Straight answers to the questions we hear most often from injured people and families in Peoria and Central Illinois. If your question isn’t covered below, call or text Parker & Parker at 309-673-0069 — the first conversation is always free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a serious injury in Peoria, IL?
Get medical attention first. Some internal injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and a prompt medical record ties your injuries to the incident. If you can, photograph the scene, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and write down what you remember while it’s fresh. Do not give a recorded statement to the other side’s insurance company before you have spoken with a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois?
For most Illinois personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Some situations are shorter — a claim against a city, county, or other government entity can require notice in as little as one year, and there are special rules for minors and for wrongful death cases. It is best to confirm your deadline early so evidence and witnesses are still available.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Peoria?
There is no upfront cost to work with Parker & Parker. We work on a contingency fee and advance the case expenses, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you. The consultation is always free, and every fee agreement is in writing before we begin.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
It depends on several things: your medical bills, lost income, the lasting effect of the injuries on your daily life, and the insurance coverage available to pay the claim. Illinois lets you recover both economic losses (bills, wages) and non-economic harm (pain and suffering, loss of normal life). We value cases after reviewing the records, not from a formula. Read more about how case value is calculated.
Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?
Be careful. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. An early recorded statement or a quick settlement offer can be used later to reduce or deny your claim. You can — and should — report the accident to your own insurer, but it is wise to talk with a lawyer before giving any statement or signing a release to anyone else.
What if I was partly at fault for my accident in Illinois?
You can still recover. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Your award is reduced by your share of fault, and you are only barred from recovery if you are found more than 50% responsible. Being partly at fault does not end your claim.
Why hire a local Peoria personal injury lawyer?
A local firm knows the Peoria County courts, the judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle Central Illinois claims — and we are down the street when you need us, not in another city. Parker & Parker has represented injured people in Peoria since 1977.
How long does a personal injury case take?
It depends on the injuries, the insurance, and whether the case settles or has to be tried. Smaller, clear-liability claims can resolve in a few months. Cases with serious injuries, disputed fault, or complex insurance can take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is filed. We do not push clients to settle early when the medical picture is still developing — doing so almost always undervalues the case.
Do I have to go to court for a personal injury case?
Most cases settle before trial. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, because that is what gives an insurance company a reason to pay fair value. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are ready to file suit and try the case in Peoria County or the surrounding circuit.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough?
You may still have coverage through your own policy. Illinois requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and many drivers also carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. We routinely find UM/UIM coverage that clients didn’t know they had. More on uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
What kinds of cases does Parker & Parker handle?
Our injury practice covers car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, premises liability (including slip-and-fall), dog bites, medical malpractice and birth injury, brain and spinal cord injury, and wrongful death. The firm also has a large adoption and guardianship practice. See our practice areas for the full list.
How do I start a case with Parker & Parker?
Call or text 309-673-0069, or use the contact form. We will set up a free conversation — in person, by phone, or by video — review what happened, and tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing. If we are not the right fit, we will say so.
Where is the Parker & Parker office?
We are at 300 NE Perry Ave., Peoria, IL 61603, just north of downtown. Parking is on site. If you cannot travel because of your injuries, we will come to you, or handle the first meeting by phone or video.
Who will work on my case?
Attorney Robert Parker handles each personal injury matter directly, with support from the firm’s staff. You will have a real lawyer’s phone number and email, not a call center, and you will know who is responsible for moving your case forward.
Have a question that isn’t here?
Call or text Parker & Parker at 309-673-0069, or use our contact form. The first conversation is always free and confidential.