Vehicle Accidents

Accidents happen. We live in a world that relies on cars and public transportation. Whether it is a minor fender bender or a severe crash, you should know your rights. The insurance company for the at-fault driver is trying to keep you from the full compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in any type of accident, there are several important things to remember:

1. Make a police report: A police report can document the facts surrounding the accident, prove who was in each vehicle during the accident, and assess fault. In some instances, it is required by law and your insurance policy to report an accident to the police.
2. Gather Information: Make sure to take note of who was in each vehicle, vehicle descriptions (model, make, year, license plate numbers), eyewitnesses (names and contact information), and the accident location and address. It can also be helpful to take photographs or videos of the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
3. Be careful giving statements: Remember that anything you say at the scene regarding fault or injuries will be used against you in future negotiations and litigation. You should never give a statement to an insurance company alone. Whether it is your own insurance company or the other driver’s company, our office would never advise you to give a statement without an attorney being involved.
4. Contact an attorney immediately: It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. You do not want to give statements to an insurance company without your attorney. Some people want to try and handle a case on their own before contacting a lawyer. This is never advised. Lawyers go to law school and practice law for this exact reason. We are trained to protect your rights. Don’t forget: the insurance companies are not looking out for you.
5. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately: If you are injured, you should see a doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible. You may need x-rays, have internal injuries or need further treatment. Delays in seeking medical treatment can negatively impact your health and your case.

When you hire the attorneys at Rick Reed’s office, there are many things our law firm will help you with during the case. Here are some of the things our lawyers do for you:

1. Gather the police report and medical records
2. Talk to insurance companies and their lawyers for you
3. Make sure you receive payment from every insurance company that owes you money (sometimes you are entitled to money from car insurance policies for vehicles that were not even in the accident)
4. Our lawyers will be present anytime you must give a statement
5. Help you secure a rental vehicle and payment for the damage to your vehicle
6. Help you find the best possible medical treatment for your injuries
7. Deal with all health insurance companies – including private insurance,Medicare, Medicaid, Supplement Policies, Tricare, and ERISA insurance
8. Negotiate the top settlement offer for your case
9. Negotiate with lien holders and secure reductions on medical bills
10. File lawsuits in Court, take depositions, and present your case to a jury if necessary

Types of Accident cases our offices handle:

• Vehicle Accidents
• School Bus Accidents
• City Bus Accidents
• Transport Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Train Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Injury as Pedestrian
• Water injuries

The attorneys at Rick Reed’s office are available to help you understand your rights regarding any injury type of accident whether in Illinois or Missouri. Please contact the attorneys at one of our eight office locations for a free consultation.

• Belleville office: 618-398-7027
• East St. Louis office: 618-398-7048
• Cahokia office: 618-332-0070
• Granite City office: 618-876-0343
• Maryville office: 618-344-4555
• Edwardsville office: 618-656-1011
• Alton office: 618-465-5850
• Carlyle office: 618-594-4800