Why You Should File a Case for an Auto Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident or traffic crash that resulted in injury, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. At MillerKing Law, we focus and concentrate in personal injury claims, such as traffic crashes, auto accidents, or automobile crashes.

In the State of Illinois, you have two (2) years by which to settle your claim or file a formal lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Many times, clients come into the office very confused, frustrated, hurt, stressed, and riddled with anxiety. We are here to shed light, provide comfort, and give counsel concerning a person’s rights, the personal injury process, and legal system, including communications with insurance companies. 

An Auto Accident Case Can Help Pay Medical Bills

In general, there are three sources of insurance to seek payment or compensation in an auto accident or traffic crash case. First, we investigate health insurance coverage. We generally recommend turning all bills into health insurance for process and payment. Two, we investigate medical payment coverage (“med pay”) – which may be available through automobile insurance. Medical payment coverage may range in benefits of $1,000 to $50,000 in coverage. Such coverage may be required to pay initial bills. Third, we look at liability, uninsured, or underinsured insurance coverage (auto, general business, dram shop, excess, or umbrella). If insurance coverage exists, then we seek fair and reasonable compensation, which oftentimes includes the tender of policy limits. If a personal injury claim cannot be settled, then it is advisable to discuss options, such as filing the lawsuit or proceeding with arbitration. 

How to Make an Auto Accidents Case:

Seek Out an Attorney

Right after an automobile accident or a traffic crash, the first thing to do is contact the local police, sheriff, or highway patrol. At the site of the accident, if somebody is able to call the police, please do so. That’s what law requires under most circumstances. Once you contact the police, seek the necessary and reasonable medical care and treatment, if you have suffered injuries. Then, it is advisable to contact your insurance company to notify or put on notice regarding property and/or personal injuries (Refrain from making specific statements in the personal injury claim without first speaking with an attorney). Early or immediately, it is important to hire an attorney or at least seek the advice and counsel of an attorney depending on the circumstances. Generally, the initial consultations are free of charge and there’s no obligation to hire a lawyer. In fact, the client or potential client has full discretion whether to retain counsel or not.

Consider All the Factors

A common question often asked is, “How are the attorney’s fees paid?” When people suffer a personal injury, they’re not generally able to pay for new medical bills, regular living expenses, and attorney’s fees. As such, MillerKing Law handles personal injury and workers’ compensation claims or cases on a contingency fee. With a contingency fee, the lawyer or law firm only receives payment for services if the claim or case is successfully resolved through a settlement agreement, arbitration, or trial. At MillerKing Law, we also advance necessary and reasonable case costs. The advanced case costs are reimbursed upon successful completion of the claim or case from any proceeds. 

Another common question is, “What happens if we can’t settle our case? What’s the next step?” The next step would be to file a lawsuit. Generally, these claims are filed in state court by filing a complaint. The Clerk of the Court issues a Summons for the at-fault party to appear and answer the complaint. Depending on the circumstances and litigation process (lawsuit), personal injury cases may take 1-3 years. Lawsuits are never the preferred route, but sometimes the lawsuit route is the only option to seek fair and reasonable compensation. Insurance companies can be difficult, delayed, and stonewall a person’s right of recovery depending on the facts and circumstances. Each case is unique and different. 

Call Miller King if You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Auto Accident Case

Auto accidents or traffic crashes can be very intimidating to handle alone, especially when serious injury or death is involved. MillerKing Law has represented and helped many people make their case so they can begin to move on from a terrible situation. To learn more about how to get a personal injury lawyer through MillerKing, you can visit our website at https://millerkinglaw.com/practice-areas/personal-injury/ or give us a call at (618) 462-8405.