Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Peoria

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, call 309-673-4521 to reach the Peoria Police Department.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, submit a written request or a filled-out FOIA request form to the Peoria Police Department via mail, email, fax, or hand delivery.

  Mailing Address: Peoria Police Department Attn: Records - FOIA 600 SW Adams Street Peoria, IL 61602 Email: police-FOIA@peoriagov.org Fax: 309-494-8440 Hand deliver: Go to the police department and drop off the request at the Information Office.

  FOIA Request Form: https://www.peoriagov.org/DocumentCenter/View/1652/FOIA-Request-Form-for-Police-Records-Only-Updated-09-2012-PDF?bidId=

• How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Peoria, IL?

  According to Illinois Compiled Statutes Section 5/13-202, you have two years from the date the injury was sustained to file the lawsuit. If the victim passes due to their injuries, the surviving family must file the lawsuit within two years from the date of the death. It is advised that you work with a personal injury attorney in Peoria to start building the case and file it on time.

• Do you have to accept the settlement the insurance company offers after you file the claim in Peoria?

  No, you are not obligated to take the insurer’s offer. However, if the offer is of good faith, it may not be available to you again should you decline it. Before deciding, you should seek counsel from a personal injury lawyer in Peoria to determine if the offer is fair and will compensate you for your current and future damages.

• How does your preexisting condition affect your personal injury claim in Peoria, IL?

  You will not be compensated for your preexisting condition. But if it was exacerbated by the accident, you may be able to get additional compensation. This applies to both mental and physical conditions. If your existing anxiety or physical disability was elevated due to the accident, then your Peoria personal injury lawyer can help you claim compensation for it.

• How do you know if your situation is eligible for a personal injury claim in Peoria, IL?

  You can file a personal injury claim if your injury was caused by negligence. To prove negligence, the four elements below should be present. Duty of care – Such a doctor having the duty to perform your medical procedure properly Breach of Duty – Such as a motorist breaching their duty to drive within Peoria speed limits Injuries – You must prove that you sustained an injury Losses – You must prove that the injury resulted in losses, such as lost wages.

• Do you have to go to trial to get compensated for your personal injury in Peoria, IL?

  No. Personal injury lawyers work to secure fair compensation for the injury victim through an insurance settlement. Data from the U.S. Department of Justice also shows that approximately only 5% of personal injury claims reach the trial stage. Some victims prefer to get their compensation through settlement to avoid the long process and expenses of going to trial in Peoria.

• 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.