Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I have been in an accident?
- If I suffer a serious injury from an accident, are my medical expenses covered?
- If I do want to file a claim against the other driver or I'm having trouble dealing with the other driver's insurer, how do I choose an attorney?
- How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Holding to a higher standard
Contact Sam C. Mitchell & Associates today either through our convenient online form or call 1-888-899-1458. Begin your road to recovery now. We offer free initial consultation and you pay us only if we succeed in getting you the compensation you seek.
Serving all of southern and central Illinois
What should I do if I have been in an accident?
If you have been in an automobile, bus, truck, tractor-trailer, or motorcycle accident, there are some initial steps you should take to protect your rights, such as the following:
- Contact the police
- Get necessary medical attention
- Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the other drivers, vehicle owners, and potential witnesses involved
- Obtain insurance policy information from the other drivers involved
- Take photographs of the accident scene, such as the road conditions, position of the cars, damage to your vehicle, and any weather and lighting conditions
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, particularly if there was significant property damage or you had to seek medical attention
If I suffer a serious injury from an accident, are my medical expenses covered?
Illinois requires motor vehicles registered in the state to have minimum amounts of liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person per accident
- $40,000 in bodily injury coverage for two ore more persons per accident
- $15,000 in property damage coverage
If your expenses exceed the policy's coverage amounts, you may be able to sue if the other driver was responsible for causing the accident. A qualified personal injury attorney can meet with you, evaluate your case, and advise you whether you should file a claim against the other driver.
If I do want to file a claim against the other driver or I am having trouble dealing with the other driver's insurer, how do I choose an attorney?
Selecting an attorney is an important task. It is essential to choose a lawyer who has experience in the specific area of law you need assistance in and is well qualified. For instance, a good personal injury attorney should be licensed, in good standing with the Illinois State Bar, and have both experience and expertise at handling personal injury claims. It is important to retain an attorney who has the ability to successfully try the case; you will want to inquire as to how many trials the attorney has handled and how successful the attorney has been in trial. You will also want to find an attorney with the financial resources necessary to properly investigate and prepare the case for trial.
Some firms, including Sam C. Mitchell & Associates, offer free initial consultations for prospective personal injury clients. These consultations provide an opportunity to meet with the attorney, discuss the case, and ask questions. An initial consultation is a valuable resource tool for people who are determining whether a particular attorney is best suited to their needs and circumstances.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Sam C. Mitchell & Associates charges fees on a contingency basis in personal injury cases. In a contingency fee arrangement, a lawyer's compensation for the provision of legal services is generally contingent upon obtaining a recovery in the case, either through settlement or a court or jury award. The attorney then typically receives a portion of the recovery as payment for the legal services that were provided.
If you are interested in learning more about our personal injury contingency fee arrangements or about our personal injury practice, please contact the experienced lawyers at Sam C. Mitchell & Associates for assistance today.
