If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s natural to have questions about what to do next and ask whether you need legal help. Not every situation requires a lawyer, but there are several scenarios where hiring a personal injury attorney can protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and reduce stress during recovery.
Here are some of the most important times to call an experienced personal injury lawyer in Geneva.
1. Immediately After the Accident
Timing matters. In the hours and days after an accident, critical evidence can be lost or destroyed. Photos fade, skid marks disappear, witnesses forget details, and records may not be preserved properly.
Calling a lawyer early ensures that evidence is gathered and preserved while it’s still fresh. It also allows your attorney to take over communications with insurance companies so you don’t say anything that could harm your case or risk accepting a lowball offer.
2. When Injuries Are Serious or Long-Lasting
If your injuries are severe or lead to long-term care needs, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Catastrophic injuries often come with extensive medical bills, lost income, future treatment costs, and emotional suffering. A personal injury attorney can help calculate the full value of your claim and pursue compensation that truly reflects your economic and non-economic losses.
3. When Fault Is Unclear or Disputed
In some cases, the other party may deny responsibility or claim that you were at fault. Illinois’s modified comparative negligence law still allows you to recover compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident. However, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your level of fault. And if you are 51% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover any money.
An experienced lawyer can help you investigate and gather evidence to establish liability. They can also defend you against unfair blame accusations that threaten your right to full compensation.
4. If You Receive a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers after an accident. However, these offers rarely reflect the full value of your claim. Before accepting any payment or signing any agreement, you should consult a personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can review the offer, explain what it covers, and negotiate for a better outcome if it falls short of your needs. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up the right to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party, even if additional expenses arise.
5. When Legal Deadlines Are Approaching
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, and more. That means you generally have two years from the date of your accident to initiate legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation in court.
An injury lawyer can make sure your case is filed on time and meets all procedural requirements so you don’t lose out on compensation due to a technicality.
Contact an Experienced Geneva Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
Legal claims can be complex and stressful. If you’re unsure about your rights or how to move forward, calling a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options. Most injury law firms offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no financial risk in getting advice about your claim.
Contact Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation with a Geneva personal injury lawyer. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and identify all options for recovering the compensation you deserve.