Chicago is a huge city, and because of that, the traffic and accident rates are high. In fact, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the city sees thousands of car accidents every year. With insurance companies, medical bills, and possible legal battles ahead, you’ll need someone who knows the ins and outs of car accident law in Illinois to fight for your rights.
The city also has specific laws and regulations that can affect how car accident cases are handled, which means you’ll need someone who knows those laws well. You want a lawyer who understands the specifics of Chicago’s roads, the insurance system, and how to deal with local courts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five essential questions you should ask any potential Chicago auto accident lawyer. These questions are designed to help you understand their experience, approach, and whether they’re the right fit for your case.
Have you handled similar cases before?
Not all lawyers handle the same types of cases, so you need someone experienced with car accidents.
Car accident cases require specific skills. The lawyer should know how to deal with insurance companies, calculate what your claim is worth, and collect evidence like accident reports and witness statements. If they’ve handled similar cases, they’ll know what to do.
Also, ask about their results. Have they won cases like yours? Can they show client reviews or examples? This helps you see if they’re the right fit for your case.
Make sure they know what they’re doing and have a history of success. Experience matters.
How valuable is my claim?
You need to know if it’s worth the trouble. No good lawyer will give you an exact number right away, and if they do, that’s a red flag.
What they can do is give you an idea after asking some questions. They’ll want to know about your injuries, how much you’ve spent on medical bills, car repairs, and anything else related to the accident. They’ll also think about stuff like pain and suffering or how the accident has changed your life.
It’s not just about adding things up. They’ll also check if there are limits, like how much the insurance company is actually willing to pay. Once they have all the info, they can give you a rough estimate.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
Some cases can be done in a few months, but bigger ones can take over a year. The reason it takes time is because a good lawyer won’t just accept the first offer from the insurance company. They’ll fight for a better deal, and that takes time.
A good lawyer will keep you updated on your case. They’ll help you manage things like bills while you wait and make sure you know what’s going on. While the process might feel slow, knowing your lawyer is working hard to get you a fair deal helps.
So, when you ask this question, don’t expect an exact answer. But a good lawyer will be upfront about what to expect and keep pushing to get the best result.
What happens if we can’t settle with the insurance company?
Most of the time, cases settle, but sometimes, the insurance company might deny your claim or take too long to make a fair offer. If that happens, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit shows the insurance adjuster you’re serious. It might even push them to offer a better deal. If they still won’t settle fairly, your lawyer will take the case to court.
Not all lawyers are ready for court. Some might rush you into settling, even if it’s not a good deal. But a good lawyer will be ready to fight for you, whether through negotiation or a trial.
What Will Our Communications Look Like?
Some law firms treat you like just another case, where you barely talk to your lawyer and end up dealing with assistants instead. You might have to chase them down to find out what’s going on with your case, and that’s not how it should be.
A good lawyer will keep you updated about everything that’s happening. They’ll make sure you always know what’s going on, and if you have any questions, they’ll be easy to reach. They’ll also make sure you’re involved in all the big decisions about your case.
You shouldn’t feel like you’re being ignored or left out of the loop. Your lawyer should be there for you when you need them.
