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Common Personal Injury Questions

At Haxel Law in Springfield, we always take the time to answer questions about pursuing a personal injury claim. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from first-time clients at our firm.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?

You do not have to give the insurance adjuster anything more than the most basic information: Your name, address and so on. Anything you say to the insurance adjuster may be used against you. They want you to tell them something that they can use to pay you less money. You may be better off having a skilled attorney speak with the insurance adjuster on your behalf to be sure that you protect your potential claim.

What if I am offered a settlement?

In some cases, insurance companies make a quick settlement offer, and in others, offers to settle may be few and far between. The timing of the offer really isn’t important – it’s the amount of the offer that counts. Be sure that you take the time to learn exactly how much your case is worth and what sort of options are available to you. If you accept a small settlement and learn that you need more money to cover your medical expenses and other costs, you will not be able to go back to the insurance company to ask for it.

How much is my claim worth?

Determining the value of a claim is one of the most complex aspects of personal injury cases because every accident is different. While the exact dollar value cannot be pinpointed without a thorough evaluation of your case, you should be aware that you are entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages, including those that may come in the future as a result of your injury.

It is easy to overlook many of the types of compensation that may be available to you, and insurance companies are not going to tell you everything that you are entitled to recover. When you work with our firm, we can tell you what we believe you may be entitled to receive as a result of your accident.

How long will it take to resolve my claim?

The answer to this is going to depend on how willing the insurance company is to make a fair offer in your case. Sometimes things can be wrapped up somewhat quickly; in other circumstances, cases can take a while to resolve.

If you have been seriously injured, it is likely that the case may take a while to get through the entire process – which is not necessarily a bad thing. This allows you to be sure that you know exactly what sort of treatment you need and the costs of medical expenses and other damages you have in your case. An attorney who has handled these cases and is familiar with insurance companies can find the fastest path to a resolution.

Will my case go to trial?

Most personal injury claims are resolved by negotiating a settlement. With that being said, it is valuable to have an advocate on your side who is well-versed in trial. If the need arises because an insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair amount, your lawyer should be able to take the next step and argue your case in front of a jury.

Why Work With Haxel Law?

Our attorney, Martin Haxel, worked for the insurance defense companies before starting our firm and focusing on plaintiffs’ claims. He has seen both sides of these cases and will use this knowledge to develop a thorough strategy to get you the compensation you deserve.

Martin has litigated numerous jury trials in both state and federal courts and has also tried numerous cases in front of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. He understands how to develop and present a compelling case for his clients. At each step of the process, he will be the one who is doing the work on your behalf. You will work directly with him and have someone experienced handling the ins and outs of your claim from beginning to end.

To speak to us at either our Springfield or Alton office, please call 217-953-4826 or send us an email for your free consultation.