The usual rule is that the car that rear-ends or hits the car in front of them is at fault for the accident. However, the other rule is that the car already established in traffic has the right-of-way, making a case where one car pulls out in front of the other more legally complicated.
Much will depend on the angle of the crash and what you can prove. It may come down to your word against the other drivers, which is why these types of crashes require an attorney to help protect your own legal interests. The two insurance companies may dispute liability, and your claim may be denied if you try to get compensation for damages and injuries that you have suffered.
If you can establish that another car entered your right of way, they may be found at fault for the accident. Here is some of what you can use to prove your own claim:
- Testimony from witnesses who saw the accident
- The damage from the two cars that can show the angle of the crash
- Pictures from the scene of the accident
An experienced attorney can investigate the crash and help you gather the evidence that you need to prove that someone else was at fault. Without legal representation, you may be at risk of the insurance companies finding you at fault because you may just have your word to back up your side of the story.
Reasons Why You Should Consider a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve sustained an injury after a driver suddenly pulled in front of your car, you may be confused about how to protect your rights as an injured accident victim.
Never wait to seek the skills and knowledge of a personal injury attorney before you begin seeking compensation. Here are a few benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney:
Negotiations Skills
The at-fault party’s insurer might make a settlement offer immediately after receiving notice of the accident and your claim. However, insurance companies usually offer initial settlements that barely cover accident-related losses.
Negotiating with an insurance company when already dealing with financial losses and injuries can be quite challenging. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate all settlement offers and negotiate for the full amount you deserve.
Decision-Making
Filing a personal injury claim is a complicated process. The at-fault party may own up to their mistake and agree to compensate you. However, their insurer might make a settlement offer that doesn’t come close to the value of your losses.
A personal injury attorney can provide legal insights during your personal injury claim. For instance, they can advise you to accept a favorable offer or litigate the matter in court if the at-fault party is unwilling to cover all your injury-related losses.
Most importantly, an attorney will advise you on proper timing when filing a personal injury claim. For instance, they might advise you to wait for maximum medical improvement, which lets you estimate both your present and future medical expenses.
Prove the Extent of Your Injuries
Your chances of success in a personal injury case depend on the strength of your case. You must, therefore, demonstrate to the at-fault party the extent of your injury and its impact on your life. An experienced injury attorney has previously dealt with injured victims, gathering and presenting evidence to prove their physical harm and its impact on their lives.
An attorney can compile the following pieces of evidence to prove the extent of your injury when applicable:
- Medical bills
- Police reports
- Medical bills
- Images of the injury
- Eye witness statements
- Expert testimony
Regulations About Personal Injuries in Edwardsville
Many laws apply to personal injury cases in Edwardsville. One key concept to be aware of is comparative negligence. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. However, the law still allows you to obtain some financial recovery despite also contributing to your accident in many cases.
Another important consideration is the statute of limitations. In Illinois, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as instances involving medical malpractice or injuries caused by a government entity. Always consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines and to give your case the best chance of success.
At Walton Telken, we understand that personal injury claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an accident. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Reasons Why You Should Consider a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve sustained an injury after a driver suddenly pulled in front of your car, you may be confused about how to protect your rights as an injured accident victim.
Never wait to seek the skills and knowledge of a personal injury attorney before you begin seeking compensation. Here are a few benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney:
Negotiations Skills
The at-fault party’s insurer might make a settlement offer immediately after receiving notice of the accident and your claim. However, insurance companies usually offer initial settlements that barely cover accident-related losses.
Negotiating with an insurance company when already dealing with financial losses and injuries can be quite challenging. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate all settlement offers and negotiate for the full amount you deserve.
Decision-Making
Filing a personal injury claim is a complicated process. The at-fault party may own up to their mistake and agree to compensate you. However, their insurer might make a settlement offer that doesn’t come close to the value of your losses.
A personal injury attorney can provide legal insights during your personal injury claim. For instance, they can advise you to accept a favorable offer or litigate the matter in court if the at-fault party is unwilling to cover all your injury-related losses.
Most importantly, an attorney will advise you on proper timing when filing a personal injury claim. For instance, they might advise you to wait for maximum medical improvement, which lets you estimate both your present and future medical expenses.
Prove the Extent of Your Injuries
Your chances of success in a personal injury case depend on the strength of your case. You must, therefore, demonstrate to the at-fault party the extent of your injury and its impact on your life. An experienced injury attorney has previously dealt with injured victims, gathering and presenting evidence to prove their physical harm and its impact on their lives.
An attorney can compile the following pieces of evidence to prove the extent of your injury when applicable:
- Medical bills
- Police reports
- Medical bills
- Images of the injury
- Eye witness statements
- Expert testimony
Regulations About Personal Injuries in Edwardsville
Many laws apply to personal injury cases in Edwardsville. One key concept to be aware of is comparative negligence. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. However, the law still allows you to obtain some financial recovery despite also contributing to your accident in many cases.
Another important consideration is the statute of limitations. In Illinois, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as instances involving medical malpractice or injuries caused by a government entity. Always consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines and to give your case the best chance of success.
At Walton Telken, we understand that personal injury claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an accident. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Missouri and Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys
The call to an attorney after a car accident is one of the most critical ones that you will make. This call should be to Walton Telken. You can reach us at 844-836-3535 or online to schedule your free initial consultation.
FAQ
What is the legal test used to decide fault in a car accident?
The driver who was negligent will be at fault for the accident.
What if both drivers shared responsibility?
The court will look to see if one was more than 50% responsible for the accident. The one who was less than 50% can receive compensation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
You can be paid back for the full value of your own damages.
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With over 150 years of combined legal experience, we passionately fight for victims’ rights and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Troy E. Walton and Stephen J. Telken understand the immense challenges faced after an injury, and we’re committed to helping you recover the maximum monetary damages for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. Real practice is in our DNA, and we’re unafraid to aggressively advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you
deserve.
