

2. Stage 2/8

   Your Medical Care

   

   Treating your injuries is a priority. Try not to feel overwhelmed with the thought of paying for your medical expenses – focus on getting healthy first.

   If your injuries require immediate medical attention, you may find yourself in a hospital or a doctor’s office. This may cause some anxiety, and that’s completely natural. At this point, you’re likely wondering how you’re going to pay for your medical care and how much your insurance will cover. To make matters more stressful, you may be visited by members of law enforcement in order to complete their accident report. Remain calm and do not admit fault for the accident. If you have questions about what you should disclose in your accident report, contact us to learn more about your rights.

3. Stage 3/8

   The Scene, the Police Report, and Notification

   

   The accident scene tells a story. The at-fault insurance company will have their side. Make sure you gather enough information to tell your side.

   If you don’t have to immediately leave the scene to tend to injuries, you should gather contact information and document everything: take pictures, talk to witnesses, etc. During this time, stay calm and don’t admit fault. Always report the accident to police and then your insurance provider. Most importantly, once you are able, talk to an auto accident lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.

4. Stage 4/8

   Vehicle Repairs

   

   For most people, cars are an everyday necessity to get to work or school, or to pick up your kids. Understanding the damage to your vehicle and whether it can be fixed is important.

   The first thing to assess is whether your car is drivable, which also gives you a sense of the repairs needed. If the damage is minor, then having the vehicle repaired may be the best step. If you have adequate car insurance coverage, you may be able to be reimbursed for rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired. If not, we may be able to make a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Some vehicle damage is so severe that fixing the car isn’t the best option. The repair shop and your insurance provider may not have your best interests in mind when it comes to repairing your vehicle. Call us so we can fight to help you get what you deserve.

5. Stage 5/8

   Paperwork and Phone Calls

   

   You’re going to get an incredible amount of mail and phone calls related to your accident, insurance claim, and bills. Let us take care of that for you.

   When you have been hurt in a car accident, it’s inevitable that you’re going to be hit with an onslaught of paperwork – most of which will seem completely foreign to you. This is where hiring a personal injury lawyer who values open communication is incredibly important. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we think it’s important to minimize the stress you feel due to your accident. We go to painstaking efforts to handle all communication with the insurance companies, law enforcement, and medical professionals related to your accident. We also strive to keep you informed throughout the process, so you know exactly where your case stands.

6. Stage 6/8

   A Denied Insurance Claim or a Settlement Offer

   

   After investigating your accident, the insurance company may offer you a settlement. Don’t sign it. If your claim is denied, don’t give up.

   Insurance providers are in the business of making money. It’s common for insurance carriers to offer a settlement that is well below what you deserve. The amount owed to you should be based upon medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you make sense of what has been offered and determine whether the insurance offer should be accepted, or if a counter demand should be made.

   If your claim has been denied, you may still have options. There are a number of valid reasons why an insurance company might deny your claim. However, there are also situations where your claim is unjustly denied.

7. Stage 7/8

   Demanding Appropriate Compensation

   

   Your claim is likely worth more than you’ve been offered. We can help determine the true value – and then work to get you what you’re owed.

   Once all of your damages and expenses related to your car accident are understood, then your personal injury lawyer will put together an initial demand or a counter demand, if an initial settlement offer was presented by the insurance carrier. The insurance provider then must decide to accept the demand, continue to negotiate with your lawyer, or deny the demand. Let the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. handle this for you.

8. Stage 8/8

   Settling Your Case or Going to Trial

   

   Many cases can be settled without having to go to trial. However, when negotiations break down, a trial may be necessary.

   A settlement occurs when both parties are able to come to terms on a dollar amount. When this happens, the case does not go to trial. Instead, an agreement is signed by both parties and you are issued a settlement check. If the case goes to court, the judge or jury will decide whether or not you should receive compensation. The court will render a judgment against the other party if the case is found in your favor. Remember, you don’t pay until we win.