Q: How can I get in contact with a defendant if I wish to attempt mediation before taking him to court?
I was hit by an uninsured driver and the accident report contains no phone number, an incomplete address (no apt number and he lives in a huge condo building) and an incorrect driver's license number (1 number short to be an IL license). I would like to attempt mediation before litigating, which will be expensive and time-consuming for both of us, but how can I find his information without being a licensed legal practitioner or police officer? Are there licensed mediators who would be able to get that information and facilitate?
A: Contact a member of the Ill. Trial Lawyers Assn--they give free consults.If they take your case you don't pay upfront fees but a percentage of what they can getr. If you settle with the person and your health or other insurance have medical "liens" these have to be paid, and don't take care of them bad things can happen.
A: Assuming you have uninsured motorist coverage, you should have contacted your insurer and/or agent. Your insurance company will take over from this point. I would urge you to contact a lawyer to help you with this. Most uninsured motorist cases are resolved by arbitration which is usually binding. That doesn't mean you couldn't also ask for mediation as well. I don't see much happening to your benefit if you were to sue an uninsured motorist.
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