There are no car “accidents.” It’s not an accident when you get rear-ended because the driver behind you is texting or not paying attention and runs the red light. In fact, the police report is not called an “accident report” it’s called a “Crash Report.”

All car accidents need to be investigated from the perspective of an insurance claim. If the injuries are substantial and leave any party disabled or incapacitated for any length of time, there could be claims for loss of income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs/replacement.

These complex issues need the attention of an auto accident attorney like one at Barber Law Offices. Scott has been serving the Schaumburg IL area for over 30 years and has the expertise and experience to deal with all the related issues.

The 10 Commandments of Car Crashes

When you’re involved in a crash through someone else’s negligence, there are 10 Commandments you should follow so you do not suffer a second injury while recovering from the one sustained in the crash.

1. DON’T BE A TOUGH GUY.

If you feel any pain anywhere, go to the hospital from the scene of the crash and have yourself checked out. It’s ok to verify that you’re ok.

2. TALK TO THE AT FAULT DRIVER.

Try to be polite and ask why that driver crashed into you, if you can.

3. TELL THE POLICE WHAT HAPPENED.

Be brief and simple. The more detail the more likely it is the police officer will make a mistake in his report.

4. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.

Even though the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance company will not pay any of your medical bills until you are ready to settle. In the meantime, your medical bills will be mounting. You probably have a “med pay” feature on your own auto insurance policy that will pay your bills up to the limit of the policy. The at fault driver’s insurance will reimburse your insurance company when you settle.

5. FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS.

Insurance companies gauge how badly you’re injured by whether you are following up with your medical care. Missing appointments means there are more important things in your life than getting well. So, the more the distractions, the more the at-fault driver’s insurance company believes you were not injured in the crash.

6. TELL THE DOCTOR WHAT HURTS.

Don’t ignore some parts of your body that hurt because other parts hurt worse. Do not exaggerate your injuries.

7. DON’T TELL THE DOCTOR YOU HAVE A LAWYER.

Doctors do not need to know you are considering hiring a lawyer to treat you. The doctors are always skeptical of their patients with lawsuits because they believe people with lawsuits will take longer to heal because the patient believes the longer it takes, the better the case.

8. PUT YOUR MEDICAL BILLS THROUGH YOUR OWN INSURANCE.

Don’t let the doctor tell you that he won’t bill you but will lien your case. CALL TO FIND OUT WHY!

9. THERE ARE NO GOOD NEIGHBORS OR GOOD HANDS.

The insurance company has claims adjusters whose job it is to compensate you little or nothing if they can get away with it. Do not believe them when they say they will pay your medical bills. What they really mean is they will pay the medical bills THEY think are reasonable not what your doctor prescribes.

10. CALL BARBER LAW OFFICES

We have been representing people injured in car crashes for over 35 years. We have the experience and the tenacity to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.

Illinois Law Impacting Car Crash Claims

• There is a two-year deadline for filing most car accident injury lawsuits
• There is a five-year time limit on the filing of most lawsuits for vehicle damage caused by an accident, and
• Illinois’ “modified comparative fault” rule allows for financial recovery only when the claimant was 50% or less responsible for causing the car accident.

Why Choose Barber Law Offices for your Car Accident Case?