A preventable car crash in St. Charles can alter your life and leave you facing extensive financial losses. Many crash victims assume they can handle the claim themselves until they discover how aggressively insurers work to reduce payouts. Hiring a St. Charles car accident attorney can help you level the playing field.
Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in St. Charles
Car accident claims can be complex. Even if liability seems clear, insurance companies often dispute damages or attempt to shift blame onto you. A St. Charles car accident attorney can be a major boon to your claim. Here are the reasons why:
Your Legal Team Can Handle All Aspects of Your Claim
A skilled St. Charles car accident lawyer manages every step of the claims process, including:
- Conducting a full investigation of the crash to identify liable parties.
- Gathering key evidence such as witness statements, vehicle damage documentation, and black-box or electronic data.
- Analyzing medical records and coordinating with your healthcare providers to understand the full extent of your injuries.
- Working with expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction experts and physicians, to strengthen your claim.
- Handling all communication with the insurance company.
- Calculating your damages, including past and future medical costs, among other things.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement or taking your case to court in pursuit of compensation.
In essence, your legal team will provide personalized strategies for proving liability in your car accident and work to get you full compensation for your injuries.
Your Lawyer Can Help You Increase Your Odds of Recovering Full Compensation
Insurance companies use many tactics to reduce claim values. They may argue that your injuries are exaggerated or caused by a preexisting condition. Alternatively, they may offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries.
A St. Charles car accident attorney understands these tactics and knows how to counter them. They can present medical evidence that clearly connects your injuries to the crash. They can use expert testimony to document your long-term needs and pain and suffering. They can also push back against lowball settlement offers to pursue the full value of your claim.
Your Lawyer Can Shield You From Blame and Protect You From Mistakes
Handling a case by yourself can result in mistakes that hurt your claim. A lawyer can protect you from avoidable missteps, such as:
- Giving a recorded statement that can later be used to twist your words or imply fault.
- Signing a medical records release that allows insurers to sift through years of records looking for unrelated preexisting conditions.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share blame for the crash. Insurers may try to blame you for the collision to avoid paying your full damages, even in cases where fault is clear. Your attorney will protect you from unfounded blame accusations and ensure liability stays where it belongs.
Contact an Experienced St. Charles Car Accident Attorney for Help
Hiring a St. Charles car accident attorney offers invaluable support after a collision, from investigating the crash and handling insurance communications to shielding you from blame. Contact an experienced attorney for help understanding your rights and options after a crash. Feagans Law Group offers free consultations to help you understand the benefits of hiring a lawyer.