Q: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case?
A: As with our firm, most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee which is a percentage of the amount recovered. This means that there is no fee unless there is a recovery and the fee is paid when the case settles.

Q: What about the costs to prosecute the case?
A: In most instances, the case costs are paid by our firm and then the firm is reimbursed out of the settlement.

Q: How long does it take to settle a case?
A: There is no set or usual amount of time for a case to be settled, since that depends on many various factors that are case specific. Generally, a case shouldn’t be settled before the injured person has completed medical care and has reached medical maximum recovery. Then after the medical records are obtained, an analysis and evaluation of the claim value can be conducted. Thereafter, the process can vary depending on the position of the insurance company. If there is a denial or a low offer, litigation can be initiated. Litigation is a lengthy process that can take a couple of years or more to be completed. Our firm’s job is to handle the matter as expeditiously as possible while at the same time obtaining the best result.

Q: If I am injured, could I handle my own claim?
A: You could, but it would be unwise. You are held to the standards, knowledge and experience of a lawyer when representing yourself. Also, even in the claims stage of a matter, the insurance company has lawyers advising them. Accordingly, you would be at a distinct disadvantage. Not only would you not know the true value of your claim, your lack of knowledge of the law and its application could put you into a position where a settlement or your cause of action could be legally permanently barred from a recovery. Also, there are many things such as witness statements, photos or preserving other types of evidence that must be done immediately after an injury. You should hire a lawyer as quickly as you can to protect your interests and this should be done before you contact the insurance company or insurance companies contact you when they will invariably try to record your statement.

Q: Should I talk to the insurance company representatives when they call me or come to see me?
A: Usually when this happens, you are not feeling well and might be on medication. You are in no condition to speak to insurance representatives. Furthermore, the insurance company representatives are trained to try to lead you into saying something that would be negative or detrimental to your claim. Politely tell them “Call my lawyer.”

Q: What if I am injured in a car or other motor vehicle accident and the other driver who is at fault has no insurance coverage?
A: If you or the vehicle you are traveling in has auto liability insurance coverage, you would be covered by a portion of that policy called uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is mandated to be part of any liability policy issued in Illinois, as well as most other states. Uninsured motorist coverage is as if your insurance company becomes the insurance company for the other driver, so you can make your injury claim.

For more information call our firm for a free consultation at 312.644.6200