What's going on in Fairview Heights, Illinois?

Fairview Heights is a bustling city known for its amazing shopping opportunities. Located between Belleville, Illinois and Edwardsville, Illinois and only a 25-minute drive to St. Louis, Fairview Heights has a consistent stream of travelers from all over the area. Many people come in and out of this lovely little area, meaning accidents are fairly common. If you're looking for a Fairview Heights personal injury lawyer, TorHoerman Law is yours.

History of Fairview Heights

Originally, Fairview Heights was owned by militia member James Gray in 1790. His property was 200 acres. Many of the other original settlements around Gray's were homes to German immigrants. In 1850, Henry Becherer opened a tavern and stagecoach where the Dandy Inn now stands. 50 years later, Fairbrother Reality Co. laid out a town blueprint on the area formerly known as Prairie Ridge. They called it Fairview. Over the next 50 years, money was raised for sidewalks and roads through dances and picnics, and a fire department was erected in 1933. By the 1950s, Fairview was a busy travel point between Belleville and Edwardsville, so they decided to pick an official city name for themselves. In 1965, townsfolk chose between three names: Prairie Ridge, Lincoln Heights, and Fairview Heights. (Guess which one they chose!) On June 19, 1969, Fairview Heights was made official, and October 2, 1969, it was added to the official city listing by Illinois Secretary of State.

What's there to do in Fairview Heights?

Fairview Heights is most well known as a shopaholic's fever dream. The city is the largest shopping area south of Chicago. St. Clair Square is definitely the most popular shopping area in Fairview Heights. The mall hosts over 100 shops and stalls with a food court. The city also has 2 golf clubs, an antique shopping mall, 8 hotels, and over 75 restaurants. There are also a few parks nearby, including Cahokia Mounds State Park. Pleasant Ridge Park is a camping ground and trailhead with beautiful natural flair. Trees and hills frame the trails with a beautiful green in the spring and summer, and vibrant colors in the fall. Pleasant Ridge was named by William Kinsella, who named the land due to the gorgeous autumn colors. He and his family lived on the property. Both he and his wife lived originally in Ireland. His original American living space, a two-story wooden cabin called Kinsella Log Cabin, still stands today! It has been moved 150 feet east of its original location but has been restored externally to its original look.

Cahokia Mounds State Park is a quick 20-minute drive to Collinsville. The historic hills are the result of the most influential and impressive Native American Tribe north of Mexico. From 700 CE to 1400 CE, an unnamed tribe of the Illiniwek people lived at Cahokia. Originally, there were over 120 mounds covering about 3.5 acres of land. To build the mounds we know today, it required over an estimated 55 million cubic feet of earth to be moved in wicker baskets. Today, only 80 of the original 120 mounds are visible. Inside the interpretive center, you can find sculptures, life-sized models, and over 200 artifacts found on the actual property. Entry is free (but donations are recommended).

What to expect in filing a lawsuit

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 attorney and their team are ready to answer any questions you have about the process.

• Reminder: in Illinois, you have two years to file for your injury or accident. Finding an attorney quick is important for your case!
• Once you have found an attorney, they'll look over your case. 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. Remember the pictures you took on the day of your accident, and the records you saved from the doctor? This is when those will come in handy!
• 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.
• 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 your Fairview Heights personal injury lawyer

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 THLaw to work hard for you and your case.