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When you’ve been injured in an accident, hiring the right injury attorney makes all the difference. Personal injury law isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither are lawyers. Some firms treat you like a file number. Others, like Lloyd Miller Law, treat your case like it’s personal—because it is.
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After filing a personal injury claim, you may want to know – “can my lawyer settle my case without me?” Your lawyer cannot settle your case without your permission. This is because it would breach his or her ethical and fiduciary responsibilities. Ultimately, as the client, you have the final say on whether to settle or go to trial. Your lawyer's role is to present you with all options, offer legal counsel, and make recommendations, but the decision rests with you.
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Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency basis. With this type of arrangement, you don’t pay a retainer fee upfront. Instead, you pay the lawyer a percentage of the settlement awarded to you if your case is successful. If your lawyer doesn't recover compensation on your behalf, you won't pay any lawyer fees.
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 a Personal Injury Lawyer Protects You After an Accident in Chicago

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Personal injury lawyer with clipboard and law.

A personal injury lawyer protects your legal rights, preserves evidence, negotiates with insurers, and fights for full compensation after an accident. If you’ve been injured in Chicago, hiring an attorney early can significantly improve the outcome of your case.

Personal injury lawyer with clipboard and law.

From car crashes on the Eisenhower or Lake Shore Drive, to slip and falls in Lincoln Park, the aftermath of an accident often brings a cascade of challenges beyond your physical recovery. Insurance companies may pressure you for quick settlements, medical bills can pile up rapidly, and determining fault in Illinois’s complex legal landscape becomes crucial to your financial future. 

At Lloyd Miller Law, we understand the unique challenges Chicago accident victims face, and we are committed to providing the unwavering legal support you need. Call us for a free consultation. 773-838-8100.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do After an Accident?

A personal injury lawyer represents you in all legal and insurance matters following an accident, helping you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

At Lloyd Miller Law, our attorneys investigate the cause of your injuries, gather evidence to prove liability, calculate the full value of your losses, and advocate for a result that reflects your long-term needs. We take over all communications with insurers and opposing counsel, so you can focus entirely on healing—not legal issues or stress.

Why You Need a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident

You need a lawyer immediately after an accident to protect evidence, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure your legal rights are preserved. Without early legal representation, your claim may be compromised by insurance tactics or missing documentation.

Here’s why early legal help matters:

  • Evidence disappears quickly — Accident scenes change, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses become harder to reach.
  • Insurers move fast to limit liability — They may ask for a recorded statement that can be used against you later.
  • Medical treatment needs documentation — An attorney ensures your care is properly tracked to support your injury claim.
  • Deadlines apply — In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

A personal injury attorney ensures that from day one, every move protects your claim and maximizes your recovery.

How a Lawyer Builds a Strong Personal Injury Case

Your attorney builds your case through detailed investigation, legal strategy, and expert collaboration.

We start by collecting police reports, traffic footage, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction experts may be consulted to establish fault. We work closely with your doctors to obtain medical records that clearly link your injuries to the accident. Every step is designed to create a complete, credible case file that supports maximum compensation and stands up in court if necessary.

We Conduct A Full, Independent Investigation of Your Accident Case

Insurance companies build their cases quickly—and so do we. Unlike insurers, we’re focused solely on your best interests.

Our team conducts a full investigation that often includes:

  • Reviewing police and traffic reports
  • Collecting video footage from traffic or security cameras
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses
  • Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists
  • Evaluating your medical treatment and prognosis

This level of detail ensures that we’re not relying solely on the insurer’s version of events. We build your case based on facts, documentation, and professional insight—so you’re in a stronger position to demand what you’re owed.

We Calculate the True Value of Your Accident Claim

Too many accident victims underestimate what their case is worth. A fast settlement may seem tempting, but it often leaves money on the table—money you’ll need later for medical bills, therapy, or lost income.

Our legal team evaluates the full scope of your damages, including:

  • Emergency and long-term medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

In serious cases, we also pursue punitive damages where appropriate, particularly when the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or recklessness.

We also consult with medical and financial experts to support the full value of your case. Our goal is not just to get you compensated—it’s to make sure the compensation reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

Our Lawyers Negotiate With the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to settle your claim quickly and for as little as possible. That’s where your attorney makes the biggest difference.

At Lloyd Miller Law, we handle all negotiations on your behalf. Because we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, insurers know we won’t accept less than you deserve. Our reputation as strong litigators gives us leverage at the negotiating table, often resulting in higher settlement offers without having to step into court.

We Prepare Every Case for Trial

While most personal injury cases settle out of court, some require litigation. We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf.

Our attorneys bring decades of combined courtroom experience to every case. We use expert witnesses, compelling exhibits, and strategic trial tactics to present the strongest case possible to a judge or jury.

Even the insurance companies know: when Lloyd Miller Law is on the case, they’re up against a team with a track record of successful verdicts in Cook County and beyond.

Our Attorneys Protect You From Common Pitfalls

Without legal counsel, accident victims often fall into traps. They may:

  • Give a recorded statement that’s used against them
  • Sign a release too early, forfeiting future claims
  • Accept a low settlement without understanding their rights

Our job is to protect you from those mistakes. We advise you on what to say (and what not to say), what documents to sign, and what steps to take to protect your claim.

This kind of legal guidance isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

What Compensation Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This includes emergency medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning ability, and damage to your property. Our attorneys also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct—such as drunk driving—we may also pursue punitive damages to hold the wrongdoer fully accountable. Our job is to ensure that no aspect of your harm is undervalued.

How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Protect You Legally?

A personal injury lawyer acts as your legal shield. We stop the insurance company from contacting you directly. We review every document before you sign. We ensure that your injuries are properly documented and that your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.

More importantly, we protect you from critical missteps: giving recorded statements that are used against you, signing away your rights too early, or settling before the true cost of your recovery is known. With Lloyd Miller Law by your side, you avoid these traps—and stay focused on getting better.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, don’t wait. Call Lloyd Miller Law today to schedule a free consultation. There’s no obligation, no pressure, and no fee unless we win for you.

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