After a car accident, recovering compensation can be a difficult process involving multiple steps. From identifying who is responsible for your injuries to negotiating settlements and filing lawsuits when needed, each step requires attention to detail and persistence.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’ve recovered over $100 million for accident victims across Illinois. Our car accident lawyer in Skokie can file a claim, negotiate with insurers, and take legal action if necessary.
Call us today for a free consultation. We can explain more about how our Skokie personal injury lawyers can assist you.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Car Accident?
In many car accident cases, liability isn’t always as simple as blaming the other driver. Depending on the details of your accident, multiple parties could share responsibility for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered.
Our Skokie car accident attorneys work to identify all liable parties to build your claim for compensation.
Negligent Drivers
In most cases, the driver who caused the accident is liable for the damages. This could involve actions like speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Employers of Commercial Drivers
When the driver at fault is operating a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or rideshare car, the employer may also be held responsible. Employers have a duty to properly train and supervise their drivers and ensure vehicles are maintained properly.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If a defect in the vehicle or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable. This might include faulty brakes, airbags, or tires that fail unexpectedly.
Government Entities
Local or state governments may be held responsible if the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or unsafe intersections. Filing a claim against a government entity has unique requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly.
Third Parties
In some cases, third parties may share liability. For example, a bar or restaurant could be held responsible under Illinois dram shop laws if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who caused the accident.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis. Identifying all potential defendants can strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of full compensation.
See a Doctor and Follow Your Treatment Plan After a Car Accident Injury
One of the most important steps after a car accident is seeking medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the crash, some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Certain injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be obvious until hours or days after the collision. A medical professional can evaluate you and catch injuries early, potentially preventing more serious complications.
Failing to see a doctor after an accident can also hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash or that they aren’t as serious as you claim. Seeking treatment creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident.
Following Your Doctor’s Instructions
Once you’ve received a diagnosis, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete physical therapy, and take prescribed medications. Skipping treatments or ignoring medical advice can give the insurance company reason to argue that you didn’t do enough to recover.
Keep a Record of Your Treatment
Save all documentation related to your medical care, including bills, prescriptions, and records of missed work. These documents help our Skokie car accident lawyers calculate the value of your claim and prove the extent of your injuries.
Settlement Negotiations and Filing a Lawsuit
Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations, but achieving fair compensation often requires persistence and preparation. In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure what you’re owed.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements that don’t reflect the true value of your losses. These offers may only cover immediate medical bills or property damage, leaving out important factors like lost wages, pain and suffering, or ongoing care.
Effective negotiation requires presenting a strong case supported by evidence. This includes medical records, proof of lost income, and documentation of how the accident has affected your life. Our team of Skokie auto accident attorneys has experience pushing back against unfair offers and working to secure settlements that fully address your needs.
When a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. This involves taking the case to court, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to trial; many cases settle during the litigation process. However, being prepared to take the case to court shows the insurance company that you’re serious about fighting for fair compensation.
Understanding Illinois’ Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, car accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the claim involves a minor or a government entity, different deadlines may apply. Acting quickly after an accident gives your legal team time to investigate, gather evidence, and file your case within the required timeframe.
Why Choose a Skokie Car Accident Attorney From Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.?
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we focus on results. With over $100 million recovered for accident victims and 75 years of combined experience, we have helped people across Illinois secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our team handles every case with personal attention, taking the time to understand your circumstances and build a strategy that works for you. You’ll work directly with an attorney throughout the process, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’re ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With over $100 million recovered and decades of experience, we have the knowledge and determination to handle your case from start to finish.
Call today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we win your case. Let us help you move forward and get the financial recovery you need.
