Hiring a Granite City Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be a stressful decision.
However, Granite City is special because it has an excellent law firm just around the corner. TorHoerman Law is a highly successful team of attorneys based in Edwardsville, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL. Our lawyers have been nominated for some of the top spots on the big lists.  Eric Terry, Jacob Plattenberger, Kenneth Brannan, Chad Finley, and Tor Hoerman have the honor to be some of “2019’s Super Lawyers”. Furthermore, our namesake Tor Hoerman is ranked in the “Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois” as well. A great Granite City Injury Lawyer is the key to success for any little accidents you run into. Personal injury, bicycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and medical malpractice are all indeed possible in a big city. Citygoers can rest easy knowing they have a solid Granite City Injury Lawyer right at their fingertips.
Car Accident Statistics For Granite City, Illinois
Granite City is like many other cities in that accidents happen.
In 2017, there were 2 fatal accidents (wrongful death lawsuits). One of them involved a drunk driver. With the steel mill so close by, large trucks can be hazardous to smaller cars and other drivers. The train in town can also cause accidents to unsuspecting drivers and pedestrians on the tracks. Being aware of your surroundings and other people could mean the difference between life and death.
Some helpful guides for car accident lawsuits:
How To Respond To An Accident
First and foremost, do not leave the site of the crash. Leaving the scene can mean more trouble for you, considering it is a felony. Only leave the scene if you need medical attention.
Grab a phone and call the police once you’ve assessed yourself for injuries. No matter how small an accident may seem, officers know what they are talking about when it comes to crashes. Illinois State Law requires an accident to be reported if an injury or death occurs. Likewise, if a crash results in $1,500 or more in property damage, it must be reported within 10 days, or it is considered a felony.
If your phone camera is available, take some snapshots. Pictures are evidence! Evidence will help your case move in the right direction. In short, document it all! Aside from some selfies, everything from road and weather conditions to injuries and vehicles will show how and when an accident occurred.
Don’t admit fault. Admitting fault to another driver, their insurance company, your insurance company, or the police can put another lawsuit and more cost on your hands.
After you’ve been checked for injuries and been all fixed up, keep your records. Keeping everything that pertains to the crash in an organized, handy place helps you and your attorney in the long run.
Next up, hire an attorney! With all your records, pictures, insurance, and maintenance, things can get pretty overwhelming after an accident. Hire a Granite City Injury Lawyer to help you sort through it all and find your way to a settlement.
Finally, ask some questions. Lawsuits can be scary and confusing. When any thought pops up in your head, ask away! TorHoerman Law is always ready to cater to any concern, question, or complaint with our 24/7 chat room available online.
Who Can Help After a Car Accident?
Always keep in mind that in an emergency, 911 is the way to go. The fire department and police department will be dispatched by the 911 operators.
The fire department in Granite City originally started with only volunteers. Eventually, it made its way to part-paid and part-volunteer work. Today, working men and women help keep you safe 24/7. Originally on 19th and State Street, the department has moved across town to 2220 Rock Road. The original house is now used as the GCFD Museum. Fire Chief Vince Martinez makes sure his 54 firefighters, paramedics, captains, and shift commanders are always ready and willing to help you. If the situation is not an emergency, contact the department at (618) 876-4545.
The Granite City Police Department originally started as a one-story building with only 1 holding cell, way back in 1896. In 1916, the department purchased another property. At length, the department moved again to the now-modern building. The holding cell capacity has expanded from just one up to 11 cells. Citizens can rest easy knowing they are under the supervision of Police Chief Kenneth Rozell. His team of detectives, administrative staff, active officers, and special unit members is here for you. Contact the department at their non-emergency line: (618) 877-6111.
Filing a Granite City Personal Injury Lawsuit
In the State of Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years after your accident. This means that two years from now, it won’t be possible to file a lawsuit. The key to successfully filing and completing a lawsuit is to act quickly and find a good attorney.
Once you have found an attorney, propose your case to them. They may accept your case, and you can move on with the processing. If not, talk to them and see what’s up.
When you and your attorney have looked over the details of your case (for example, the photos, medical records, and your own words), a period of “litigation discovery” will begin. Litigation discovery is a period of time when all parties involved in an accident go over and exchange the information they have all provided to their attorneys.
During the discovery period, most cases will be resolved. Sometimes, this takes as little as 6 months! After it’s been resolved, a settlement can be discussed. However, it is possible that your case won’t resolve, or a settlement can’t be reached. If this is the case, your lawsuit might go all the way to trial.
A settlement is a period of time that payment for the accident will be exchanged. The period of time is discussed and decided by you, your attorney, your insurance, and the opposing parties. If it isn’t possible and your case does go to trial, never fear. Your attorney will help you every step of the way. TorHoeman Law and our practiced attorneys are here to be of every assistance to you. Contact us today! You can trust us to work hard for you and your case.
Our other Granite City resources:
Chicago
Edwardsville
St. Louis
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