Belvidere Car Accident Injury Attorneys
When you are involved in a car accident, the fallout can be so much more than you initially expected. Your car may be irreparably damaged, you may have sustained severe injuries, and you may also have to deal with an unexpected emotional toll. Car accidents can be traumatic and dangerous. It’s not unreasonable to want to take legal action against the one who caused it. A dedicated personal injury lawyer in Boone County can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
The experienced team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you choose this route, you should speak with a Belvidere car accident injury lawyer who can help.
Dealing With a Car Accident in Illinois
Car accidents can happen at any time and for any reason. Above all, you want to take precautions to protect yourself from being injured in a car accident. These precautions include wearing your seatbelt, engaging in defensive driving, and being aware of your surroundings. Regrettably, this may not always be enough. You can be the safest driver on the road, but others can be careless.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a lot to handle on your own, especially if you don’t have adequate legal representation to help you through it. A good lawyer can launch an investigation into what happened, help you gather evidence that supports your claim, handle the insurance companies on your behalf, and protect your interests throughout your case. Having an attorney by your side can only benefit you in the long run.
According to some sources, between 2018 and 2022, there were several fatal car accidents in Belvidere alone. Many significant highway systems run through Belvidere, such as Interstate 90, US Highway 20, and State Highway 76. Generally, the more highway access a town has, the higher the chances of a significant vehicular accident. Injured victims may be taken to UW Health Belvidere Hospital, Belvidere’s only emergency department.
Statute of Limitations
If you decide that you want to file a claim against the negligent party for causing your accident, it is vital to the success of your case that you adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accident cases. For most cases, you have two years to put together a strong case, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer, gather all the evidence you need, and file a claim.
If you cannot file a valid claim before the two years have passed, your case may be dismissed, and your chance to seek compensation for your accident will be lost. It can take a lot more time than you might think to build a strong car accident case, so you may want to get started as soon as you can. If you’re worried your case isn’t strong enough, take it to a lawyer for an evaluation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
You should always remember that your actions following a car accident are going to be included in your accident claim and the police report. You want to make sure you handle yourself carefully and keep a level head. This can be easier said than done, but you should still make the effort to keep things under control. Here are some important steps you can take to ensure your claim is protected and taken seriously:
- Keep Yourself Together: One of the most important things you can do after an accident is remain calm. Being in a car accident can be a scary and traumatic experience, but you shouldn’t panic, as panicking won’t help your case and could potentially make things worse.
- Remain at the Scene: The worst thing you could possibly do after an accident is flee the scene. Illinois state law Section 11-401 prohibits anyone involved in a car accident from leaving the scene without first giving a statement to the police, at the very least. Remain at the scene until the police arrive.
- Check for Injuries: You may be in shock and unaware of your injuries. Make sure you check yourself for injuries as soon as you can and do the same for any passengers. If you are in pain but can’t find any injuries, make sure you mention this to emergency medical services. Your injuries may be internal.
- Notify Authorities: As soon as you can, call 911 and get law enforcement and EMTs to the scene. Let the EMTs check you for injuries.
- Document the Scene: Document the scene for your own records. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, both vehicles, and the road conditions.
- See a Lawyer: When you’ve given your statement, you should put together everything you have and contact a car accident lawyer to file your claim.
FAQs About Belvidere,IL Car Accident Injury Law
How Can You Get the Optimal Settlement From a Car Accident?
The most effective way to get the optimal settlement in Illinois from your car accident is to document everything. Have as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This evidence can include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and anything else that proves the other driver’s liability. A skilled lawyer can help you sort through the evidence and build a case.
How Much Can I Receive in a Car Accident Settlement?
The amount you will receive in your car accident settlement will be unique to your individual situation. Every car accident case is going to be different since every car accident is caused by a different situation or scenario. Each case has its own contributing factors that will influence the settlement amount, such as the severity of your injuries and the stance of the insurance companies.
What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
The amount your lawyer takes as their fee will be decided before you hire them. Personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay them if they win. In that case, they usually take around a third of your total settlement package as their fee.
How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?
There is no telling how long most car accident settlements take. Every case is different, with its own factors that will determine the length. Ultimately, the duration of a car accident case varies. Some could take months, while others could take over a year. A lawyer may be able to provide an estimated timeline for your case.
Contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley Today
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, we can help you figure out a path forward for your car accident case. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about how we can help.
