Loans to Help Injured are now Limited

According to a leading loan company in Illinois, Advanced Case Loans, the State of Illinois has recently enacted new guidelines which all lenders in the State mush follow - limiting the amount any lender can loan to persons with lawsuits to no more than $40,000.00.

Many times during litigation in an injury case, persons find it extremely difficult to make ends meet. The insurance company may be denying a case or it may simply be that the process (which can take time) is taking a toll on an individuals finances. For this reason, many clients turn to loans that can be advanced by companies and repaid at the end of their cases. In most instances the interest on these loans is staggering - typically 45-50% per year. In essence, if a loan is make for $5,000, it would have to be paid back at $7,500 at the end of one year.

As Plaintiff's lawyers, QMM finds that most times, loans granted by these companies are typically small and meant to simply allow the injured victims to get by for a period of time until the case can be settled or tried. In those cases, this change will likely not effect the injured victims. However, in major injury cases, where extensive costs mount, this limitation could have further reaching effects. In either case, the State's new policy is something every Plaintiff/Petitioner should now be aware of.

Car Accident Tips

With the mounting number of car accidents causing injuries in the United States, insurance companies are doing everything they can to pay less on claims. In addition, it seems the average person has become a bit more skeptical about injuries from auto collisions. As such, it is imperative that you follow some basic rules if you've been the victim of an injury caused by another driver's negligence. Here are a few tips to ensure your claim is not one that is "red flagged" by the insurance company:

1. Hire a trusted lawyer immediately. Depending on your situation, you may not have insurance or other means to see a physician. Many times, an attorney can counsel you on other means to see physicians or where to go to ensure you receive the proper medical treatment. Most importantly, the attorney can guide you through the claim process in a manner that most protects your interest.

2. Obtain the best medical care possible immediately. This means go to a Hospital and document all areas of the body you feel pain immediately. If you wake up the next morning with pain in a different area of the body, go to the Hospital or doctor immediately and document it.

3. Never speak to the insurance company, no matter if they offer money. Many times the insurance company will make an initial offer in attempts to resolve the entire claim. The problem is, if you accept at the beginning of your medical treatment, you waive your rights to any more money if your condition becomes worse. As attorneys, we always wait to settle a case until the client has completed their medical treatment so that we know the full severity of the injury has run it's course.

4. Take photographs. This may seem obvious, but most people do not do it. Take photos of the damages to the cars, your injuries and even the intersection or areas where the accident happens. Photos are invaluable later during settlement negotiations or at trial.

5. Document your wage losses. If your off work, you must have a doctors note recommending you stay off in order for an insurance company to pay it. So, be sure to ask your doctor whether he/she feels you should work, and if they advise to take off, get a note and keep it for your file.

Hopefully, these 5 tips can help keep your injury claim out of the "red flag" pile and instead allow you to obtain the damages you deserve for your injuries.