File Your Personal Injury Claim Right Away

 Posted on August 16, 2023 in Personal Injury

Sustaining a personal injury can be a profoundly challenging and distressing experience for anyone to go through. In the wake of your accident, it is important to understand why waiting to file your personal injury claim could potentially be detrimental to your case. Starting the claims process promptly can help protect your rights, ensure the preservation of evidence, and expedite the resolution of your issue. 

Today, we will unpack how each of these factors play an important role in determining the outcome of your case. As soon as you can after being injured, hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer to begin the claim process and ensure you can pursue whatever compensation you may be entitled to. 

Preserving Evidence

Of course, evidence in a personal injury case is highly important. As a result, one of the more compelling reasons to promptly file a personal injury claim is the preservation of crucial evidence. Evidence tends to deteriorate or vanish over time, making it harder to establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. By initiating the claim process immediately, you can help secure important evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, or medical records, strengthening your case significantly.

Filing a Claim in Time

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. Delaying the filing of your claim can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation altogether, as you may lose your right to file a lawsuit beyond the legal timeframe. Act promptly to avoid the expiration of the statute of limitations and ensure that your claim is admissible in court. 

Witness Accounts

Witnesses are essential for supporting your case and providing corroborating testimony of your version of events. Waiting too long to file a claim increases the likelihood of witnesses forgetting key details, moving away, or becoming otherwise inaccessible to assist with the claim. Initiating the claim process swiftly can help preserve witness accounts while the incident is fresh in their memories, increasing the credibility of their statements and enhancing the overall strength of your case. 

Insurance Processes

In many personal injury cases, dealing with insurance companies is integral to pursuing a claim. However, insurance companies typically have strict timelines for filing claims and reporting incidents. Failing to meet these deadlines may result in denied or reduced compensation. Furthermore, having an attorney on your side as you go through the claims process will ensure you never get taken advantage of by an insurance company. 

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer 

Do not procrastinate with your personal injury claim. Contact the seasoned Chicago, Illinois attorneys with Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation. 

Source - https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401