Filing a car accident insurance claim in Illinois is essential to recovering compensation for your medical expenses and property damage. In Illinois, you can pursue compensation from the party that injured you, so you will most likely file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Gather Evidence
The first step is to gather the necessary documentation and evidence for your claim. This includes your medical bills, car repair bills, and any evidence you have pointing to the other driver being at fault for the accident. Some insurance providers may also request you provide a copy of the police report.
In general, the more evidence you have, the better. Depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of your injuries, it may be beneficial to consult with a car accident attorney at this stage. They’ll be able to help you gather evidence and will assist you with the rest of your claim.
Make a Formal Request to the Insurance Company
Once you have your evidence, it’s time to make a formal request to the other driver’s insurance company. You can typically do this over the phone or online. After receiving your request, the insurance company has 15 days to provide you with the necessary paperwork for filing your claim.
File Your Claim
After receiving the paperwork, you must fill it out and submit it back to the insurance company, along with the documents and supporting evidence you gathered earlier. At this stage, you’ll also inform the insurance company of how much compensation you’re seeking for your medical expenses and property damage.
Wait for the Insurance Company to Investigate
With your claim filed, it’s time for the insurance company to investigate the incident and evaluate your claim. These investigations usually last between 15 and 60 days, depending on the case’s complexity. In property-damage-only claims, if the investigation extends beyond 60 days, the insurance provider may have to provide a written explanation for the delay.
Acceptance, Denial, or Counteroffer
At the end of their investigation, the insurance company will accept your claim, deny it, or provide a counteroffer. If the insurance company denies your claim or provides a counteroffer, you should contact a car accident attorney who can protect your right to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Negotiation and Filing a Lawsuit
Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and will seek a settlement offer that covers your expenses. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if they outright deny your claim, your attorney can also assist you in filing a lawsuit.
A lawsuit is separate from an insurance claim and has its own set of procedures that your attorney can handle for you.
Contact an Illinois Car Accident Attorney
Have you suffered an injury in an Illinois car accident? Contact Bonifield & Rosenstengel, P.C. for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney. We can file your insurance claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if necessary.