Were you recently in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? You may think that you will be fine and won’t have any issues with insurance since you did not cause the accident.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even if you didn’t cause the car crash, you may still face several roadblocks that can keep you from the compensation you deserve to recover and heal from the accident.
If you’re wondering if you should get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the answer is yes. Having legal representation after an accident can help safeguard your rights. Get a FREE consult with Disparti Law Group and get the support you need. Call (312) 600-6000/
.
Key Takeaways:
- Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, hiring a lawyer can protect your rights, handle insurance disputes, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and even punitive damages if you are injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
- In the event of a fatal car accident, a wrongful death claim can be pursued. An experienced attorney can provide essential support and handle the legal complexities during this difficult time.
- Even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you still may be entitled to compensation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, follow these steps to help protect yourself as you navigate the legal process after.
1. Get to Safety
First and foremost, get to a safe place and move your vehicle away from traffic if possible or necessary.
2. Call 9-1-1
In Chicago, you should call 9-1-1 following a car accident if it resulted in injuries or property damage. When law enforcement arrives, be honest about what happened be be careful not to say anything that could come back to harm your claim later. The police report is a vital part of your insurance claim to help prove fault.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If it’s safe and you are able, take pictures of the accident and the surroundings. Take note of any traffic cameras that may be able to be used later to prove you were not at fault.
4. Exchange Information
It’s very important that you exchange contact and insurance information with any other parties involved. It may also be helpful to get contact information from any witnesses who may be around.
5. Seek Medical Treatment
Even for minor injuries, you should seek medical treatment right away after an accident, especially if it was not your fault. You want to rule out any life-threatening injuries that may be hidden such as internal bleeding. It’s also vital that your injuries are documented in your medical records should you need to file a car accident lawsuit.
When Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
The final step you should take following a car accident is to contact an experienced attorney, especially if you were injured and the accident was not your fault. The last thing anyone should have to do is pay the consequences for someone else’s negligence.
Here are a few reasons why you should get a lawyer for a car accident that was not your fault.
Your Injuries Are Severe
If you suffered severe injuries in a car accident, you likely have a long road to recovery ahead of you. Expenses can pile up after hospital bills, future treatment, and lost wages due to missing work.
A car accident lawyer can help calculate the financial impact the accident will have on you and will be able to negotiate a settlement that will truly make you whole.
Multiple Parties Are Involved
A motorcycle claim can become much more complicated when multiple parties are involved. If you were involved in an accident that involved multiple drivers or you suspect other parties such as manufacturers may have been at fault for an accident, the right attorney would know how to handle that situation.
Disputes About Fault
An attorney can also handle disputes regarding who was at fault for your accident. The other driver or the insurance company may wrongly accuse you of causing the crash.
Additionally, even if you were partially at fault for your accident, Illinois is a comparative fault state and you may still be entitled to compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for your accident.
Lowball Settlements
Insurance companies are notorious for giving lowball settlements following a car accident. An important thing to know is that you do not have to accept the insurance company’s first offer.
They often count on their beneficiaries being unaware of the compensation they are rightfully owed following an accident. Disparti Law Group holds these insurance companies accountable and fights to get every penny our clients deserve.
Fatal Accidents
If tragedy strikes and your loved one is in a fatal accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim which is much more involved than a car accident claim with only injuries. Having an experienced attorney in your corner can take the pressure off as you navigate this challenging time.
What can a Car Accident lawyer do for my case?
Contacting a car accident lawyer can be your best move when dealing with the aftermath of a crash. They’ll investigate your case and gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos to build your claim.
An attorney can also manage communication with insurance companies to negotiate a settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
When a fair settlement cannot be reached, a car accident lawyer can take your case to court. They’ll file the necessary paperwork, represent you in hearings, and present your case to the judge.
Compensation Available for a Car Accident, Not Your Fault
If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
- Medical expenses. Covers hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment needed for your recovery.
- Lost wages. When your injuries prevent you from working, you may be reimbursed for the money you lost or will lose being out of work.
- Pain and suffering. Damages can be awarded to address the physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property damage. Compensation can cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Punitive damages. If the at-fault driver acted with extreme negligence be awarded as a form of punishment.
Working with an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that all your losses are accurately calculated and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Let Disparti Law Group Handle the Legal Process
At Disparti Law Group, we understand the challenges many face after a car accident. Our experienced car accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather crucial evidence, and help determine who is at fault. From negotiating with insurance companies to filing necessary legal paperwork, we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
With Disparti Law Group on your side, you won’t have to worry about the complexities of the legal system. Our dedicated team will keep you informed throughout the process. If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, we are fully prepared to file a car accident lawsuit and represent you in court.
Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!!
