Best Car Accident Lawyers in Schaumburg

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Schaumburg Police Department is 847-895-4500. You may also call 311 within Schaumburg borders.

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

  If you were involved in a Schaumburg car accident, you could obtain a copy of your police report online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/home. You will need the accident's date and the report number in order to make an online purchase. The alternative is to pay $5 and obtain a copy from the Police Department, which is open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• What procedures must you follow in Schaumburg to support your car accident claim?

  To prove your car accident claim in Schaumburg, you must show that the driver disregarded his duty of care, that the driver's negligence caused the collision, and that you sustained losses as a result of the crash. A car accident lawyer can assist you in gathering proof, including witness statements, medical documents, security footage, and photographs to support your claims.

• Where would you stop if you were in a car accident in Schaumburg at rush hour?

  If no one was hurt in your Schaumburg car accident and your car is still driveable, move it to a nearby parking lot or the shoulder of the road, especially if the incident is blocking traffic. Remember to turn on your hazard lights as a safety measure for other drivers. If there were injuries involved, call 911 first before relocating your car.

• How can a lawyer help you calculate the cost of your pain and suffering in a Schaumburg car accident?

  A car accident attorney in Schaumburg can aid you in calculating the cost of your pain and suffering by:

  • speaking with your physician about your condition and outlook;
  • looking at the results of instances comparable to yours;
  • talking with the insurer about your hardship;
  • calculating your economic damages, which are based on how much agony and suffering you have endured; and
  • speaking with those who can vouch for your condition.

• What should you do following a car accident in Schaumburg?

  The first step after a car accident is to call the Schaumburg Police Department. They will send an officer to investigate and file a report at the scene. The police will have your car towed if it is not drivable. After the location has been cleared, consulting with a car accident lawyer will aid you in understanding your legal rights and options. You must also contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.

• What are the most common reasons for car crashes in Schaumburg?

  The most common grounds of car accidents in Schaumburg are negligent actions by drivers, such as using a cell phone while driving, changing the radio or climate controls, interacting with passengers, speeding, swerving through and around heavy traffic, driving while exhausted or intoxicated, and failing to yield the right-of-way. Defective car parts, poor road conditions, and inexperienced drivers are also frequent causes of car accidents in Schaumburg.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.