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24/7 Free consultation

Chicago’s Car Accident Lawyers Committed to Winning Your Case

No fees until we win. We’ll come to you, listen to your story, and fight relentlessly—just like we have for hundreds of satisfied clients.

Paul M. Marriett
Paul M. Marriett

Legally Reviewed by:

Paul M. Marriett

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer — Dedicated Legal Help After a Crash in Chicago

 

Hurt in a Chicago car crash? We’ll take the weight off your shoulders—coordinating medical care, preserving evidence, and dealing with the insurer—so you can focus on getting better. No fee unless we recover. If it’s hard to travel, we’ll come to you.

Why call a Chicago car accident lawyer now

A serious car accident can upend your life overnight: ER visits, medical treatment, time off work, mounting bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and stress about “what to do next.” 

Early legal help keeps you from common missteps. Our Chicago car accident lawyers step in quickly, to set up and file your claim, protect evidence, protect your rights, and keep deadlines take the legal action needed under Illinois law (most Illinois injury claims have a two-year filing limit, see 735 ILCS 5/13-202)..

What we handle for you:

  • Gather police reports, photos/video, medical proof, and EDR (“black box”) data when available

  • Identify every responsible party (driver, employer, vehicle owner, maintenance/parts)

  • Manage adjuster calls and negotiate for a fair settlement

  • File suit if necessary and litigate under Illinois law

Free consultation: Ask questions, learn your options, and get a clear plan—before you talk to the insurer.

How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help?

At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we focus on practical help and clear answers from day one.

Free Consultation

Talk with a Chicago car accident lawyer at no cost. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and outline next steps—so you know what to expect.

Evidence collection

Strong evidence builds strong claims. We gather police reports, medical records, photos/video, EDR (“black box”) data when available, and witness statements to support your case and prove liability and damages.

Claim Preparation & Deadlines

We organize medical documentation, calculate damages, and manage filings and timelines so you can focus on recovery. We also track the statute of limitations (generally 2 years for personal injury, 735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Negotiation with Insurers

We handle adjuster calls and negotiate for a fair settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You don’t have to speak with the insurer first.

Litigation Support

If negotiations don’t result in a fair resolution, we are prepared to file suit and litigate to seek the compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law.

Why Seek Compensation After a Car Accident?

Illinois law allows injured people to pursue compensation when another’s negligence causes harm (735 ILCS 5/13-202,). Crash injuries can mean medical costs (current and future), time away from work, and pain and suffering. A claim seeks to hold the at-fault party accountable and help you cover those losses. Our car accident attorneys in Chicago can guide you through each step.

Since a car accident injury hampers your quality of life, the at-fault party must pay you fair compensation for pain and suffering. 

After an accident, you go through physical, emotional, and financial hurdles. In that tragic moment, you also risk losing your wages or job, but must pay medical bills for treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care.

Fair compensation ensures you’ve got justice and don’t have to bear the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault. The law protects you and makes the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and losses. 

Our car accident lawyer can help you manage these legal complexities and fight for what you deserve.

Why Is Identifying Liability And Calculating Damage Important?

After a car accident, liability identification and damage calculation are crucial. They define who is accountable for the accident – a driver, a company, or another entity. Our investigation accurately identifies the responsible party for compensating the victim. 

Similarly, damage calculation is essential to comprehending the accident’s impact on the victim’s life. The analysis represents the actual losses and hardships of the sufferer and ensures fair compensation.

Unfortunately, many lawyers from other firms skip crucial details that weaken the case, and the victim misses full compensation. Our lawyers work on both to picture the accident’s effect and form a strong foundation to take legal action.

Crash Facts and Statistics 

Illinois crash statistics for 2023 reveal a total of 1,143 fatal crashes. These incidents resulted in a total of 1,241 deaths

Source: Fatal Crash Historic Data.

In 2022, thousands of accidents occurred, leading to many injuries and fatalities. This overview highlights data from IDOT, including the total number of crashes, types of injuries, demographics of those affected, and the economic impact.

The crash data overview for Illinois in 2022:

Crash Category Total Crashes Injury Crashes Fatal Crashes Percentage of Total Crashes
Total Crashes 298,347 59,795 1,147
Injury Crashes 59,795 20%
A-Injury Crashes 12.1% of injury crashes
Crashes Involving Pedestrians 4,179 3,709 193 1.40%

The person data overview for motor vehicle crashes in Illinois in 2022:

Category Count Percentage of Total
Total People Injured 83,783
A-Injuries 8,921 10.6% of total injuries
Total Fatalities 1,268
Drivers Killed 793
Passengers Killed 244
Pedestrians Killed 196
Pedalcyclists Killed 35
Motorcyclists Killed 145
Teenagers (16-19) A-Injuries 7.8% of total A-injuries
Teenagers (16-19) Fatalities 6.4% of total fatalities
Total Estimated Cost of Crashes $8 billion

Types Of Car Accidents in Chicago And Their Reasons

Chicago is known for having a higher rate of car accidents, involving not only passenger vehicles but also motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and even rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft. According to various sources, distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are the leading causes of these mishaps.

 We’ve listed the common reasons for car accidents.

Car accident types How they occur and the reasons
Head-on Collisions  Only one car is involved in such accidents. They happen when a driver loses control of the vehicle. Speeding, sharp turns, poor road conditions, and obstacles in the road are the reasons for these crashes. It can happen in snowmobile accidents or when swerving to avoid obstacles.
Rear-end Collisions In that case, one car hits the back of another. Common in a taxi cab, rideshare, or bus. They usually occur when drivers are too close, don’t stop in time, or are distracted. It can cause whiplash and other injuries.
Speeding Accidents These accidents occur due to exceeding the speed limit. Often seen in motorcycle and ATV accidents. They are more dangerous because the higher speed increases the impact and chance of severe injuries.
Drunk Driving Accidents  Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, a common reason for road accidents. These crashes can cause serious harm to both the driver and others on the road.
Distracted Driving Accidents They occur when a driver is inattentive. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting the radio. Thus, the driver can miss traffic signals and hit anything in front.
Single-Vehicle Accidents Only one car is involved in such accidents. They happen when a driver loses control of the vehicle. Speeding, sharp turns, poor road conditions, and obstacles in the road are the reasons for these crashes. Can happen in snowmobile accidents or when swerving to avoid obstacles.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents in Chicago

Car accidents are dangerous and cause minor to life-threatening injuries. If the survivor is lucky, they may only have a few cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, many suffer severe and long-term damage, even permanent disability. 

Whatever the injury types are, the scenario is common after a car accident. Nearly all victims go through costly medical care for recovery, which adds a financial burden to their lives. 

A consolation in such a distressing moment is that Illinois law protects car accident victims and allows them to claim compensation for their current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Common car injuries our clients usually suffer from are:

Remember that the severity of your injury can specify the value of your claim. More severe injury signifies more potential settlement. 

Chicago Injury Lawyer will always fight for fair compensation based on the severity of your injury. 

What To Do After Being Injured In A Car Accident?

What To Do After Being Injured In A Car Accident

Car accidents occur suddenly, and no one remains prepared for them. Such mishaps will also make you unsure of what to do next. However, you must move on wisely for an auto accident claim. 

We advise taking medical care first rather than thinking of anything else. You can go for the legal options later. 

We have a checklist for you on what to do after a car accident injury:

Get Medical Attention: Seek medical treatment immediately to document any injuries for future claims.

Report the Accident to Authorities: Contact the police and report the accident. An official accident report will be crucial for legal action.

Exchange Insurance Information: This step is necessary for filing insurance claims.

Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: When you feel well, talk to a personal injury attorney in Chicago to understand your rights and compensation.

Keep Track of Expenses: Maintain a record of all medical bills, repair costs, and any other expenses related to the accident. 

We also discourage doing the following things:

Confessing Fault: Avoid making statements that could be seen as accepting fault, even if you feel partly responsible. 

Talking to an Insurance Company Without Legal Advice: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. So it’s best to have legal guidance.

What Evidence Do You Need To Claim Car Accident Injury Compensation?

Evidence is crucial to evaluate your claim. Though many car accident victims don’t realize their importance, you must collect them soon. Your claim can be delayed or even denied without proper documentation.

Strong evidence strengthens the case and helps the injured person get fair compensation. Remember, the more proof you have, the better your claim will be accepted.

We suggest collecting the following evidence for a car accident compensation claim:

  • Police report including the details of the incident.
  • Medical records, including doctor’s visits, treatments, and prescriptions.
  • Photos of the damaged vehicle and your injuries.
  • Statements from witnesses who saw the accident.
  • Vehicle repair estimates
  • Lost wages and income if you missed work due to your injuries.
  • Contact Information for the involved insurance companies.
  • Property damage and its cost.

Can You Still Claim Compensation If You Were Partly At Fault?

The Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) follow a modified comparative negligence rule. Under the law, you can still claim compensation if you were partly at fault for a car accident. 

You can still claim compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. In contrast, you cannot get compensation if your fault is 50% or more.

For example, if the total damages are $10,000 and your fault is 20%, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. So, you will receive $8,000. 

This law encourages fair justice based on each party’s level of responsibility. So, providing strong evidence when claiming compensation is essential. 

Consulting with a Chicago car accident attorney is the best way to ensure that compensation is not unfairly reduced based on incorrect fault assessments.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?

You have a limited time to file a car accident compensation claim. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is 2 years

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to claim compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are. Though two years seems like plenty of time, you should gather all the evidence as soon as possible. Delays also may weaken your case because it can be harder to gather evidence.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer early on will help you meet all deadlines and protect your right to compensation under the law.

How Much Money Can You Get From a Car Accident?

The amount depends on several factors. There is no fixed amount, as each case is unique. However, compensation can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, even millions in severe cases.

The highest compensations are paid for deadly damages such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, etc.

The factors that influence the compensation amount include:

  • The severity of your injuries 
  • The extent of your medical expenses 
  • Lost wages 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Other damages and costs

Car Accident Cost Calculator

Lawyer’s Fee: $0

Total Expenses: $0

Adjusted Settlement: $0

Client’s Net: $0

What to Do if an Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?

Insurance companies often oppose the victim and deny fair compensation after a car accident. They try to refuse your claim from every angle and offer a low settlement. However, there is no need to be hopeless. 

A car accident injury lawyer can fight on your behalf if an insurance company offers you an unfair settlement. Attorneys from Chicago Injury Lawyer will gather the necessary evidence to show the true cost of damages and help you appeal the decision. If they disagree, we won’t take your case to court later.

We’ve Helped Our Clients To Protect Their Rights: Hear From Them

Meet our satisfied clients and learn about their experiences and the results we’ve achieved together.

Want to talk to a Chicago car accident lawyer? Schedule a Free Consultation

We know a car accident is stressful, and you are looking for someone to discuss the incident. We offer a free consultation where you’ll get answers to your questions, learn about your rights, and find your legal options. Contact Personal Injury Lawyer today and take a step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.

 

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer — Dedicated Legal Help After a Crash in Chicago

 

Hurt in a Chicago car crash? We’ll take the weight off your shoulders—coordinating medical care, preserving evidence, and dealing with the insurer—so you can focus on getting better. No fee unless we recover. If it’s hard to travel, we’ll come to you.

Why call a Chicago car accident lawyer now

A serious car accident can upend your life overnight: ER visits, medical treatment, time off work, mounting bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and stress about “what to do next.” 

Early legal help keeps you from common missteps. Our Chicago car accident lawyers step in quickly, to set up and file your claim, protect evidence, protect your rights, and keep deadlines take the legal action needed under Illinois law (most Illinois injury claims have a two-year filing limit, see 735 ILCS 5/13-202)..

What we handle for you:

  • Gather police reports, photos/video, medical proof, and EDR (“black box”) data when available

  • Identify every responsible party (driver, employer, vehicle owner, maintenance/parts)

  • Manage adjuster calls and negotiate for a fair settlement

  • File suit if necessary and litigate under Illinois law

Free consultation: Ask questions, learn your options, and get a clear plan—before you talk to the insurer.

How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help?

At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we focus on practical help and clear answers from day one.

Free Consultation

Talk with a Chicago car accident lawyer at no cost. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and outline next steps—so you know what to expect.

Evidence collection

Strong evidence builds strong claims. We gather police reports, medical records, photos/video, EDR (“black box”) data when available, and witness statements to support your case and prove liability and damages.

Claim Preparation & Deadlines

We organize medical documentation, calculate damages, and manage filings and timelines so you can focus on recovery. We also track the statute of limitations (generally 2 years for personal injury, 735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Negotiation with Insurers

We handle adjuster calls and negotiate for a fair settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You don’t have to speak with the insurer first.

Litigation Support

If negotiations don’t result in a fair resolution, we are prepared to file suit and litigate to seek the compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law.

Why Seek Compensation After a Car Accident?

Illinois law allows injured people to pursue compensation when another’s negligence causes harm (735 ILCS 5/13-202,). Crash injuries can mean medical costs (current and future), time away from work, and pain and suffering. A claim seeks to hold the at-fault party accountable and help you cover those losses. Our car accident attorneys in Chicago can guide you through each step.

Since a car accident injury hampers your quality of life, the at-fault party must pay you fair compensation for pain and suffering. 

After an accident, you go through physical, emotional, and financial hurdles. In that tragic moment, you also risk losing your wages or job, but must pay medical bills for treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care.

Fair compensation ensures you’ve got justice and don’t have to bear the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault. The law protects you and makes the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and losses. 

Our car accident lawyer can help you manage these legal complexities and fight for what you deserve.

Why Is Identifying Liability And Calculating Damage Important?

After a car accident, liability identification and damage calculation are crucial. They define who is accountable for the accident – a driver, a company, or another entity. Our investigation accurately identifies the responsible party for compensating the victim. 

Similarly, damage calculation is essential to comprehending the accident’s impact on the victim’s life. The analysis represents the actual losses and hardships of the sufferer and ensures fair compensation.

Unfortunately, many lawyers from other firms skip crucial details that weaken the case, and the victim misses full compensation. Our lawyers work on both to picture the accident’s effect and form a strong foundation to take legal action.

Crash Facts and Statistics 

Illinois crash statistics for 2023 reveal a total of 1,143 fatal crashes. These incidents resulted in a total of 1,241 deaths

Source: Fatal Crash Historic Data.

In 2022, thousands of accidents occurred, leading to many injuries and fatalities. This overview highlights data from IDOT, including the total number of crashes, types of injuries, demographics of those affected, and the economic impact.

The crash data overview for Illinois in 2022:

Crash Category Total Crashes Injury Crashes Fatal Crashes Percentage of Total Crashes
Total Crashes 298,347 59,795 1,147
Injury Crashes 59,795 20%
A-Injury Crashes 12.1% of injury crashes
Crashes Involving Pedestrians 4,179 3,709 193 1.40%

The person data overview for motor vehicle crashes in Illinois in 2022:

Category Count Percentage of Total
Total People Injured 83,783
A-Injuries 8,921 10.6% of total injuries
Total Fatalities 1,268
Drivers Killed 793
Passengers Killed 244
Pedestrians Killed 196
Pedalcyclists Killed 35
Motorcyclists Killed 145
Teenagers (16-19) A-Injuries 7.8% of total A-injuries
Teenagers (16-19) Fatalities 6.4% of total fatalities
Total Estimated Cost of Crashes $8 billion

Types Of Car Accidents in Chicago And Their Reasons

Chicago is known for having a higher rate of car accidents, involving not only passenger vehicles but also motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and even rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft. According to various sources, distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are the leading causes of these mishaps.

 We’ve listed the common reasons for car accidents.

Car accident types How they occur and the reasons
Head-on Collisions  Only one car is involved in such accidents. They happen when a driver loses control of the vehicle. Speeding, sharp turns, poor road conditions, and obstacles in the road are the reasons for these crashes. It can happen in snowmobile accidents or when swerving to avoid obstacles.
Rear-end Collisions In that case, one car hits the back of another. Common in a taxi cab, rideshare, or bus. They usually occur when drivers are too close, don’t stop in time, or are distracted. It can cause whiplash and other injuries.
Speeding Accidents These accidents occur due to exceeding the speed limit. Often seen in motorcycle and ATV accidents. They are more dangerous because the higher speed increases the impact and chance of severe injuries.
Drunk Driving Accidents  Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, a common reason for road accidents. These crashes can cause serious harm to both the driver and others on the road.
Distracted Driving Accidents They occur when a driver is inattentive. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting the radio. Thus, the driver can miss traffic signals and hit anything in front.
Single-Vehicle Accidents Only one car is involved in such accidents. They happen when a driver loses control of the vehicle. Speeding, sharp turns, poor road conditions, and obstacles in the road are the reasons for these crashes. Can happen in snowmobile accidents or when swerving to avoid obstacles.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents in Chicago

Car accidents are dangerous and cause minor to life-threatening injuries. If the survivor is lucky, they may only have a few cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, many suffer severe and long-term damage, even permanent disability. 

Whatever the injury types are, the scenario is common after a car accident. Nearly all victims go through costly medical care for recovery, which adds a financial burden to their lives. 

A consolation in such a distressing moment is that Illinois law protects car accident victims and allows them to claim compensation for their current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Common car injuries our clients usually suffer from are:

Remember that the severity of your injury can specify the value of your claim. More severe injury signifies more potential settlement. 

Chicago Injury Lawyer will always fight for fair compensation based on the severity of your injury. 

What To Do After Being Injured In A Car Accident?

What To Do After Being Injured In A Car Accident

Car accidents occur suddenly, and no one remains prepared for them. Such mishaps will also make you unsure of what to do next. However, you must move on wisely for an auto accident claim. 

We advise taking medical care first rather than thinking of anything else. You can go for the legal options later. 

We have a checklist for you on what to do after a car accident injury:

Get Medical Attention: Seek medical treatment immediately to document any injuries for future claims.

Report the Accident to Authorities: Contact the police and report the accident. An official accident report will be crucial for legal action.

Exchange Insurance Information: This step is necessary for filing insurance claims.

Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: When you feel well, talk to a personal injury attorney in Chicago to understand your rights and compensation.

Keep Track of Expenses: Maintain a record of all medical bills, repair costs, and any other expenses related to the accident. 

We also discourage doing the following things:

Confessing Fault: Avoid making statements that could be seen as accepting fault, even if you feel partly responsible. 

Talking to an Insurance Company Without Legal Advice: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. So it’s best to have legal guidance.

What Evidence Do You Need To Claim Car Accident Injury Compensation?

Evidence is crucial to evaluate your claim. Though many car accident victims don’t realize their importance, you must collect them soon. Your claim can be delayed or even denied without proper documentation.

Strong evidence strengthens the case and helps the injured person get fair compensation. Remember, the more proof you have, the better your claim will be accepted.

We suggest collecting the following evidence for a car accident compensation claim:

  • Police report including the details of the incident.
  • Medical records, including doctor’s visits, treatments, and prescriptions.
  • Photos of the damaged vehicle and your injuries.
  • Statements from witnesses who saw the accident.
  • Vehicle repair estimates
  • Lost wages and income if you missed work due to your injuries.
  • Contact Information for the involved insurance companies.
  • Property damage and its cost.

Can You Still Claim Compensation If You Were Partly At Fault?

The Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) follow a modified comparative negligence rule. Under the law, you can still claim compensation if you were partly at fault for a car accident. 

You can still claim compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. In contrast, you cannot get compensation if your fault is 50% or more.

For example, if the total damages are $10,000 and your fault is 20%, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. So, you will receive $8,000. 

This law encourages fair justice based on each party’s level of responsibility. So, providing strong evidence when claiming compensation is essential. 

Consulting with a Chicago car accident attorney is the best way to ensure that compensation is not unfairly reduced based on incorrect fault assessments.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?

You have a limited time to file a car accident compensation claim. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is 2 years

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to claim compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are. Though two years seems like plenty of time, you should gather all the evidence as soon as possible. Delays also may weaken your case because it can be harder to gather evidence.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer early on will help you meet all deadlines and protect your right to compensation under the law.

How Much Money Can You Get From a Car Accident?

The amount depends on several factors. There is no fixed amount, as each case is unique. However, compensation can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, even millions in severe cases.

The highest compensations are paid for deadly damages such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, etc.

The factors that influence the compensation amount include:

  • The severity of your injuries 
  • The extent of your medical expenses 
  • Lost wages 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Other damages and costs

Car Accident Cost Calculator

Lawyer’s Fee: $0

Total Expenses: $0

Adjusted Settlement: $0

Client’s Net: $0

What to Do if an Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?

Insurance companies often oppose the victim and deny fair compensation after a car accident. They try to refuse your claim from every angle and offer a low settlement. However, there is no need to be hopeless. 

A car accident injury lawyer can fight on your behalf if an insurance company offers you an unfair settlement. Attorneys from Chicago Injury Lawyer will gather the necessary evidence to show the true cost of damages and help you appeal the decision. If they disagree, we won’t take your case to court later.

We’ve Helped Our Clients To Protect Their Rights: Hear From Them

Meet our satisfied clients and learn about their experiences and the results we’ve achieved together.

Want to talk to a Chicago car accident lawyer? Schedule a Free Consultation

We know a car accident is stressful, and you are looking for someone to discuss the incident. We offer a free consultation where you’ll get answers to your questions, learn about your rights, and find your legal options. Contact Personal Injury Lawyer today and take a step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.

 

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Visit Our Office

Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Office

Case Results

$14,000,000

TBI brain injury and POTS from electrocution.

$5,000,000

Injury settlement for patient dropped from medical transport bus with traumatic brain injury.

$3,000,000

Wrongful death settlement for family of driver killed when a semi truck ran a red light.

$500,000

For a semi truck crash victim with spine and brain injury

$295,000

For a dog bite victim suffering from complex regional pain syndrome.

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