You were injured in a car accident in Rockford, where the other driver was clearly negligent. In ideal circumstances, it should be easy to get compensation for your damages, considering Illinois is a fault state. Insurance companies, sadly, do not empathize with victims, and getting a fair compensation can be harder than you think. That’s where legal expertise can be useful. There is no law that requires you to hire a Rockford, IL car accident lawyer for your case, but an attorney is your best bet for protecting your rights. If you are hiring a personal injury lawyer for the first time, below are some things to know.
Do you really need a lawyer?
If you have sustained minor injuries, or your losses are not huge, you can accept whatever the insurance company is offering. However, when your losses are significant, or you have suffered injuries that can impact your life ahead, you definitely need a lawyer. Illinois follows the comparative fault rule, so if you had a minor share fault, insurance companies can use this to minimize the compensation paid. Hire an attorney, so that you don’t have to deal with car accident claim on your own. If a civil lawsuit must be filed, your lawyer can help with that too.
How much do car accident attorneys charge in Illinois?
Most personal injury attorneys in Rockford and rest of Illinois work on a contingency fee. This is when a lawyer decides to take your car accident case. The fee is a fixed percentage of the final settlement, based on factors like circumstances surrounding the accident, experience of the lawyer, and work involved. In general, car accident lawyers charge between 25% and 40%. You don’t need to pay the lawyer until they win. In other words, there is no upfront fee.
How to find top lawyers in Rockford?
Top law firms and car accident lawyers have their websites, where you can find contact details. Websites like Nolo and Avvo can also help, and if you can get references from people you know, that’s also an advantage. The first meeting at the lawyer’s office is usually complementary, but some attorneys do charge a minimal consultation fee. Your lawyer can offer an overview of the case and what to expect in settlement.
Don’t delay in calling an attorney after your car accident. You have limited time to take action following the accident.