Keith Short & Associates has decades of experience representing car accident victims throughout Southern Illinois. Our team provides personalized legal representation, clear communication, and aggressive advocacy to help clients pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.

Important evidence may include police reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, vehicle damage, surveillance footage, and documentation of lost wages and other expenses.

Keith Short & Associates handles most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.

Passengers injured in a car accident often have the right to seek compensation regardless of which driver caused the accident. Your attorney can determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries.

Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may recommend taking your case to trial.

Some injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries, may not appear until hours or days later. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms develop and document all treatment.

Some claims resolve in a matter of months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or litigation may take longer. Your attorney can provide a better estimate based on the specific facts of your case.

Not without first understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Initial settlement offers are often lower than what a claim may actually be worth. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether an offer is fair.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. An attorney can review your insurance policy and explain your options.

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and other accident-related losses.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you were 50% or less at fault, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

In most cases, Illinois law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because exceptions may apply, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and the extent of the other party’s negligence.

While not every accident requires legal representation, hiring a car accident attorney can help protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and handle negotiations with insurance companies – especially if you suffered injuries or significant property damage.

Your safety should always come first. Call 911, seek medical attention if anyone is injured, exchange information with the other driver, document the accident scene with photos, and avoid discussing fault. Contact an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with the insurance company.