608-237-7035 / 815-243-9686


Experiencing an accident for the first time is overwhelming, a shock to the system, and traumatizing. Likely, you don’t know what to do or where to start when you have been injured as a result of the crash. Should you pursue a personal injury claim? How long does it take to see a settlement? These are all fair and natural emotions and questions to have after an accident. The reality is that if you were injured by a negligent driver you are entitled to compensation for your damages.

The best way to get a good idea of if you have a valid claim and what your options are is to speak with an experienced Janesville personal injury attorney. These legal professionals have decades of experience representing victims in Wisconsin and Illinois and they know all the ins and outs of the process as well as personal injury law and any recent changes to it.

Severe injuries have devastating outcomes. Victims can face missed work and lost wages, painful recovery, intensive treatment and therapies, mounting medical expenses, require help for daily activities and travel to and from appointments, as well as immense emotional trauma. These victims must receive a fair settlement to help them recover the damages they had to endure as a result of their accident.

How Does The Personal Injury Claim Process Work?

A blue and orange logo is shown on the side of a black background.Every case is different and so the length of time it takes to see a conclusion to your case varies greatly. In some situations, it may take weeks. Other times it can take as long as years to litigate. Here is the basic outline of how the process works after an accident:

  • The injured party sees a qualified medical professional who assesses their injuries or checks for them and provides them with the right diagnosis. Then a treatment plan is developed. All documentation from the medical evaluation and treatment should be kept by the victim for the claim.
  • The details relating to how the accident took place are investigated and liability is determined.
  • A reservation of rights letter is sent to the victim from the other party’s insurance
  • Your Janesville automobile accident attorney compiles all of the information associated with your crash, calculates a fair value for your compensation, and then sends the responsible party’s insurance company a demand letter.

What happens after this process is initiated depends on all parties involved. You have the right to deny or accept any settlement amount the insurance company offers. Your lawyer will guide you on if the settlement is one that is fair or if you should reject it and negotiate for a better offer. Your lawyer is vital to your ability to obtain the highest amount of compensation. They will negotiate on your behalf to ensure your legal rights are protected. There may be a back-and-forth of offers and counteroffers until you are happy with the settlement amount, but you won’t be alone. Your lawyer will answer your questions and help you through the entire process. After you accept your settlement you still have a waiting period of about 6 weeks to see your money.

If you are unable to come to an agreeable solution, you can take your case to trial. The cases that go to trial are the lengthiest and the most expensive. The majority of claims do not go to trial because it is a risk for both parties to put the eventual outcome of the case in the hands of a judge and jury.

Talk With A Roscoe, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney About Your Questions Today

At the Alexander J. Smith Law Offices, our legal team cares about victims’ rights in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois and we are are here to help you with your personal injury claim. Call us today to set up a free consultation at (608) 237-7035 for residents of Wisconsin or (815) 2439686 for residents of Illinois. You can discuss the details of your situation with one of our caring and helpful Wisconsin and Illinois personal injury attorneys.