For people dealing with the aftermath of a car accident or another personal injury, finding an attorney who understands the legal process and the challenges involved can make a significant difference. In the Belleville area, attorney John Hipskind has spent more than a decade representing people injured because of accidents and negligence.
Born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, Hipskind has built his legal career around helping clients pursue compensation while providing direct communication and personal attention throughout their cases. He now lives in Highland with his wife, Wendy, and their two daughters, Hayley and Hadley.
A Legal Career Rooted in Belleville
Hipskind attended Althoff Catholic High School, graduating in 1998, before earning his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2004. He later attended Oklahoma City University School of Law and graduated in 2008.
His legal career began at the St. Clair County Public Defender’s Office. There, he handled misdemeanor, felony, and homicide cases and developed substantial courtroom experience. Working as a public defender also gave him the opportunity to try cases before juries, experience that became an important part of his later personal injury practice.
Those interested in learning more about his professional background and legal experience can also review his Avvo profile, which provides additional information about his career.
Today, Hipskind represents clients in personal injury and car accident matters throughout the Belleville metro area and beyond. According to his professional biography, he has recovered more than $10 million for clients during his career.
Investigating the Details Behind Injury Claims
Personal injury cases can involve more than simply determining who caused an accident. Insurance coverage, employment relationships, property conditions, video evidence, medical records, and witness testimony can all affect the outcome of a claim.
One of Hipskind’s reported case results illustrates the importance of investigating those details. In a head-on collision case, only $100,000 in insurance coverage initially appeared to be available. Further investigation revealed that the at-fault driver was making a delivery for a local newspaper. That discovery uncovered an additional $2 million in available coverage, ultimately resulting in a reported $2.1 million settlement.
Another case involved a woman who suffered significant neck and shoulder injuries after a chair collapsed at a local restaurant. According to the firm’s case results, quick action helped preserve important video evidence. That evidence played a significant role in the resolution of the claim, which resulted in a reported $900,000 recovery.
Hipskind has also represented tenants injured because of alleged property maintenance problems. In one case, a client fell through a front porch. Investigation uncovered testimony involving the use of materials from occupied trailers for repairs, resulting in a reported $450,000 settlement. In another matter involving a ceiling collapse, a client who required neck surgery received a reported $400,000 settlement after the landlord and maintenance company initially denied responsibility.
A Focus on Communication With Clients
Beyond case results, client communication is another part of Hipskind’s stated approach to representation. His client testimonials frequently mention his availability, communication, and attention to individual cases.
One former client, Wendy M., said Hipskind handled the personal injury claim while keeping her informed throughout the process. She also described him as knowledgeable and said she would recommend his services.
Another client, Adam L., described Hipskind as trustworthy and said he handled the case efficiently while demonstrating a strong understanding of the issues involved.
These comments reflect the importance many injury victims place on being able to communicate with their attorney. For someone recovering from an accident, understanding what is happening with an insurance claim or lawsuit can be just as important as the legal strategy itself.
Professional Recognition and Community Involvement
Over the years, Hipskind has received several professional recognitions. His listed honors include selections to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100, Illinois Rising Stars from 2015 through 2019, and the Illinois Super Lawyers list from 2020 through 2022.
He has also been recognized by organizations and publications for his work in personal injury and car accident law, including Expertise.com. Other listed distinctions include recognition from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Hipskind maintains professional memberships with organizations including the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, the St. Clair County Bar Association, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. He is also a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
His involvement extends beyond casework. Hipskind has contributed to legal publications and participated in speaking engagements involving personal injury law and litigation strategies.
Serving Clients in Belleville and Beyond
Hipskind is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Missouri. His practice focuses on helping individuals and families navigate personal injury matters, including car accident claims.
For residents dealing with an injury after a collision or another accident, understanding their legal rights can be an important first step. Insurance companies may request statements, review medical records, and investigate liability while an injured person is still recovering. Having legal guidance can help a claimant understand the process and the factors that may affect a potential claim.
Hipskind’s office is located at 3201 W Main St in Belleville, Illinois. He can be reached at 618-844-9486, and additional information is available through the firm’s contact page at hm-attorneys.com.
With more than a decade of experience, courtroom experience from the beginning of his career, and a practice centered on personal injury representation, John Hipskind continues to serve clients in Belleville and surrounding communities. His career reflects a combination of local roots, litigation experience, and a stated commitment to providing clients with personal attention and straightforward communication.
