The pain, stress, and financial worry that can accompany a serious car wreck can feel overwhelming. Some car accident victims believe that making a car accident claim is a relatively straightforward process, and a lawyer is just an additional expense. However, this is often not the case. After an accident-related injury, it is generally in your best interest to speak with an attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
Accident victims who hire attorneys tend to recover higher settlements in car wreck claims than those who try to handle the claims themselves. Experience and knowledge go a long way toward achieving just and favorable outcomes.
At Coplan + Crane, our Chicago car accident lawyers take a modern approach to personal injury law. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to winning for those who have lost due to the negligence of others.
Car accident lawyers help their clients in many different ways. Here are seven examples of what our lawyers do for our clients:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have a claim under the other driver’s insurance policy. But, you may have other claims as well.
For example, if the other driver’s coverage isn’t enough, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) policy if you have the coverage. Or, if your injuries are the result of a vehicle defect (i.e., a brake, tire, or airbag failure), you may have a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer.
There are several other possibilities. When you hire a lawyer at Coplan + Crane, your lawyer will investigate all possible causes of your accident to determine which claim(s) you are entitled to file.
Regardless of which claim(s) you can file, you will be dealing with the insurance companies. Not only can this be frustrating and stressful, but it can also be very high-risk. If you make mistakes, the insurance companies will use them against you, and you won’t get a second chance to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer can deal with the insurance companies for you so you don’t unknowingly put your legal rights at risk. Your lawyer can submit the right information at the right time, and your lawyer can help you avoid accepting a low-ball settlement.
Speaking of settlement, when you have a car accident claim, it is critical to know how much you are entitled to recover. If you don’t know the value of your claim, you won’t know if a settlement offer is fair or the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you.
Your lawyer can calculate your losses so that you will know when – and if – to consider a settlement offer. This includes calculating not only your repair bills, medical bills, and lost wages, but also the value of your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-economic losses.
In addition to being careful when dealing with insurance companies, you need to be careful to avoid mistakes in other areas as well. Seeing the wrong doctor, ignoring your doctor’s advice, and failing to document your losses are just a few examples of numerous issues that could limit your ability to recover. Your car accident lawyer can explain everything you need to know so that he or she can seek just compensation on your behalf.
Settlement negotiations are a key aspect of nearly all car accident claims. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will use the available evidence to negotiate for a favorable settlement on your behalf. Being familiar with the insurance companies’ negotiation tactics, your lawyer will know how to negotiate effectively, and your lawyer will be able to apply pressure by filing a lawsuit if necessary.
In addition to applying pressure in settlement negotiations, filing a lawsuit allows you to take your claim(s) to trial if a fair settlement isn’t on the table. If it is in your best interests to file suit, your lawyer will shepherd your case through the litigation process and use his or her experience to fight for just compensation in court.
Every car accident case is unique, and there is no “standard” settlement amount or award. A car accident lawyer will look carefully at the details in your situation and pursue damages that accurately reflect the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses. When you choose Coplan + Crane to represent you, everything your lawyer does will be focused on helping maximize your recovery.
The clock may already be ticking on your claim. If you were hurt in a wreck due to someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, it is in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer promptly.
To learn more about how our firm can help you, contact us today online or at (708) 358-8080 for a free initial consultation. We proudly serve clients in Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas in Illinois.
