When you are injured in a car accident in Chicago, you may be disoriented, upset, and afraid. Additionally, the insurance claims process can be confusing. However, experienced car accident lawyers in Chicago handle these claims daily and can make the process much easier for you.
Steps to Take to File Your Chicago Car Accident Claim
In nearly every car accident case, you will be better off hiring an experienced Chicago car accident attorney to help you. They can handle all aspects of the claims process and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
If you choose to file your claim yourself, consider the following steps:
- You must first report your car accident to the police. If you don’t have a police report, your insurance company could deny your claim.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs and video, and collecting contact information from any eyewitnesses. Ask for the responding officer’s name and badge number, and request a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe.
- File your claim. You may be able to file your car accident claim with your own insurance company or with the other driver’s insurance company. Either way, you should report the car accident to your insurance company immediately. Your insurance company must contact you within 21 working days after you have notified them of your accident.
- Have the insurance company inspect your damaged car before beginning any repair work.
- Protect your vehicle from further damage. If windows are broken, cover them or put your vehicle in a covered area to protect it from the elements.
- Obtain estimates for repairing or replacing your vehicle. Your insurance company may require multiple estimates.
- Collect your medical records and all estimates, invoices, receipts, and other evidence of your damages.
- Negotiate with the insurance claims adjuster to try to reach a fair settlement for compensation for your damages. You are entitled to demand compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Your economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. Your non-economic damages include your pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, and other intangible losses.
- Remember that you do not have to handle this challenge alone. Consult an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer with a proven record of success and let them help you get the full compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Hire an Experienced Attorney to File a Car Accident Claim in Chicago
When you hire an experienced car accident attorney, they will investigate your accident to help identify all causes and liable parties and uncover evidence to prove your claim. They help ensure all your current and future damages are included and accurately valued so you know what a fair settlement of your claim would be.
Insurance companies will try to settle your claim for the least amount. However, most experienced car accident attorneys are excellent negotiators who can help reach a fair settlement of your claim as quickly as possible.
If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, your attorney can take your claim to trial to demand full payment of your damages. You will almost always have a better outcome when an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer represents you.
Reach Out to Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys Today
You don’t need to file your car accident claim alone. Our attorneys have a proven record of recovering maximum compensation for our car accident injury clients, and we want to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Call (630) 824-3963 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your Chicago car accident claim.