We Help People Get What They Need After Car Accidents

No one ever expects to get into an accident, and most people aren’t prepared to deal with the aftermath of one. But having the right help on your side is essential when navigating medical costs, damage repairs and insurance settlements. At Cassian & Carter LLC, our team of attorneys can be there for you after a car accident. We can help you deal with all the fallout and ensure you get what you need to recover. We work hard on your case to make sure you don’t have to.

Do You Need An Attorney?

Some people may think that their insurance company will take care of everything after an accident, but all too often this is not true. Insurance companies’ priorities are with their own bottom line, not your recovery. An attorney, however, will be on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive the full, fair settlement you deserve after an accident.

An experienced car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and make sure nothing was missed. They can then handle all paperwork involved in filing your claim and then go to bat for you against the insurance companies. Hiring an attorney can make a true difference in your case and in your settlement.

What Can I Recover?

Your bills can pile up after an accident, but fortunately, there are many things your compensation can cover. Your compensation can include money to pay for medical bills, potential lost income and other out of pocket expenses. But there are additional expenses that are part of a fair settlement in some cases.

In Illinois, a personal injury attorney can help victims recover compensation to help pay for noneconomic damage related to pain and suffering. This relates to both physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your accident. It can cover expenses incurred due to emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, frustration and anguish and other noneconomic damages.

We can also obtain compensation for costs related to a wrongful death. Your compensation can help you cover funeral expenses, lost wages and more.

It’s Important To Act Quickly

Time is of the essence after a car accident, in more ways than one. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we can get started working on your recovery. Call 815-714-7118 or use our online contact form to get in touch.

What You Need To Know After A Car Crash In Illinois

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day to all kinds of people. So, it is helpful to understand what to do, the process and what to expect. At Cassian & Carter LLC, we’ve gotten a lot of questions about when and how to seek compensation when another driver’s negligence causes an accident. We’ve compiled a list of these questions and answers to help.

Don’t see the question or answer you need here? We offer a free consultation for accident victims. Just call our Joliet office at 815-714-7118.

Does fault play a role in an Illinois car crash?

Yes, because Illinois is a “fault state” for insurance purposes. Whoever is at fault for the crash can be held liable for damages. If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still sue. You will be eligible to receive the total damages minus your percentage of fault. In Illinois, you may sue your own insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company (in some cases, the insurance company of the driver of the car you were in if you were a passenger) or file a civil suit against those who caused the accident.

How do I know if I should accept a settlement offer from my insurer after a car accident?

In most cases, it is not in your best interest to accept an insurer’s first settlement offer. Here is where working with an experienced attorney can really benefit you. An experienced personal injury attorney will have handled many similar cases and will know what a reasonable offer looks like. Why? Because an attorney who handles personal injury cases will know how much your medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, equipment and other expenses are likely to cost. Some offers seem very appealing at first but are often not enough to even cover the actual costs the accident incurred.

What should I do after a car accident to protect my personal injury claim?

Immediately after any motor vehicle accident, be sure to get medical attention. Also take photos of all damage and injuries or have a family member or friend do this as soon as possible. Be sure to get all of the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident. Ask for a copy of the police report as well.

Do not speak with any insurance adjusters without having an attorney present. Why? Because the adjuster’s job is to get the payout as low as possible. Most of these adjusters are very good at what they do. They may even have you believe that they are truly concerned about you, and that’s why they want to know how you are doing. The truth is, even if you offhandedly remark that you are “fine,” this could be used against you.

Should I hire a personal injury lawyer after a car accident?

It is very likely that you will recover significantly more in compensation and better understand your rights and options if you partner with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney.

What should I do if an insurance adjuster calls me after a car accident?

Say as little as possible. Be polite, but after confirming that you are the victim and that the accident happened, offer no details and do not confirm or deny anything. Do not sign anything. Do not agree to be recorded. Do take notes. Remember that whatever you say can be used to negatively affect a settlement offer or even the verdict at trial. It’s best in these instances to have your attorney present to protect your rights, or to speak on your behalf.

Can I pursue punitive damages against the other driver after a car crash in Illinois?

Yes. If the other driver’s behavior was egregious, meaning they took unnecessary risks or intended to do harm, then pursuing punitive damages may be prudent.

If I was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, can I still file a personal injury claim?

Generally speaking, yes. Here again, an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through what is likely to happen given the circumstances of your particular accident and any potential contributory negligence issues.

We Will Help You Know What To Expect

At Cassian & Carter, all we do is Illinois personal injury. Our mission is twofold: to simplify the process and to pursue maximum compensation for you. Call 815-714-7118 to set up a free consultation. You can also send us a brief summary of your issue via our website contact email.