Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo[/caption] If you or a loved one were in a car crash, you may be hurt, unable to work, and confused about what to do next. Unfortunately, many people delay in getting the appropriate medical treatment or legal advice following a car crash because they do not understand how important it is to act quickly to protect one’s right to financial compensation. First and foremost, it is important to get prompt and necessary medical treatment. Delays in medical treatment that result in a worsening of the injury could make it more difficult to prove your case. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident or other personal injury accident not only to diagnose and treat all injuries, but to obtain a comprehensive medical record of your injuries. It is also important to contact the police, especially in the event of a car accident. A police report will likely be requested by the insurance companies in order to pay a claim and if a personal injury lawsuit is filed, a police report will be a critically important document in proving who was negligent. You should also take photos or take notes of the accident scene or circumstances surrounding the accident. It can become increasingly difficult to recall facts surrounding the accident as time goes on. By taking notes or photos, you can help refresh your memory and retain supporting evidence for your case. Depending on the severity and circumstances of your accident, you may also want to contact a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawsuits – including car accidents – involve an area of law called “tort law,” which includes complex legal issues such as negligence, strict liability, product liability, and premises liability. Tort laws vary from state to state so it is important to hire an attorney that understands the laws of the state in which the lawsuit will be filed. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that they can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if legal action is required, they can help you file a claim in the appropriate court of law. All personal injury cases have strict statutes of limitations, or time periods, during which a lawsuit can be filed. A personal injury can advise you of those time limits and ensure that you file a timely claim if necessary. At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, we are well-versed in the various tort laws of Illinois and we have considerable experience representing clients in complex personal injury lawsuits, including those involving medical malpractice, brain injuries, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, serious automobile accidents and commercial trucking accidents. We seek maximum financial recovery from negligent parties and if a favorable settlement is not possible, we will vigorously pursue your case in a court of law. If you were injured or a loved one died in a car accident or other personal injury accident, do not delay. Contact the Chicago accident attorneys at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish at (888) 325-7299 to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible personal injury lawsuit. Additional Information:
- Does Prior Driving History Comes Into Play in Auto Accident Lawsuits?
- What Are Statutes of Limitations and How Do They Affect Personal Injury Cases?
- Everything You Need to Know about Negligence, Torts, and Personal Injury
- Why You Need to Act Quickly Following a Personal Injury Accident
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
