Civil Suits and Civil Litigation
Unlike those who found themselves involved in disputes during the Middle Ages, modern society allows us to resolve our differences in court rather than engaging in physical battles. Nevertheless, the idea of getting involved in a lawsuit can be stressful and intimidating. However, in many cases, a civil lawsuit is often the only way to resolve a dispute.
More than 40 million lawsuits are filed, on average, each year by Americans. More than 95% of these lawsuits are filed in state court, and of these lawsuits, around 2.5 million occur in Cook County. So, if you are involved in a lawsuit in Chicago, IL, at least you know you are not alone.
Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant in a motor vehicle accident lawsuit, you will want to keep certain things in mind if you are searching for “an experienced civil litigation lawyer close to me.”
Look for an Attorney Who is a Skilled Negotiator
According to the Illinois State Bar Association, “only 2% of all civil cases are actually decided by a judge or a jury.” This is why it is vital to work with a Chicago civil litigation attorney with plenty of experience as a skilled negotiator – as your case will likely be settled prior to going to trial.
There are many lawyers to choose from, however, there are only a handful with extensive experience and a full understanding of the negotiation process. Do not underestimate the importance of hiring a highly-skilled negotiator to represent you in any type of personal injury case.
Selecting a Knowledgeable Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you, or someone you love, has been seriously injured in a car accident, you will want to make sure you work with an attorney who can handle your case with professionalism and competence. As you focus on recovery, it is important to know your case is in the capable hands of an attorney with years of experience, and that your lawyer is representing your best interests.
An experienced car accident attorney in Chicago, Illinois will determine an accurate settlement estimate based on the injuries sustained – as well as estimated future expenses. This is a very important aspect of ensuring you receive the financial support you need going forward. Often, serious injuries lead to complications and ongoing care needs that should be considered before accepting any settlement offer.
Your lawyer should also be responsible for negotiating with the insurance adjusters, filing the necessary paperwork correctly and in a timely manner, collecting evidence to build and strengthen your case, and represent you in court if it becomes necessary.
Clear Communication and an Engaged Conversation
A good attorney will be interested in your case, and will make it simple for you to understand how they can help. They should provide clear information about the legal processes, their fees, and how often they will update you on their progress. Make sure that if you have any questions, they are direct and specific – you don’t want to end up with more questions than answers after your initial consultation.
To ensure you are getting the best possible representation, it is imperative that your attorney is invested in your case. If your lawyer is not engaged, you may end up with a smaller settlement. You want to work with an attorney who is focused on serving clients and doing more than the bare minimum. Your prospective lawyer should ask you many detailed questions about the specifics of your case and what your expectations are.
If an attorney is unable to communicate clear insight into how their law firm will be able to assist you during your initial conversation, there is little chance communication will improve going forward.
Other Things to Look For
During your first conversation with your prospective attorney, ask about their experience with auto accident claims. While there are many fine civil litigation lawyers in the Chicagoland area, it is important to work with a dedicated car accident attorney who often represents clients in this practice area.
Make sure to ask for references from clients with similar cases – even if you never have time to contact them, you can have the confidence that your lawyer was willing to provide them to you. A lawyer without references, or who says they don’t want to provide them, should be avoided.
When you meet with your attorney, take notice of how organized their law office is. If their office is organized and their staff seems relaxed and competent, that is often a reflection of how the practice operates as a whole. If they are shuffling through random piles of paper or struggling to handle incoming calls, you should probably look for legal representation elsewhere.
Zimmerman Law – Chicago Civil Litigation Attorneys
If you, or someone you care about, has been seriously injured in an auto accident, or if you find yourself in need of an experienced attorney for a civil matter, you can reach out to Zimmerman Law with confidence. We operate on a contingency basis, because we believe that everyone has a right to the finest legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances. Because we operate on a contingency basis, you will only be charged if we win your case.
To discuss your options, we invite you to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our dedicated legal team today.
