Free Consultation
phone ringing icon
Featured Posts
When should I contact the police after a car accident? In Illinois, you must report a crash to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,500. It's advisable to contact the police immediately after any accident. A police report is crucial for documenting the accident details, including witness statements and observations, and it serves as essential evidence for filing insurance claims. Calling law enforcement after a wreck is essential to ensure a clear record. 
The car accident case timeline can vary based on the complexity and size of your claim. Generally, car accident claims are resolved within a few weeks to a few months, although some cases may take years. While the personal injury claim process can be lengthy, pursuing a lawsuit is often the most effective way to seek maximum compensation for unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Familiarizing yourself with the stages involved in resolving a car accident claim can help you prepare for what lies ahead. 
What percentage of car accident cases go to trial? Most cases are resolved outside of court, with only a small percentage going to trial. Many cases settle after initiating a lawsuit, during the litigation phase. Retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows how long an accident case takes can often reduce the likelihood of going to trial. They can effectively demonstrate the case's value throughout the legal process, encouraging insurance companies to settle.
If you were injured in a trucking accident in Chicago, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Cicero, or a nearby community, call the injury attorneys at Lloyd Miller Law for a free consultation.

How Do I File a Claim After a Traffic Accident?

Posted By:

A car accident claim is a request for compensation the insurance policy provides for personal injuries, vehicle, and property damage. Filing an accident claim involves contacting the insurance company and providing them with information about the crash. Traffic accident attorneys are a valuable resource when working with insurance companies to ensure that victims get a fair payout from their claims.

Steps to Follow to Make an Accident Claim

The claims process begins in the immediate moments following a traffic accident. Victims should first check for serious injuries on themselves, passengers, and occupants of other involved vehicles. If the accident occurred in an area that creates additional hazards, vehicles should be moved out of harm’s way when possible. Next, victims should call emergency services or a non-emergency police line, depending on the severity of the crash.

Contacting authorities initiates the police report process. In addition to a police report, victims can benefit from documenting the scene of the crash, collecting eyewitness testimonies, collecting insurance information from involved drivers, and documenting injuries and treatment.

Working with Insurance Companies

Once a police report has been filed, victims should contact their insurance companies to report the accident. Reporting as soon as possible provides the victim with the opportunity to represent the accident with the most accurate information, as evidence can be damaged over time, and it can be difficult to remember details long term.

Victims should be ready to provide all the information the vehicle’s insurance policy requires. Generally, that will include the following:

  • Which vehicle was involved that the policy covers, and who was driving it? 
  • Where and when did the accident happen?
  • Who was the driver of the other vehicle, if another vehicle was involved, and what is his or her insurance information?
  • The names and contact information of anyone else involved in the accident, including any witnesses to what happened. 
  • The police report identification number

Keeping track of the above information helps victims to prove fault in a car accident claim. In some claims, fault is obvious, such as in rear-end auto accidents. However, other accident types may require further investigation to prove fault.

Working with a Traffic Accident Attorney

Victims should work with a traffic accident attorney as soon as possible following a crash. Victims should avoid speaking directly to the other party’s insurance company; instead, an attorney should act as the direct contact on the victim’s behalf. If the traffic accident claim is contested, either by the other parties involved or their insurance companies, an accident lawyer can help victims validate their claims, prove they are not at fault for an accident, and ensure all information provided is complete and accurate. 

About the Author

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Miller Law, Ltd.

Years of Experience: Over 35 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Miller Law, Ltd.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Miller Law, Ltd.

Years of Experience: Over 35 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar
About the Author

Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Miller Law, Ltd.

Years of Experience: Over 35 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar