How to File a Truck Accident Insurance Claim in Illinois

Accidents involving larger commercial trucks often result in complex injury and property damage claims. Any individual affected by a truck accident in Illinois should reach out to a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

If you have not yet begun the process of filing your truck accident claim, we encourage you to do so quickly. There are specific time limits in place under Illinois law that dictate how quickly these claims must be filed, and failing to do so could result in you becoming unable to recover compensation for your losses.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

The success of your truck accident insurance claim heavily depends on the evidence you collect immediately after the accident. Here’s what to focus on:

• Photographs: Take clear photos of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
• Witness information: Gather contact information from witnesses. Their statements could be vital in building a strong case.
• Accident report: Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report. This document is crucial as it typically includes the officer’s assessment of the accident and may identify the party at fault.

Truck accident victims are not expected to gather all of the possible evidence needed to prove liability for these claims. Victims should only gather what they are able to at the scene of the incident and in the days and weeks that follow. An attorney may need to step in and conduct a more extensive investigation to gather additional types of evidence, including vehicle black box data, trucking company employment and training records, and more.

Seek Medical Care

Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident, it is critical to seek medical attention:

• Documentation of injuries: Medical records serve as essential evidence of the injuries sustained from the accident.
• Professional assessment: Some injuries common in truck accidents, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
• Ongoing treatment: Follow all medical advice and keep records of any treatments, medications, or follow-up visits, as these details highlight the severity of your injuries.

Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois

Consulting with a truck accident lawyer in Chicago can help provide significant benefits to your ongoing claims process. They can provide legal guidance as to which route would be the best for recovering compensation on your behalf. If an attorney takes your case, you will have a legal advocate who can conduct a complete investigation into the incident, including helping you adequately calculate total losses.

The Insurance Claim

the process of filing an insurance claim in Illinois is multifaceted, it includes:

• Notification: Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible.
• Information submission: Provide all collected evidence and documents to your insurer. Your lawyer can help compile and present this information effectively.
• Review: The insurance company will review the claim to determine liability and the extent of damages covered.

Unfortunately, insurance carriers will likely use several tactics to limit how much compensation they pay you. Or at least, they will try to. This can include making very low settlement offers upfront, delaying the claim, or even denying the claim altogether.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance claim does not result in adequate compensation, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit:

• Filing a lawsuit: Initiate legal proceedings before the statute of limitations expires, typically two years from the date of the accident in Illinois.
• Discovery: Both sides investigate the claims and defenses, exchanging information and evidence.
• Mediation or trial: Many cases settle during mediation, but if no agreement is reached, your case may go to trial where a jury will make the final decision.