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How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

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4.9 rating of 147 reviews
michelle stump avatar

michelle stump

19 days ago

Working with Ed and Amber has been a true pleasure. They handled my claim efficiently and professionally, ensuring the process moved smoothly from start to finish. Their responsiveness, expertise, and effectiveness in working with the insurance carrier contributed greatly to a successful resolution. I sincerely appreciate their efforts, dedication, and guidance throughout the matter, and I am grateful for the outstanding service they provided.

Johanna Bukowski avatar

Johanna Bukowski

2 months ago

Ed and Maggie have both been a pleasure to work with! They keep you up to date on your case, clearly explain the process and next steps along the way, respond quickly to any questions and always offer different options to discuss details (email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.). What I appreciate more than anything, is their genuine compassion and concern for you as a person. They both demonstrate true empathy for what is most likely one of the most unexpected and traumatic events in a person’s life and do everything they can to ensure justice is served. I highly recommend Collins Law!

Jeff Matticks avatar

Jeff Matticks

3 months ago

I became aware of Collins Law Group after I was involved in a motorcycle, several years ago. Since that time I have reached out to Ed Manzke, at Collins Law Group, for assistance in a couple of other areas. In each instance, I have found Ed and his team to be very helpful with great communication, keeping me informed every step along the way. Everyone who I have interacted with, at Collins Law Group, demonstrated that they are interested in building relationships so that you know who you can turn to for any of your legal needs.

Ella Folson avatar

Ella Folson

3 months ago

Chris and John were attentive and thorough to my needs throughout my entire case. I appreciate the all the time and effort they took. I will be recommending their services going forward to family and friends! Thank you so much for all your help!

J. Savv avatar

J. Savv

3 months ago

Ed Manzke was very patient and kind with helping me and my sister with our mom’s case. He often took the time out his day to explain everything to ensure we understood what was going on. The law firm itself is organized making our whole process run smoothly. I appreciate Ed and his team.

Unique Morris avatar

Unique Morris

3 months ago

Ed Manzke was very informative, clear and honest when it came to my mother and father’s case. He took his time with all of my questions and concerns, making sure that no questions went unanswered and that there was no room for confusion with our case. I’m forever grateful for Ed and everyone at the law firm.

Nick Erlenbaugh avatar

Nick Erlenbaugh

3 months ago

Collins Law was recommended to me after I was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Amber Blevins was exceptional to work with. She is a total pro at what she does and made the process as easy as she could for me. Ed ensured I received the best outcome possible and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who might be shopping around for an attorney!

Dwayne Kurfirst avatar

Dwayne Kurfirst

4 months ago

I want to take a moment to recognize John at Collins Law for the incredible work he did in helping my mom secure her settlement. It wasn’t a quick or easy process—it took time, patience, and persistence—but John stayed committed every step of the way. What stood out most was his professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for getting the best possible outcome. He kept us informed, navigated the complexities with confidence, and ultimately delivered results that truly made a difference for our family. If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work, stand by you through a long process, and follow through, I highly recommend John and the team at Collins Law.

Helen Montague avatar

Helen Montague

5 months ago

We are fortunate to have had the chance to work with John Risvold as he represented my brother in his case. Professional, personable and authentic in his manner, John kept us informed throughout the long process, and was always available to respond to my many questions. Having never been involved with a law suit, I really appreciated John's patience (especially since I am 1,000 miles away) and his genuine care for my brother's well being. We are forever grateful, John. Thank you.

Matthew Malone avatar

Matthew Malone

6 months ago

I had an excellent experience being represented by Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins were amazing to work with and truly helped me in my time of need. Both were extremely personable and knowledgeable throughout every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone’s legal needs.

Ronnie Sanchez avatar

Ronnie Sanchez

6 months ago

I had an excellent experience with The Collins Law firm. Amber was extremely helpful, kind, and friendly throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything clearly whenever I didn’t understand something, which meant a lot to me. I truly felt supported and informed. I will absolutely seek Collin’s help again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Thank you again :)

Maddie Scheele avatar

Maddie Scheele

6 months ago

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins. They are truly the best of the best. The efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process of my case has been unmatched. What I really want to point out, though, is the empathy and compassion both Amber and Ed hold. That was the true difference maker. I knew they both prioritized my well-being and made that their number one priority. They represented me to their highest capabilities through every step of my case, and I cannot thank them and Collins Law Firm enough.

Leticia Pink avatar

Leticia Pink

7 months ago

Ms. Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental (radon) attorney who prioritizes her clients' health and safety in her legal practice. She maintains thorough records and offers strategic advice while working with government agencies. Ms. Galka demonstrates key values such as integrity, expertise, respect, empathy, and compassion essential for positive outcomes. Her professionalism, follow-up and communication skills are excellent. Ms. Galka's guidance extends beyond legal issues, and the Collins Law Firm advocates strongly and effectively for clients. We sincerely thank Collins Law Firm, and in particular Ms. Galka, for helping our family reach a successful outcome and for their meaningful impact on our community. I strongly recommend Ms. Galka and Collins Law Firm as an outstanding legal firm.

Megan avatar

Megan

7 months ago

I can’t say enough good things about John Risvold at The Collins Law Firm. From start to finish, John was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case truly mattered. His dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier to handle. John’s expertise and clear communication built a lot of trust, and I’m very grateful for his hard work. I would highly recommend John Risvold to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.

David Bretti avatar

David Bretti

7 months ago

(Translated by Google) They are very responsible in what they do, they were able to resolve my case quickly and efficiently, I especially recommend Mr. Chris for always being in contact and being honest throughout the process 👏🏻 (Original) Son muy responsables en lo que hacen, pudieron resolver mi caso de forma rápida y eficaz, recomendando, especialmente el Se Chris por siempre estar en contacto y ser sincero en todo el proceso 👏🏻

Jas R. avatar

Jas R.

7 months ago

Amber was very thorough, informative, and made this process very easy for me, which I greatly appreciated considering all the events that led up to this point. Justice isn’t always served, but working with Collin’s Law Firm really me feel that my injuries were tangibly worth something, and that to some degree, justice was served. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone seeking out a personal injury firm/attorney.

Amy Ressen avatar

Amy Ressen

9 months ago

I wana say a huge thank you to the Collin’s Law firm and Chris Gauthier for helping me with my Complicated case. They helped me put my life back together after a horrible incident that I didn’t think I could over come. Chris was always good about communicating and he made sure I got what I deserved! I highly recommend this law firm they were so kind and reassuring that things would work out. Thank you again for all the hard work and being there to help me through the process when I didn’t know where to turn to for help! Thanks again Chris and The Collin’s Law firm!

Lauren Dryanski avatar

Lauren Dryanski

9 months ago

I had an exceptional experience with Collins Law Firm . A special thank you to Chris, my lawyer, and Patti, the legal assistant. They helped me navigate my car accident proceedings from start to finish, and I always felt like I was in great hands. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and explained everything in a way I could understand. He always made sure I felt informed and supported, especially when it came to legal details I wouldn’t normally know. Patti was also wonderful—very helpful, communicative, and always made sure I had everything I needed throughout the process. I never once doubted this team. They made everything easy and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal support!

Will Brooks avatar

Will Brooks

10 months ago

John brings impressive expertise and heartfelt dedication to every matter he handles. His thoughtful approach and clear communication make it easy to trust his advice, and it’s evident he is committed to fighting for what’s right with both professionalism and empathy. John’s balance of insightful expertise and warm, personal attention truly sets him apart.

Icela Hernandez avatar

Icela Hernandez

0 years ago

If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .

How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

Top Tips for Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement

A serious car accident with injuries can leave you facing unplanned financial difficulties. Costly medical bills, unpaid leave from work, physical therapy bills, and other expenses can add up quickly. However, if the accident was caused by someone else, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through a car accident claim. Keep in mind, however, that the insurance companies will try to get you to settle your claim for a lowball amount. And once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for additional funds, even if the original amount is insufficient to cover your current and future medical expenses.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you shouldn’t suffer financially as well as physically. We will fight to ensure that doesn’t happen. The car accident attorneys at Collins Law Group have the knowledge and experience to maximize the value of your car accident case, so you can stop worrying and start healing.

Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our contact form to set up your free consultation today.

How Can I Maximize a Car Accident Settlement?

After a traffic accident, there are several ways to increase the value of your settlement.

  • Seek prompt medical attention and adhere to your doctor's instructions. Seeking prompt medical attention and following your doctor's instructions are crucial. If you are badly injured, head straight to the hospital in an ambulance. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest until later, so it's important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Once you have been seen and diagnosed, follow your doctor’s advice. This is not the time to delay treatment or ignore pain.Failing to follow your doctor's instructions can hinder your recovery and be used against you by insurance companies to minimize your claim. They will use your lack of treatment as proof that you are not badly injured. Be sure to keep records of all medical treatment, including doctor's notes and prescriptions.
  • Collect evidence and retain relevant documents. Collect as much evidence as possible to support your settlement claim. This includes obtaining contact information from witnesses, taking pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles, and retaining any relevant documents.Keep a copy of the police report, any medical bills or records, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, and any correspondence with the insurance company or other parties involved in the accident. Your accident attorney may also request additional information, such as cell phone records or surveillance footage, to help build a strong case.It's important to keep all documentation organized and readily accessible, as it may be necessary to refer to it throughout the claims process or in the event of a legal proceeding.
  • Avoid direct communication with the insurance company. After a car accident, it's common for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to contact you to gather information and discuss the details. However, it's important to be cautious about speaking with them directly. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may elicit answers that can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim.It's best to avoid direct communication with the insurance company and refer them to your attorney. Your attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights by ensuring that the information provided is accurate and that your claim is not compromised.
  • Refrain from posting about the incident on social media. It's important to be mindful of what you post on social media. Even seemingly harmless posts or comments can be used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys to discredit your claim. It's best to refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media altogether.If you need to update friends or family, consider doing so privately or through a phone call or text message. By staying off social media, you can help protect your privacy and the integrity of your case.
  • Consult an Illinois car accident attorney at the earliest opportunity. This may be your most important step. Hiring a competent traffic accident lawyer can help you recover 3.5 times more in a settlement than trying to negotiate on your own. Communicate with your legal team, openly and honestly; they are there to help you so listen to their advice and let them negotiate for you.Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging as they are trained to minimize auto injury claims. The car accident lawyers here at Collins Law Group are well-versed in such situations and can anticipate the insurance company's tactics while building a robust claim to secure the best possible settlement offer for our clients.
  • Wait for a fair offer instead of accepting the initial one. After a car accident, it's not uncommon for the insurance company to offer a settlement quickly. However, it's important to remember that their initial offer may not be fair or fully cover all the costs associated with the accident. It is usually offered as a negotiating tactic, so don’t be taken in. It's wise to wait and consider all options before accepting any offer. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to Avoid During Car Accident Settlement Negotiations

  • Do not leave the accident scene until the police have properly recorded the event and filed a police report with the correct information. If no law enforcement has responded, take the initiative to call them yourself.
  • Inform your insurance company immediately to let them know you’ve been in an accident. But do not agree to make any recorded statements or sign any forms until you’ve spoken to an auto accident lawyer.
  • If you are not at fault, do not do or say anything that may be construed as you admitting fault or being unsure of fault.
  • When communicating with anyone about the accident, make sure to have all supporting documents and be clear about the details you provide. If you are unsure, do not bring it up until you have confirmed.

Let Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Maximize Your Claim

To avoid financial hardship, maximizing the amount of your settlement is crucial. Our experienced Naperville car accident attorneys know how to do just that. We will never accept a lowball settlement. We will fight to help you recover your expenses and additional money for pain and suffering. And there are no fees unless you win. Call us for a FREE, no-obligation consultation at (630) 527-1595 or contact us online and see how we can help you maximize your car accident claim.

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Why Choose Collins Law
Environmental & Personal 
Injury Lawyers

No Fee Unless We Win

Collins Law operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and environmental cases, meaning clients only pay legal fees if we win your case.

175+ Years of Combined Experience

Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients with personal injury, environmental contamination, and business claims. Understanding the intricacies of these cases allows us to achieve better outcomes.

Proven Track Record

With a history of successful cases, Collins Law proves their ability to get results for their clients.

Flexible Consultations

Understanding the challenges clients may face following an injury, Collins Law offers flexible consultation options, including home and hospital visits. We will come to you.

Client-Centered Approach

At Collins Law, clients always come first. We prioritize individual needs and concerns, recognizing that each case is unique and deserves personalized attention.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

Collins Law offers free consultations anytime, making legal advice accessible when it's needed.
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