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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.

When To Hire a Car Accident Injury Lawyer

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An experienced personal injury lawyer is an asset when someone suffers injuries due to a car accident. When another driver causes an accident that results in injuries to passengers and damage to vehicles, accident victims often look for a car accident lawyer to recover costs.

High Costs of Personal Injuries from Car Accidents

An injury suffered during a car accident can cost much more than auto insurance policies cover. Illinois law only requires a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, with a maximum of $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident.

The average costs to treat injuries easily can exceed those amounts, especially when more than one person suffers injuries. A car accident injury lawyer can help to hold liable parties accountable and make insurers pay the proper amounts to cover injuries and other costs.

When to Hire an Auto Accident Attorney

Because of the potentially high costs of auto accident injuries and damages, victims should hire a car accident lawyer when:

  • Injuries are suffered in an accident.
  • Fault is uncertain.
  • The police report is inaccurate.
  • Costs from an accident exceed insurance coverage.
  • Insurers or attorneys are contacting the victim.

A personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident claims can help to build a strong case and hold at-fault drivers accountable. The attorney can stop insurers and opposing attorneys from contacting accident victims.

Many attorneys and insurers for at-fault drivers will try to contact accident victims right away. They do so in an attempt to get accident victims to say things that harm their claims and legal cases. If an accident victim is polite and says he or she is feeling relative well, that could be used against that person to reduce settlement amounts.

How an Attorney Helps Car Accident Victims

When an accident victim retains an attorney, all communications regarding that case must flow through the attorney and the respective law firm. Even debt collectors must cease any communications with the victims. However, that accident victim must make payments on medical bills and other costs until the case is completed and a settlement is agreed upon or a court issues a ruling.

The retained attorney can prevent those unwanted and sometimes harassing calls while building a case against the at-fault party. A car accident lawyer can help prove victims were not at fault in a car accident claim. Accident victims’ rights are upheld, and due process is assured to help obtain the best possible legal outcome.

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