Car Accident FAQs
Q.What are the most important steps to take following a car accident?
A. After an accident, there are a few key steps that are vital to take:
1. Exchange contact and insurance information
2. Assess the damage and try to jot down as many details as possible
3. Contact the authorities
4. Speak to witnesses
5. Seek medical attention – and if there are urgent injuries, this should be your first step
6. Take photos
7. Contact an attorney.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. Do I need to purchase uninsured motorist coverage?
A. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have any car insurance. Your car insurance company is required by law to offer this as part of your policy, but you aren’t required by Illinois law to purchase it. However, it is in your best interest to obtain uninsured motorist coverage. If you are seriously hurt in an accident and the other driver lacks insurance, this optional coverage will protect your rights to file a claim for compensation.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident or UM/UIM case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. What is the statute of limitations for an Illinois car accident lawsuit?
A. Typically, for most car accidents you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. However, if you are involved in an accident with a government entity such as a mass transit authority like the CTA, you may have only one year from the date of your accident to initiate action.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. How much can I expect to receive from my claim?
A. Compensation varies depending upon the extent of your injuries and the type of accident. In general, damages may include: medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and property damage.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. The insurance adjuster tells me I don’t need my own lawyer. Is that true?
A. The insurance adjuster’s job is to represent the insurance company and minimize the damages paid out to you. The adjuster’s priority is to secure a release from you as quickly as possible, while an attorney will advise you to take your time and review your options. In general, when an adjuster tells you that you don’t need an attorney – you probably do.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, including a dispute with an insurance company, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. I just lost my job, how can I afford an attorney?
A. The accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. will provide a free evaluation of your case and if we feel you do have grounds for a claim, we can advise you on any potential legal costs. However, in most cases involving personal injury cases, you don’t pay fees until you recover damages.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. How long does it take to settle my car accident claim?
A. Claims can take anywhere from weeks to years to settle, depending on various factors. Disputes regarding medical care are often the most contentious issues and may take the longest to resolve.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. My insurance company wants to record my statement. Should I let them do that?
A. You owe one obligation to your insurance company and that is to report the accident. Once you have done that, you need to be careful about what information you provide in a written or recorded format to your insurance company if there were any serious injuries. Insurance companies, even your own, are not in business to pay you money; they are in business to pay as little money as possible. Recorded statements can be used against you later if you try to file a claim, so you should speak with an attorney before agreeing to provide a recorded or signed statement.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
Q. If the other driver was at fault for my accident, does that mean I can’t collect anything from my own insurance company?
A. Typically you can only be compensated by the insurer who covers the driver responsible for the accident. However, if the other driver lacked sufficient insurance coverage and you have uninsured motorist coverage, then you may file a claim against your own insurance company instead.
For 30 years, the car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have represented car accident victims in legal claims across Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, and Lake County. Our legal professionals understand this area of law as well as the emotional, physical and financial turmoil that serious car accident injuries can cause – and we remain committed to helping our clients rebuild their lives.
We have obtained substantial recoveries across the nation on behalf of our clients – over 190 cases with a minimum result of $1 million, totaling more than $650 million in various types of personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases. If you have additional questions or need help with a Chicago car accident case, including a dispute with an insurance company, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation at 877.420.1305.
