Fairview Heights Injury Lawyer

So someone has made a mistake. What happens now? Here's a checklist to make sure you're as safe as you can be.

• Don't Leave the Scene!
  • Leaving the scene of an accident is seen as a felony. Try to stay put unless you need immediate medical assistance.
• Call for Help!
  • For one, Illinois law requires an accident to be reported if an injury or death occurred.  If the accident or injury resulted in more than $1,500 in damage, it must be reported within 10 days. Secondly, the police know what they are doing. You can trust they will keep you, your family, and your belongings safe after something has happened.
• Document!
  • When I say document, I really mean take some pictures. Use your phone's camera (or any other camera you have access to) and snap some photos of everything. Your car, your injuries, the weather, the road, the other party's car, etc. Whip out your trusty notepad (or your phone's notes app) and write down the names and numbers of the other party, corresponding officers, and medical officials. All of this may help your case in the future.
• Stay Quiet!
  • If you're taking pictures and notes, chances are, so is the other party. Admitting fault to anyone else in the accident may lead to another lawsuit and more cost on your end. But, don't ignore anyone. Making sure everyone is safe and accounted for doesn't admit fault.
• Keep Your Records!
  • Holding on to any medical records or other information you gather before your case will help you and your attorney in the future.
• Hire a Lawyer!
  • The statute of limitations in Illinois is 2 years after the date of your injury or accident. That means you have two years to find an attorney and file your case. Contact a Fairview Heights personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
• Ask Some Questions!
  • Accidents (and what comes after) are a very overwhelming and stressful time for anyone. When you are confused, concerned, or even overwhelmed with it all, make sure your attorney knows. When there is tension between you and those who are helping you, it can make things even more difficult. Having a good attorney-client relationship will mean your case will go smoothly and be over in no time!

 

Below are some emergency contacts who know how to deal with an accident:

• Fairview Heights Police Department
  • https://fhpd.org/
  • non-emergency: (618) 489-2100
  • admin: (618) 489-2150
  • juvenile/ DARE: (618) 489-2130
  • records: (618) 489-2170
  • 10027 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights IL 62208

• Fairview Heights Fire Department
  • http://www.fairviewfiredept.com/
  • Station One: (618) 394-8484
  • Station Two: (618) 233-2121
  • Station One: 10045 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
  • Station Two: 214 Ashland Avenue, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
  • Fairview Heights personal injury lawyer: 1-888-508-6752

THLaw has compiled some helpful guides for new plaintiffs, which you can read here:

• Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
• What is Premises Liability?
• What is a Bellwether Trial?
• What is a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)?
• What is a Contingency Fee?
• What is Mitigation?

 

So, what actually happens in a legal case? I'll tell you- a whole lot! Here's a quick rundown of the general schedule. Keep in mind that all cases are different, so it's quite possible that your case won't look like this.

But never fear, your legal team is ready to answer any questions you have about the civil lawsuit process.

• Reminder: in Illinois, you have two years to file for your injury or accident before the statute of limitations expires. Finding an attorney quick is important for your case!
• Once you have found an attorney, they'll look over your case. If someone was injured in the accident, you'll likely take the wrongful death route. Not all attorneys will accept your case first round, so try to be patient and ask questions.
• Congrats! Your attorney has accepted your case. Now, a period of "litigation discovery" will begin. This is the time when all the evidence, documents, and witness testimonies will be brought forward. They'll also assess damages. Remember the pictures you took on the day of your accident, and the records you saved from the doctor? They'll come in handy now that it's time to prove liability!
• Often after this period is over, the parties involved will try and resolve the case. This can mean that your case can be cleared up in as little as six months! The facts and evidence from the trial determine how quickly this comes around and if there is potential for any settlements. Your lawyer will also decide whether damages are compensatory or punitive.
• If a settlement is agreed upon, you pay your attorney and liens. After that's finished, you may receive a lump-sum payment or a series of structured settlements. Your attorney will work with you and the other party to decide how this goes, and how long the settlements will be paid.
• If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your case may go to trial. This doesn't always happen, but be prepared if it does.

 

TorHoerman Law is a team of extremely successful attorneys and those who help the attorneys run. In addition to the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere we try to create, we have some impressive awards under our belts. 5 of our attorneys have placed on 2019's list of Super Lawyers: Eric Terry, Jacob Plattenberger, Kenneth Brannan, Chad Finley, and Tor Hoerman.  Tor has also been placed on the Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois. Our namesake and all of his friends and colleagues have been given these amazing honors because they know that people make mistakes. We just know how to help you fix them. If you are ever confused, concerned, or just plain overwhelmed, it's okay. This time after an accident or injury is stressful, confusing, and exhausting. Know that your attorney is going to be with you every step of your journey. TorHoerman Law is ready and able to help you get past this point in your life. Contact us today. You can trust the team at TorHoerman Law to work hard for you and your case.