In 2023, 87,573 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, including 8,846 serious (“A‑level”) injuries, which accounted for 10.1% of total injuries If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, knowing when and how to hire the right personal injury lawyer for car accident cases can make all the difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.
We have been helping people find the best attorney for their case since 2001 and would love to help you. We are lawyers who recommend law firms that are right for your case facts. Nobody pays us to recommend them. We give you the same advice we would give a close friend.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney for Car Accident Injuries
Being hurt in a car accident can turn your life upside down. Between medical bills, lost income, and constant calls from insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where having the right personal injury lawyer makes all the difference.
An experienced attorney knows how to:
- Protect your rights from insurance adjusters trying to get you to settle for less
- Gather and preserve evidence before it disappears, from witness statements to accident scene photos
- Calculate the real value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning potential
- Negotiate aggressively with the other side to get the maximum payout
Tips When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer for Car Accident Cases
If you’ve been in a car accident in Illinois, these tips will help you choose the right personal injury lawyers for your car accident and protect your case from day one.
1. Start Your Search Immediately After the Accident
The sooner you begin looking for the right personal injury lawyers, the better. Quick action lets your attorney gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and address insurers before they can downplay or deny your claim.
Beware, especially in the Chicago area, if you get injured, you will likely have a lot of ambulance chasers calling you and telling you to hire their firm. In our opinion, those lawyers are unethical and should not be hired.
2. Watch the Fees
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. The standard rate is about one-third (33%) of your settlement. Be careful, some lawyers charge 40% or more. You can usually find an experienced car accident lawyer who works for less.
Our law firm matches you with attorneys who fight for maximum compensation while keeping fees fair, so you keep more of what you win.
3. Pick a Lawyer Based on Your Case Type
Not all cases are the same. A fatal car accident lawyer is different from someone who mainly handles fender-benders. If your case involves a commercial truck or severe injuries, make sure your personal injury lawyer has proven experience in those situations.
Our attorneys include personal injury lawyers for every type of car accident case, so you get the lawyer who’s best equipped to win yours.
4. Check the Lawyer’s Track Record
A lawyer’s previous results can give you a good idea of how they might handle your case. Look for settlements or verdicts in cases similar to yours, and don’t be afraid to ask what percentage of their cases involve car accidents.
5. Get Medical Care Immediately
There’s no law about how quickly you must get treated after a crash, but the sooner you do, the stronger your case. Waiting makes it harder to prove your injuries came from the accident. Prompt treatment also creates a clear medical record that supports your claim. Even if you feel fine, it’s always best to get checked out.
Key Tip: Write down your symptoms daily, keep all medical bills, and save every document related to your treatment.
6. Always Get a Police Report
If you can, call the police from the scene. A detailed police report is critical for showing who was at fault. It’s one of the first things insurance companies or personal injury lawyers will ask for. Our referred attorneys know how to use your police report to build a strong case from day one.
7. Use a Trusted Illinois Attorney Referral Service
With more than 70,000 lawyers in Illinois, not all personal injury lawyers for car accidents are equally qualified. Using a reputable Illinois lawyer referral service like ours helps you find the lawyer who’s the best fit for your case, not just the one who wants it the most.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Even the best car accident lawyer can’t fix these if you make them:
- Delaying medical care and skipping follow-up care
- Talking to insurance companies alone
- Not getting a police report
- Ignoring property damage claims
- Posting about your injuries online
Find the Perfect Lawyer for Your Case with IllinoisLawyers.com
You should never have to pay for free legal advice for car accidents from Illinois attorneys. At Illinois Lawyers, we offer confidential, no-cost consultations by phone or email. Contact IllinoisLawyers.com for a free, confidential consultation.
Need help now? Call us today at (312) 346-5320 or (800) 517-1614. Get the right personal injury lawyer and the best results.
FAQs
Do I really need a lawyer after a minor accident?
If there are no injuries and only minor vehicle damage, you might not. But if there’s any pain, medical treatment, or lost income, consult a lawyer or contact us to get free legal advice.
How much do personal injury lawyers cost in Illinois?
Most work on contingency, charging around 33% of the recovery. Avoid lawyers charging 40%+ unless your case is extremely complex.
How do I find an Illinois car accident lawyer for my case?
To find an Illinois car accident lawyer, use a trusted Illinois attorney referral service like Illinoislawyers.com. We know which firms and attorneys excel at different case types.
