BL Personal Injury Attorneys Ottawa, IL

Fighting for Fair Compensation in Ottawa, IL

Our Ottawa, IL attorneys are skilled negotiators who know what your claim is truly worth. We handle all communications with the insurance company, fighting back against lowball offers and ensuring you are treated fairly throughout the process.

Expertise in All Accident Types

Whether you need a car accident injury lawyer after a crash or representation for a slip and fall, our Ottawa, IL team has the experience to build a powerful case. We are committed to holding negligent parties and their insurers accountable.

A Guide to Your Rights When Dealing with Insurance Companies in Ottawa, IL

After an accident in Ottawa, IL, it's crucial to understand your rights. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to pay out as little as possible. Here is what you need to know.

• You Have the Right to an Attorney: From the very first moment, you have the right to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. Having a lawyer from BL Personal Injury Attorneys handle all communications is the single best way to protect your interests.
• You Do Not Have to Give a Recorded Statement: The other party's insurance adjuster will likely ask for a recorded statement very quickly. You are not legally required to provide one, and it is almost always in your best interest not to. They can use your words, taken out of context, to devalue your claim.
• You Do Not Have to Accept the First Settlement Offer: The first offer made by an insurance company is almost always a lowball offer, made quickly in the hopes you will accept it before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses. Never accept an offer without consulting an attorney.
• You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Doctor: You are not required to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company. You should seek treatment from your own trusted medical providers to ensure your health is the top priority.
• You Have the Right to Be Compensated for All Your Losses: This includes not just your immediate medical bills, but also future medical treatment, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Insurance adjusters will often downplay these non-economic damages.
• You Do Not Have to Sign a Broad Medical Authorization: The adjuster may ask you to sign a medical release form that gives them access to your entire medical history. This is an invasion of your privacy. We can provide them with only the relevant medical records related to your accident injuries.The team at BL Personal Injury Attorneys will stand between you and the insurance company, protecting you from these tactics and fighting to ensure every one of your rights is upheld in Ottawa, IL.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the insurance adjuster being so nice to me?Adjusters are often trained to be friendly to gain your trust and encourage you to settle your claim quickly and for a low amount without a lawyer.
• What if my own insurance company is treating me unfairly?If your own insurer is acting in "bad faith," you may have a separate legal claim against them. We can evaluate this for you.
• How do you prove the other party was at fault?We use evidence such as the police report, witness statements, photos of the scene, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
• What does "pain and suffering" mean in a claim?It refers to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you have suffered due to your injuries.