Knowing What to Do and not do following a Personal Injury Accident

A Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer can help if you are ever involved in an auto accident, but the process can be made much smoother if you take the time to understand the “do’s” and “don’ts” of the situation now. If you were in involved in auto accident, would you know how to handle the situation? Have you thought about what you would do if you lost your ability to work?

Do understand your insurance coverage

It’s always a good idea to read and understand everything involved with your insurance policy. We know that’s not the most exciting thing you will ever read in your life, but if you’re in the dark about your insurance coverage, you don’t really know how well you are covered in case of an accident.

Capture the accident details
It is very important to record the details of the accident in writing while they are still fresh in your mind to get a clear picture of what happened. Documenting as many details as possible makes a big difference and don’t forget to keep records of all the expenses associated with the accident, from repairs bills to medical bills.

Contact the insurance company from the other party

Write a letter of notification to the insurance company of the at-fault driver and your own insurance company. This article from all-about-car-accidents.com offers some good tips and a sample letter that will help you get started.

Don’t Discuss the accident

It is very easy to start discussing the accident with the other driver, an insurance adjuster or someone else involved with the accident who stands to lose money. Do not participate in these discussions. What you say can be held against you later. Further, do not consent to having your comments recorded in any way.

Don’t sign anything

An attorney representing the at-fault driver may try to persuade you to sign away your rights to pursue damages for a small settlement. You need to consult an personal injury attorney illinois prior to signing any agreement related to the accident.

Do not take out an accident loan

Any financial assistance related to the accident should be reviewed by an attorney. Car accident loans are offered to victims when they are most vulnerable following an injury and lost wages. That being said, the terms and conditions may not be in your best interest. A personal injury lawyer in Illinois can help you navigate this type of assistance if it is truly needed.

No one expects to be in accident and the thought of dealing with an injury following an accident is not something anyone wants to think about. However, if you know your insurance coverage and pitfalls to avoid before an accident occurs, you will improve your ability to be properly compensated. A Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm is the best place to start. Familiarize yourself with the best attorneys in your area.

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Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois and Juror Questions at Trial

If your case ends up going to trial with your personal injury lawyer Illinois, your lawyer may have no choice but to allow jurors to ask questions of all witnesses. In July 2012, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 243 went into effect. That rule gives the trial judge the discretion of allowing jurors to ask questions of trial witnesses in personal injury cases. 

Although many other state courts have allowed this procedure, the Illinois Supreme Court is the first state to actually establish a rule allowing it. The idea is that it will increase the attentiveness of the jurors and assist them in their understanding of the case.

At the conclusion of the testimony of each witness, jurors will be allowed to submit their questions in writing to the bailiff. Jurors are instructed not to discuss their questions with other jurors and then given a recess while the judge considers whether or not to allow the questions. Outside the presence of the jury, the judge reads each question to the lawyers.

After discussion and ruling on any objections and possible modification of the question, the judge will reconvene the jury and read the questions to the witness, who the judge instructs to answer the question without elaboration. Your personal injury lawyer Illinois will be allowed to ask follow-up questions.

If you go to trial with your personal injury lawyer Illinois, be prepared to hear a juror question that seems “off the wall” and takes the trial in a different direction than anticipated. The question may even upset you.

Instead of getting upset, keep in mind that an unexpected question may give your lawyer a chance to identify an overlooked weakness in the case. Your lawyer can then ask follow-up questions and later present evidence designed to clarify the juror’s expressed concern. On the other hand, trust the judgement of your personal injury lawyer Illinois in deciding not to focus undue attention on one juror question that may be pulling the trial off track.

The trend in all states is to allow jurors to ask questions. The American Bar Association has encouraged lawyers to embrace the idea and not object. Your personal injury lawyer chicago may not have a choice now that the Illinois Supreme Court has sanctioned the practice. If your trial judge authorizes this procedure in your case, trust your trial attorney to use the procedure to your advantage.