Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Decatur

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Decatur, Illinois?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Decatur Police Department is 217-424-2711.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Decatur, Illinois?

  You may get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at the City Clerk’s office at 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza, Decatur, IL. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also submit a request form from https://decaturil.gov/departments/city-clerk/foia-request/ and submit it to FOIADPD@decaturil.gov.

• Are unhelmeted motorcycle accident victims in Decatur entitled to compensation?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Decatur who were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident are not barred from pursuing compensation for their losses, as Illinois is one of only three states that do not have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Some exceptions to this are drivers and passengers under the age of 18.

• Who can motorcycle accident victims hold liable in Decatur?

  Depending on the facts of the case, motorcycle accident victims in Decatur can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or the motorcycle manufacturing company if a defect caused the accident. They may also sue the city of Decatur or Macon County if the accident was caused by poor road conditions or lack of safety signage.

• How does Decatur protect its residents from dog bites?

  Decatur requires dog owners to keep their pets on a leash while in public places. Even when leashed and tethered, dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in any area open to the public. Even on the owner’s property, dogs are not allowed to run loose and must be kept in an enclosure such as a fence or kennel. If an individual is attacked or bitten by a dog, the owner shall be found liable for civil damages.

• What are common dog bite cases in Decatur?

  Most cases of dog bites in Decatur result in injuries such as contusions, lacerations, and abrasions. Other common dog bite injuries include fractures and puncture wounds. The most dangerous dog breeds in the area are found to be German shepherds, pit bulls, and Rottweilers. In addition, male dog bite victims greatly outnumber female ones.

• How are lost wages and lost earning capacity proven in a Decatur personal injury case?

  Personal injury victims in Decatur may pursue compensation for lost wages, which is calculated with the victims’ actual earnings prior to the incident. However, the calculation for lost earning capacity takes into account many different factors, such as age, health, education, occupation, experience, and the rates of wages in their vocation. This becomes more complex when the victim is self-employed, and the court may use a diminution of profits for calculation.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.