Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Chicago? If so, it’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced and knowledgeable Chicago car accident lawyer. The car accident injury lawyers in our law offices have been helping victims of car accidents for decades and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Chicago?
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?
Car accidents take many forms, and those caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness can lead to personal injury claims. These include head-on collisions, hit-and-run accidents, multi-vehicle crashes, rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, accidents with ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, and fatal accidents.
What Causes Car Accidents in Chicago?
Car accidents caused by an at-fault driver can include distracted driving like texting, impaired or drunk driving, or speeding. Reckless actions such as aggressive lane changes or running red lights are also major factors. Bad weather can make it harder to see and cause slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Vehicle problems like brake failures or tire blowouts, as well as hazards like potholes or unclear signs, also put drivers and passengers at risk.
Serious Injuries in Chicago Car Accident Cases
A serious car accident often causes injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
Types of Car Accident Cases Our Lawyers Handle
How Can a Chicago Auto Accident Attorney Help?
When motor vehicle accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the auto accident and gathering evidence to identify the at-fault driver
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to get fair compensation for your injuries
- Representing you in court with a car accident lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Calculating damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to the accident
Types of Compensation for a Car Crash Victim in Chicago
Victims in Chicago car accident cases can rely on an experienced car accident attorney to optimize the car accident settlement for:
- Medical expenses, covering both past and future medical bills
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Property damage, to restore what was lost
- Pain and suffering damages
- Wrongful death claims when a loved one suffers a fatal injury
What Makes My Chicago Car Accident Claim Worth More?
A Chicago car accident attorney can determine the actual value of a Chicago car accident claim, considering factors like:
- If the negligent driver caused the accident, and you were not at fault
- The severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, your ability to work, and how long-lasting and disabling they are
- If the defendant has assets available—such as liability insurance—that can cover damages
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?
If car accident victims are partially at fault for a Chicago car crash, the compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault, according to Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, your payout will be reduced by $2,000 to account for your share of responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case in Chicago, Illinois?
Illinois law stipulates the statute of limitations for an automobile accident (735 ILCS 5/) is two years from the date of your accident.
Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our personal injury law firm offers a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case, outline your legal options, and answer your questions.
(312) 223-1700