There is often an amount of uncertainty when you are involved in any type of accident. Most people are shocked by what they’ve just experienced and wonder, “What’s next?” If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, you might wonder if the case will end up in a lawsuit. There are over 100 million lawsuits filed in state courts each year. Thankfully, most people involved in a personal injury in Chicago will never see the inside of a courtroom, as most cases are settled before they reach trial. Let’s look at what you should do if you are injured.
Get Help after a Personal Injury in Chicago
In the event of a Chicago car crash, call 911 for help if possible. The odds are that someone at the scene will see the accident and call for help if you are incapacitated. Do not move your car. If you are injured, stay inside your vehicle and avoid moving. This also applies if you suffer from a slip and fall. There are reasons for this:
- Movement can make an injury worse.
- You can increase inflammation from an injury if you move.
- You could experience more pain.
- There is also the potential for permanent damage and delayed healing.
No matter what type of personal injury in Chicago you experience, it’s important to never admit fault. Be factual in what you put on your insurance and police report. Even something simple like, “I’m sorry,” implies fault, making you liable. Illinois follows comparative negligence. If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, saying “I was on my cell phone” can make you partially liable, resulting in a decrease in potential compensation.
Organize Your Personal Injury Case Information
Make sure that you have all the documentation related to your case. This includes police reports, medical information, witness contact information, and information about expenses related to your injury.
Give these to your lawyer. They can use this information to determine whether you should accept a settlement, start a claim, or settle before going to trial. They will use this information to start assembling your case together, allowing you to establish that the party that injured you was negligent.
Follow the Instructions of Your Doctor
Follow the instructions from your doctor. Not only will this speed up your recovery time, but you will also be better equipped to prove causation in a claim or lawsuit. Things that you might be directed to do include:
- Taking prescriptions for pain and other conditions.
- Resting and taking time off work.
- Avoiding heavy lifting and activity for a certain amount of time.
- Focusing on rehab activities to help you improve your condition.
- Using medical devices, such as prosthetics, braces, or slings, to support broken bones, dislocations, or muscle injuries.
You’ll also need to keep track of any accident-related medical expenses related to your personal injury in Chicago.
Take Time to Heal
With solid legal representation looking out for your best interests, you can take the time you need to heal. Don’t feel pressed to make decisions that may reduce your ability to be compensated. These decisions can include:
- Jumping at an insurance settlement right away.
- Settling for an amount that is less than what you deserve.
- Not communicating with your personal injury lawyer.
Choose an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer
Here are a few reasons why you should choose to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer:
- Personal injury cases with a lawyer tend to end with higher settlement amounts.
- A personal injury lawyer can help with negotiations with insurance companies, taking the heavy lifting off your shoulders.
You must also be aware that you need to work with an injury lawyer sooner than later. In the state of Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your injury occurrence or the discovery of your injury to file an injury claim.
Contact Lerner and Rowe after a Personal Injury in Chicago
Personal injury lawyers in Chicago, like the ones at Lerner and Rowe Chicago, can help you pursue a personal injury case. A law firm focusing on personal injury is often better than seeking a smaller, generalized law firm. Lerner and Rowe is a national personal injury law firm that has a proven record of helping victims recoup medical expenses and other damages.
The Chicago injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe are available to assist you 24/7. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and we’re available by phone at 844-977-1900. You can also reach us through our secure online form or LiveChat service.