This post is written to conclude and recap my series on the process of dealing with insurance companies after one has been injured in Peoria, Illinois. I felt it was necessary to write on this topic as, for obvious reasons, many individuals do not know how to proceed after they have been harmed through no fault of their own. Failing to take the appropriate steps can result in a victim receiving less compensation than they deserve or, worse, none at all. The goal of my last several articles has been to provide information which will assist people in better understanding their situation. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you or a loved one have been harmed in an accident then contact my office to speak with a Peoria personal injury lawyer.
I have addressed several topics over my recent articles. Some of the issues which I have analyzed include:
- Dealing with the insurance adjuster after an accident
- Why personal injury cases may take significant time to settle
- Retaining a lawyer with the resources necessary to handle your case
- The importance of retaining a law firm which will litigate a personal injury case
There are several reasons why I chose to address these topics. First, it is common for insurance adjusters to contact a victim immediately following an accident. Such adjusters will often attempt to persuade the victim into accepting a quick settlement. These adjusters will often suggest that the victim should not contact an attorney. Quite often, however, such offers made by insurance adjusters are low ball in nature. By speaking with an attorney, before talking to the adjuster, you likely increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Second, cases can take significant time to resolve. This is due to the fact that a victim’s injuries must be reasonably ascertainable before a settlement demand can be made to the insurance company. Issuing a settlement demand, before knowing a victim’s long-term prognosis, can result in the victim not receiving adequate compensation for future care or lost wages. This is why, in cases where the victim is seriously injured, it may take years to reach a settlement. Third, it is important that you retain a law firm with the resources necessary to handle your matter. These resources can be used to retain experts, hire investigators, or obtain other services needed to ensure that all necessary evidence is obtained in your case. Finally, not all personal injury firms will take a case to trial. Some only handle matters up until the time that it is necessary to file a lawsuit. They didn’t refer the case to other firms. By retaining a firm which will handle your case from beginning to end, you help to ensure that you do not have to switch lawyers in the middle of your case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident then contact our office today to speak with a Peoria personal injury lawyer. We handle matters involving car accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle injuries, and more. My office prides itself on providing a high level of service and we look forward to being of assistance. Contact us today. Our firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
