Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Chicago

Following any type of personal injury, victims may be able to recover compensation through an insurance claim against the liable party. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when filing a personal injury claim in Chicago, including the steps to take beforehand and the importance of working with a reputable personal injury lawyer.

Here are some things to consider when filing a claim, which will kickstart the personal injury case process.

Key Steps to Take Before Filing a Claim

Prior to filing a personal injury claim, injury victims must take certain steps to increase the chances of succeeding with their cases.

Seek Medical Attention

Shortly after an accident, injury victims should seek professional medical care from a licensed physician. Of course, some accidents may warrant urgent care immediately after, but even if injuries appear relatively minor, individuals should see a doctor as soon as possible.

The longer victims wait to receive medical care after an accident, the harder it will be to link their injuries to the accident. Also, symptoms could worsen and the underlying condition could even become life-threatening without proper diagnosis and care.

Seeing a doctor could provide individuals with proper care along with crucial medical records that can support their claims.

Collect Available Evidence

In addition to seeking medical attention, individuals should gather as much relevant evidence as they can to prove liability and the nature of their injuries. There are many potential pieces of evidence people could use to support a case, including:

  • Police reports
  • Medical records and receipts
  • Photos or video footage of the accident scene and injuries
  • Witness statements
  • Physical evidence from the scene
  • Receipts for replaced or repaired property

If any of this evidence is difficult to obtain, an attorney may be able to assist with this and organize all relevant evidence to strengthen a claim.

Consult an Attorney

It’s always best to speak with a Chicago-based lawyer before attempting to file a personal injury claim. We may be able to provide representation throughout the process and guide claimants on how to proceed with a case.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Crucial

One of the main reasons to hire an attorney is to handle negotiations. Insurance claims can be difficult to negotiate, especially when a lot of money is at stake, as insurers look to avoid making large payouts when possible.

A lawyer could help calculate all the damages in a settlement and make counter-offers against the insurer’s initial offer to recover total compensation, helping ease the insurance claims process.

An attorney may also be able to take the case to court if the case doesn’t result in a satisfactory outcome with initial negotiations. In the process, they could help navigate the legal hurdles to maximize their client’s chances of success.

Speak With a Chicago Attorney When You Are Ready to File an Injury Claim

If you or a loved one suffers injuries in an accident and believe that another party’s negligence was the cause, you may be able to build a personal injury case. To determine what options you have when it comes to filing a personal injury claim in Chicago, it’s in your best interest to consult McCready Law.

To find out what an attorney could do for you, reach out to schedule a free consultation with us today.