The Advantages of Hiring an Edwardsville Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

A skilled attorney can help you understand the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Challenges Faced by Accident Victims

Accident victims often face numerous challenges in the aftermath of an incident.

These challenges can be physical, emotional, and financial, making it difficult for victims to focus on their legal rights and the compensation they deserve.

Common challenges faced by accident victims include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Injuries: Accident victims may suffer from severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of an accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Financial Strain: Medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses can quickly add up, putting a significant financial burden on victims and their families.

An experienced Edwardsville personal injury lawyer can help alleviate these challenges by handling the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

The Limitations of Working with Insurance Providers

Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than ensuring accident victims receive fair compensation.

Without proper legal representation, victims may find themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance providers.

Insurance companies may employ tactics such as:

• Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurance adjusters may offer a quick settlement that does not adequately cover the full extent of your damages.
• Denying or Delaying Claims: Insurance companies may deny valid claims or delay the claims process to pressure victims into accepting a lower settlement.
• Shifting Blame: Insurance providers may attempt to shift blame onto the victim to minimize their liability and reduce the amount of compensation they must pay.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Workers Compensation and Workplace Injuries

Workers’ compensation cases arise when employees get hurt on the job.

The injuries can stem from various scenarios, including accidents or ongoing workplace conditions.

Common types of workplace injuries include:

• Slip and Fall: These incidents can occur due to wet or uneven surfaces, improper footwear, or lack of safety measures.
• Machinery Accidents: These can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Due to continual motion or poor ergonomics.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Can cause long-term health issues.

Understanding the Costs of Hiring a Lawyer

Many accident victims hesitate to hire a personal injury lawyer due to concerns about the cost of legal representation.

However, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, making legal representation accessible to everyone.

Key points to understand about contingency fees:

• No Upfront Costs: Clients do not pay any legal fees until they receive a settlement or verdict in their favor.
• Percentage-Based Fees: Attorneys typically receive a percentage of the final settlement or verdict as their fee, which is agreed upon before taking the case.
• Incentive for Success: Contingency fees align the interests of the attorney and the client, as the attorney only gets paid if the client receives compensation.

By working on a contingency fee basis, personal injury lawyers ensure that accident victims can access the legal representation they need without adding to their financial burdens.

The Role of an Edwardsville Personal Injury Attorney

An Edwardsville personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the incident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Negotiating with insurance companies requires skill and strategic planning, often spearheaded by a proficient attorney.

They ensure that the injured party’s rights are protected while seeking the maximum possible compensation.

A considerable part of the legal process involves discussions with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement:

• Initial Offer Review: The plaintiff’s lawyer assesses the insurance company’s compensation offer, considering its adequacy against the damages suffered.
• Settlement Negotiation: The attorney engages in a series of negotiations with the insurer to increase the settlement amount.
• Mediation or Arbitration: In case of a stalemate, a neutral third party may facilitate a resolution.
• Trial Preparation: If an agreement can’t be reached, the case may proceed to trial, although most personal injury cases are settled before reaching this stage.

Building Your Case: Steps a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Take

To build a strong case on your behalf, your personal injury lawyer will follow a series of essential steps.

These steps are designed to gather evidence, assess the full extent of your damages, and determine liability.

Your attorney will collect various types of evidence to support your claim, including:

• Accident Reports: Police reports, incident reports, and other official documents related to the accident.
• Medical Records: Document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis from healthcare providers.
• Witness Statements: Accounts from individuals who saw the accident or have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries.

This evidence will help your lawyer build a compelling case demonstrating the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages.

Your personal injury attorney will work to identify and calculate all the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident, including:

• Economic Damages: Tangible financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Future Damages: Anticipated future costs, such as ongoing medical treatment or reduced earning capacity.

By thoroughly assessing your damages, your lawyer can ensure that any settlement or verdict fully compensates you for your losses.

To hold the appropriate parties accountable for your injuries, your attorney will investigate the accident to determine liability.

This process may involve:

• Analyzing Evidence: Reviewing accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence to identify the cause of the accident and the parties at fault.
• Consulting Experts: Enlist the help of accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or other experts to provide insight into the incident and your injuries.
• Applying Legal Principles: Using their knowledge of personal injury law to establish the legal basis for holding the responsible parties liable.

By determining liability, your lawyer can pursue compensation from all parties contributing to your injuries, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

TorHoerman Law: Edwardsville IL Personal Injury Practice Areas

The members of our team at TorHoerman Law are consistently recognized as Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois and Missouri.

We provide expert counsel and legal representation for people involved in car accidents throughout Edwardsville and the surrounding area.

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Public Transportation Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Workers’ Compensation
• Medical Malpractice
• Wrongful Death
• Daycare Injuries and Abuse
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Assault and Battery

The Outcome and Settlement of Personal Injury Cases

The outcome and settlement of personal injury cases are influenced by a multitude of factors, including the evidence presented, legal representation, and the willingness of parties to negotiate.

Each case can conclude differently, whether through a settlement, mediation, arbitration, or court trial.

The resolution of a personal injury claim might end in:

• An out-of-court settlement agreement
• Mediation or arbitration results
• A verdict in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant after a trial
• Post-trial motions if the trial’s outcome is contested

Cases that do not reach a settlement may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome based on the provided evidence.

Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights After an Accident

Before pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in Edwardsville, it’s crucial to take several important steps to safeguard your health and legal rights.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you receive proper medical care and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Prioritizing Your Well-Being

Your top priority after an accident should be your health and well-being.

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s essential to:

1. Seek medical treatment immediately
2. Follow your doctor’s advice
3. Attend all follow-up appointments to document your recovery process

Prompt medical attention not only ensures your safety but also creates a record of your injuries and treatment, which can be vital for your legal case.

Gathering Evidence and Documenting the Accident

To build a strong personal injury case, you’ll need to collect as much evidence as possible about the accident.

This evidence may include, but is not limited to:

• Photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage
• Contact information from witnesses and other parties involved
• Copies of police reports and medical records related to the incident

Keeping detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, is also crucial for demonstrating the extent of your losses.

Contact TorHoerman Law using the chat on this page to provide them with all the information and evidence you’ve gathered about the accident.

Working with a personal injury attorney can strengthen your claim to maximize the compensation awarded in your financial recovery.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

While your personal injury case is ongoing, it’s essential to take steps to protect your legal rights.

These steps include:

1. Avoiding discussing your accident or injuries with anyone except your lawyer
2. Refraining from posting about the incident on social media
3. Directing any insurance company inquiries to your attorney

By following these guidelines and working closely with your Edwardsville personal injury lawyer at Tor Hoerman Law, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.

Comparative Negligence in Illinois Personal Injury

Illinois follows a “comparative negligence” statute determining how fault is divided among individuals involved in personal injury lawsuits.

This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your settlement may be reduced proportionately.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Settlements

For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault for an accident due to failure to pay attention to your surroundings, you may only be eligible to receive 90% of the settlement amount.

Factors that can contribute to shared fault include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way

It is crucial to consult with an experienced Edwardsville personal injury lawyer to understand how comparative negligence may impact your case.

TorHoerman Law: Dedicated to Serving Personal Injury Victims in Edwardsville, IL

The members of our team at TorHoerman Law are proud members of the Madison County Bar Association, dedicated to pursuing personal injury claims in Edwardsville, IL, and throughout Southern Illinois.

Our award-winning attorneys have been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois and bring decades of combined experience to every case.

Client Success and Community Service: Serving and Supporting Illinois Residents

When searching for a personal injury lawyer in Edwardsville, IL, consider TorHoerman Law.

Our Main Street Edwardsville law office is staffed by attorneys and professionals who live in the community.

We take pride in serving the Edwardsville and Southern Illinois communities and giving back to residents through events and donation drives.

Tor Hoerman also serves clients in the surrounding areas, including, but not limited to, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Granite City, Alton, East Alton, Wood River, and throughout Southern Illinois.

Contact us today using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation today.