Getting in a car accident is traumatic—even if there are no injuries. When injuries do occur, it becomes confusing, intimidating, and frightening. Immediately after an accident, you should call the police. A police report is essential to document what happened and will be necessary for any claim with an insurance company. If you are hurt, let the officer know so it is included in the report. It is also a good idea to request an ambulance or go directly to the hospital once the accident is processed.

The next question is: who pays for all of this? Illinois law requires all vehicles to be insured in the following minimum amounts:

• $20,000 – injury or death of one person in an accident
• $40,000 – injury or death of more than one person in an accident
• $15,000 – damage to property of another person

In theory, every car on the road should carry insurance at those levels. In reality, not everyone does, and even if they did, those minimums don’t go far. Hospital bills and vehicle repairs often exceed those limits.

If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, your case is called a “personal injury.” This type of civil case seeks recovery for damages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, medical bills, and more. These cases don’t go after someone’s home or retirement savings. Instead, they seek payment through available insurance policies. An experienced attorney can identify insurance coverage you may not even know exists.

Another challenge is timing. Even if liability is clear and insurance coverage is sufficient, the other driver’s insurance company will not pay your hospital bills until the case is settled. If you need ongoing treatment, that could mean months of unpaid bills, leading to the risk of collections. If you have private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or med-pay through your own auto insurance, those policies may cover expenses until your case is resolved. These insurers can then be reimbursed when you receive your settlement.

Looming medical bills are overwhelming, but consulting with an attorney is a win-win. You can get advice without obligation, and personal injury consultations are almost always free. Most attorneys also take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation.

At Harter & Schottland, we can help you take the right steps, answer your questions, and maximize your recovery. With us, the consultation is always free.

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