Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Answer FAQ
Our lawyers fight for the rights of the injured
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, there may be a lot of thoughts going through your head. You may be confused about what happened. You may be frustrated that you are suddenly left injured. You may be wondering what to do next. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. know you have questions. We can help you find answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to get medical attention after an accident?
- Do I need a lawyer to handle my case?
- Can I be blamed for the accident?
- What is the value of my claim?
- How long will it take to resolve my claim?
- The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?
Our firm was founded on the principle that everyone who has been injured or suffered a loss should receive every opportunity available to them under the law. We know the impact a pedestrian accident can have on you and your family. Keating Law Offices is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome.
Negligent parties typically deny any responsibility for causing your accident. Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. That is why you need an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights. We take on the insurance companies and build strong cases to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident. Learn more about how we can help you with your case. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys. We can review the details of your accident and go over your legal options. We will also answer any other questions that you have.
Do I need to get medical attention after an accident?
Following an accident, you may feel that you only suffered a minor sprain and do not need to see a doctor. You might not like the idea of being taken to the hospital by ambulance or waiting in an emergency room to see a doctor. It is very important to get medical attention as soon as you can after the accident.
One reason is that you want to make sure you are healthy. You could be suffering from internal injuries that only a medical exam can discover. A doctor can start treating your injuries immediately, which will help you heal. Even if you do only have a minor sprain, a doctor can give you advice on treating it at home.
Another important reason for getting medical attention is that the doctor can document your injuries. This is very important when filing a claim for compensation, as it is evidence that you were hurt.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my case?
Your accident may seem straightforward, but that can be deceiving. Pursuing financial compensation after an accident can be complicated. Insurance companies may question the extent of your injuries or whether they were pre-existing. They may try to blame you for the accident. They use these tactics because it’s a way to help them save money.
We strongly advise you to talk to a pedestrian accident attorney before agreeing to any offer from the insurance company. Our attorneys can review the details of your accident and give you an idea about what type of compensation you should expect. We build strong cases for compensation that forces the insurance company to take you seriously. Many times, we have been able to negotiate a higher settlement for clients.
Can I be blamed for the accident?
Drivers have a responsibility to stop for pedestrians who are crossing the street and to generally proceed with caution when there are pedestrians nearby. Pedestrians also have certain responsibilities. For example, they are expected to use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal at busy intersections.
If you were injured in an accident, the insurance company may insist that you were partially to blame for the accident. There’s a reason for that. Illinois recognizes contributory negligence when resolving these types of cases. That can impact how much compensation you receive. For example, you are awarded $100,000 for your injuries but are found to be 20 percent at fault for causing the accident. You would only receive $80,000 – 20 percent less than the awarded amount.
That is why our attorneys build strong cases to hold the negligent driver accountable for what happened. Keating Law Offices is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.
What is the value of my claim?
There is no easy answer to that question, as the answer depends on many different factors. These include the specific details of your accident, the type and extent of your injuries, whether you missed work and whether you were left with any type of disability. Each accident has its own unique set of circumstances.
A pedestrian accident attorney can give you a better idea of the type of compensation you can expect. In most accidents, you can generally seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injury, as well as lost wages if you were left unable to return to work. You may also be able to recover compensation for other damages, such as disability, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
How long will it take to resolve my claim?
This largely depends on the complexity of your case. If you suffered a relatively minor injury and there are no contentious issues, it’s possible that your case can be resolved in a matter of months. If you suffered a serious injury and the insurance company is disputing any part of your claim, resolving your case could take years.
One of our attorneys can let you know what to expect with your case. We’ll review the details of your accident and explain your legal options. Keating Law Offices is committed to helping you get the best outcome, whether it’s through a negotiated settlement or jury verdict.
The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept it?
It’s common for insurance companies to contact accident victims shortly after an accident with a settlement offer. They promise a lump sum and quick payment. They may even say that it’s the best that they can do. You may be facing increased medical expenses and find it difficult to pay your bills on time. The offer might seem tempting.
It is important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are making this offer because it’s a way to help them save money. Their offer will fall far short of covering the total damages you have suffered.
We strongly encourage you to talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer from the insurance company. One of our attorneys would be happy to meet with you for a free consultation. There’s no cost and no obligation. We just want you to have the information you need before deciding what to do next.
