If you sustained injuries in a car accident in Chicago, IL, you may be able to file an injury claim against the at-fault party and recover total compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call the Chicago car accident attorneys at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers at (872) 324-4375.
Our lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience helping clients injured in car wrecks, truck crashes, and other collisions. To date, we’ve collected tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. If we represent you after a car accident, we are confident in our ability to help you determine and achieve a good outcome.
To learn more, contact us online or by phone. Our law firm offers a free consultation to review your case as well as to provide legal advice. We are also fluent in Spanish and Arabic.
How Attorneys of Chicago Can Help You Recover Compensation After a Car Accident
If you don’t have a Chicago personal injury lawyer on your side, you might walk away with significantly less compensation than what your claim is worth. Instead, consider selecting us to help you from start to finish. We can help you get the results you need to move forward and avoid the pitfalls that might happen if you are unrepresented.
Our award-winning legal team can assist you after an auto accident by:
- Launching a comprehensive internal investigation into your accident to collect evidence and assess your injury claim
- Identifying which driver is at fault
- Demand fair compensation from at-fault drivers and aggressively negotiate on your behalf
- Work with professional experts along the way as necessary to further strengthen your case
- Resolve healthcare liens and workers’ compensation matters
- If the other driver refuses to settle your claim, file a lawsuit and bring your case to court
When it comes to car and truck wrecks, an insurance company usually features prominently on the other side. This is especially true in an at-fault car insurance state like Illinois. Insurance companies, at the end of the day, are for-profit businesses. It is important to understand that, as a result, insurance adjusters are incentivized to reduce the liability of the insured driver whenever possible. However, it is important to note when an insurer engages in malpractice and secure the help of an attorney immediately.
These are just a few of the ways our auto accident lawyers can help lead you to a better outcome. Reach out to our law office serving Chicago, Illinois, to begin forming an attorney-client relationship or for further information. There’s no obligation for potential clients to choose us, even after your no-charge initial consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring an auto accident lawyer could be a crucial decision after a collision. With legal representation, you will likely end up with much more money than you would otherwise.
Here’s why:
You level the playing field against aggressive insurance companies. Auto collisions almost always entail going through an insurance provider. Insurance companies have their profits in mind, not you. They’ll do whatever they can to avoid liability for your claim. A lawyer will level the playing field, as you’ll have a professional negotiator on your side who knows insurance company tricks as well as anyone.
You’ll gain access to leading experts to strengthen your case. If you decide to use a lawyer, they can provide you with expert witness assistance. Oftentimes, this type of help is required to get full compensation for your injury claim. Personal injury lawyers also have access to other resources that can bolster your case against an at-fault driver.
You’ll have someone to protect you if you’re blamed. Under Illinois law, your compensation can be reduced or barred altogether due to your assigned amount of responsibility for a collision. If you have an attorney, they can work to minimize the amount of fault given to you so that you can recover the fair value you are due.
We encourage you to schedule a free consultation if you’re unsure whether getting a lawyer makes sense in your case.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Each auto accident case will be worth a different amount, as each involves different results, facts, and circumstances. Simply stated, those that involve the most severe injuries are usually worth the most – as are those that will impact your life the most now and in the future.
However, there are many other important considerations that can factor into the equation, such as:
- The age of the victim at the time of the crash
- Whether there is sufficient evidence available to prove the claim
- Whether the driver is insured
- Whether a truck or other commercial vehicle was involved
- The terms of any insurance policies, such as health insurance and auto insurance
- The extent to which the victim shares responsibility for the accident (comparative negligence)
Working to fully evaluate a claim can take some time and lead to complex issues, and it is important to consult an auto accident attorney in order to arrive at an estimate. A lot depends on the quality of your legal representation as well as hiring an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can lead to the increased value of a claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Car Accident in Illinois?
In most instances, you will have two years from the date of the collision to bring a claim. This is the deadline established by the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury. If you only intend to file a lawsuit for damage to property, however, you will have five years. If you file your lawsuit past when it is due, you may be unable to obtain compensation for your case.
There are some exceptions to these deadlines, so it is possible that you have more (or less) time to file. It depends on the specific facts of your case. Ultimately, it is essential to call our law office as soon as you can if you are unsure of the deadline that applies to your case. This will lead to maintaining your ability to recover damages.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
Compensatory damages are available to car accident victims in the form of economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for things such as:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and decreased earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Non-economic damages compensate you for other harms you might have experienced, including:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased enjoyment of life
- PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Quality of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available in addition to compensatory damages. However, punitive damages are only available in cases involving extreme conduct, such as if there was drunk driving or the driver’s conduct was intentional or reckless. For example, if an at-fault driver is under the influence of a high amount of alcohol, punitive damages may be more likely. These damages are meant to punish the driver and deter future similar conduct.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this form of payment, you pay us zero fees upfront. You also only pay us if we get you compensation at the conclusion of your case. In other words, we are only paid if you are as well.
If we secure a settlement or monetary award for you, we will receive a percentage as payment. The amount varies depending on the particular case, but will usually be around 33%. We’ll agree to the exact percentage with you ahead of time.
With the contingency fee arrangement, you can get top-rated legal representation even if your accident has left you in a difficult financial situation. Further, we will be incentivized to increase the value of your case as much as we can. Connect with a legal professional within our team to learn more.
Can I Get Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault For My Accident?
In Illinois, you can still receive compensation even if you are partly responsible for the accident — but only up to a point.
The state currently uses a standard called modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar to recovery. So if you are found to be mostly at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover damages for your injuries.
If your percentage of fault is less than 51%, you may still recover money – but your total monetary award could be reduced. For instance, $200,000 awarded by a jury could be reduced by 25% to $150,000 if you are assigned 25% of the blame. Having a lawyer on your side can make an important difference, as they’ll be working to ensure as little fault is assessed to you as possible.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Chicago?
Taking the following steps after a motor vehicle crash can go a long way toward the future success of your claim, as well as protecting your health and safety:
- If you can, move your vehicle to a safe spot off the side of the roadway.
- Dial 911 to report the accident. This is often required by state law, and having a police report for your crash could benefit your case.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Collect evidence if it is safe to do so, such as taking photos of the accident scene as well as gathering information from any eyewitnesses.
- Receive medical attention at the hospital, regardless of whether you suffered an obvious injury. Not all injuries, including a serious brain injury, present symptoms immediately, and medical records can be key evidence for your claim.
- Avoid apologizing to the other driver or anyone else about the accident, and do not admit fault. If you do, the success of your claim could be jeopardized.
From there, setting up an initial consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney is important. Your lawyer can advise you on what you should do next to protect your legal rights and interests.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
With three decades of combined experience, we can help you with just about any type of car accident case. Some of the kinds of claims we’re equipped to handle include but are not limited to, the following.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions can range significantly in terms of severity. While some might be minor fender benders, others can cause life-changing harm or even fatal injuries. Our Chicago rear-end accident lawyers can explain your best course of action after this type of accident.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on crashes are among the most serious and terrifying; the results can be devastating. If you were in an accident of this kind, you deserve to be compensated in full, including all of your medical bills. Our Chicago head-on crash lawyers can help you start on the path to justice.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
This kind of accident can leave you wondering about your future options for financial recovery. While insurance coverage may be a possibility, there may be other avenues as well in some cases. Our single-vehicle accident lawyers can help you evaluate your best next steps.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Establishing liability when multiple vehicles collide can be difficult, especially if more than one driver shares some of the blame. Our multi-vehicle accident lawyers work hard every step of the way to secure fair compensation and prove the responsible party’s negligence. Call now to determine your next steps.
Intersection Accidents
A high number of incidents happen at intersections, as there is a lot that can go wrong at these locations. Motor vehicle owners owe a duty to others in terms of driving safely, and it’s possible you have a substantial claim for compensation. Connect with our intersection crash lawyers for help.
Highway Crashes
Highway collisions can be especially severe and are often fatal, considering the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. If you or a loved one sustained injuries and damages in a crash, you may be entitled to substantial compensation through a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim. Contact our highway crash lawyers as soon as possible.
We handle various cases, including:
- I-90 Accidents
- Lane Change Crashes
- Left-Turn Accidents
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Red and Yellow Light Crashes
- Rollover Accident
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- U-Turn Accidents
These are just a few examples of cases we can help you with. Schedule a complimentary initial consultation if you have been hurt in a crash.
Types of Injuries From Car Accidents
The results of a motor vehicle accident can include injuries that impact victims’ lives for many years to come – or longer. The resulting medical care could be significant and ongoing for many injuries as well. Some common car accident injuries our lawyers can help you pursue compensation for include:
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash
- Puncture wounds
- Organ and nerve damage
- Chest injuries
- Leg injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Whether or not we’ve listed your injuries above, we can help you get compensation for your medical and hospital bills and much more. Set up your free, no-obligation consultation by reaching out online or by phone.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago, IL
While crashes can occur for many reasons, some are more typical than others. Among the most common causes of car accidents in the area are:
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or speeding
- Drunk driving (DUI)
- Intoxicated driving
- Poor weather
- Defective roadways or equipment
Our team has the experience and is well-equipped to help you determine the best legal course after any form of collision. We can get started immediately if you are ready to learn more.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident in Chicago
By and large, most auto wrecks come down to showing that the at-fault driver was negligent, which means something close to “careless.”
The four legal elements needed to prove negligence to a judge or jury are as follows:
- Did the other driver owe you a duty of care? For example, there is a general duty of care for a driver to follow the rules of the road, such as speed limits.
- Has that duty of care been breached by the at-fault party? Speeding can satisfy this element.
- Was the accident caused by the other person? Two forms of causation must be met in this context: factual cause and proximate cause.
- Did you suffer damages as a result of the other driver’s breach of duty?
To be successful in your case, you will need to support each of these elements with evidence. The standard of proof you must meet is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which is much easier to prove than what is required in criminal law cases, “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Evidence you can utilize in support of your claim includes:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photo and video evidence
Proving negligence is not usually easy, but we have been doing so successfully for over a decade. Reach out to discuss your case and how we can help you prove that the responsible driver was negligent.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
You should consult an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your collision, especially if:
- You’ve suffered severe injuries
- There are multiple drivers
- A driver is uninsured
- Liability is in question
- You are unsure how to calculate your damages
- The other driver is blaming you, but you don’t think it’s your fault
- The insurance company denied your claim
- A government or commercial vehicle was involved
It’s best to start collecting evidence immediately because vital information can be lost over time. However, we understand that some victims may be unable to contact us right away. You may be hospitalized or struggling with painful injuries. In that case, take the time you need to rest, heal, and recover. Your family can contact us to start the process.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Car accident cases rarely go to trial. Instead, they are usually resolved through settlement negotiations with the at-fault party or their insurance company. In fact, most cases won’t even make it to court in the first place.
That said, sometimes, it’s your best course of action to file a lawsuit and bring your case to court. Settlement negotiations can still continue after a lawsuit is filed, and we will have access to pretrial discovery – an information-gathering process that could reveal critical evidence.
In addition, insurance companies oftentimes do not want to defend cases in court, due to the significant time and expense. Therefore, they may be willing to increase their settlement offer simply based on the “threat” of litigation.
Contact our law offices for more information regarding your case.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
Personal injury law in Illinois permits you to seek compensation (for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and much more) from just about anyone who caused or contributed to the cause of your crash. Liable parties may include the following:
- The drivers involved in the accident
- A truck driver
- The insurance company for the at-fault motorist
- A government entity, if your crash was caused by poor road upkeep
- The manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of a defective part or machinery that led to your crash
Other parties might be liable as well, depending on the facts in your case. If you are not sure of how to proceed after an accident, contact our law offices for a free case evaluation.
How Long Does the Car Accident Lawsuit Process Take in Chicago?
Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for Chicago car accident cases. Each one must be thoroughly evaluated and investigated based on the specific facts.
The following factors will affect how long your case takes to resolve:
- Whether the collision requires an extensive investigation
- The severity of your injuries and the amount of time it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement
- Whether there are multiple drivers involved
- The insurance company or opposing party’s willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations
- Whether your case goes to trial – the pretrial discovery process takes time, as does getting on the docket and litigating the matter in court
Straightforward cases may conclude in a few months, whereas more complex cases may take years. Even in seemingly “simple” matters, unexpected things may arise that lengthen the timeline. You should remain patient and remember that obtaining a fair settlement or verdict can take time.
If the Other Driver in a Car Crash was Uninsured, Will my Statement Affect my Claim?
If you were involved in an Illinois crash with an uninsured motorist, you may have a few options for compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can pursue a claim with your insurance provider. This policy is generally automatically included as part of your liability insurance in Illinois.
If you don’t have UM coverage, you may have to sue the at-fault party. However, they may not have the resources or funds to pay your damages if you win.
In some cases, a third party, such as the driver’s employer, may share blame for your accident.
Getting legal help is highly recommended in accidents with uninsured drivers.
Chicago Car Accident Statistics
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) releases accident statistics for every city in the state. According to the latest 2024 statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the numbers are as follows for Chicago:
- Last year, they’re 377 crash fatalities in Cook County.
- 399 have involved either motorcyclists, pedestrians, or semi-trucks
- 746 have occurred either on city streets or State/US Highways
- 938 fatalities.
Unfortunately, these numbers show that auto incidents occur alarmingly each year. On average, there are almost a total of 50 injury-causing motor accidents per day in the city, some of which appear on the news. Although there are efforts to lower the amount that occurs per year in the future, especially fatal ones, time will tell if these strategies are helpful.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Attorney
An accident has the potential to impact you and your family in a number of different areas. In truth, the results can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Hiring a trusted car accident lawyer can allow you to focus on your medical treatment as well as your health and well-being. You can count on our experience and track record of success to get you results.
In the meantime, we will be able to dedicate the skills and time to help you recover compensation for your injuries. We also work on contingency, which means it won’t cost you anything initially to hire us – and we only receive attorney’s fees in the event that we win or settle your claim.
Contact our Chicago car accident lawyer at (872) 324-4375 today to begin your claims process. Our firm is conveniently located near you. Find our office at 134 N La Salle St #2160, Chicago, IL 60602, United States. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.884168, -87.632537.
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