Illinois Car Accident Lawyers

We are experienced Illinois attorneys who since 2001 have helped thousands of people find the best Illinois car accident lawyer for their case.  You can call our office at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with a lawyer for FREE or you can fill out our contact form  and we will contact you.

There are more than 70,000 lawyers in Illinois and more of them try to get car accident clients than probably any other area of law. Some of these law firms are great. Some just dabble in this area. And others have no real experience and are looking to make a quick buck without understanding how difficult these cases can be. You want to make sure you get the best attorney for your unique case.

If you are injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you almost always should at least consult with an attorney. It should never cost you a penny to talk with or hire a car accident lawyer in Illinois. If they take your case on, they should work on a contingency basis which means they only get paid if they make a recovery for you. If the law firm is asking you for money, you should walk away. There is no cap on what an attorney can charge for their percentage if they win, but most charge 1/3 of what is recovered. We also recommend that you look out for attorneys that want to charge 40% or more. You can almost always find a great lawyer who will work for less.

Who Is The Best Illinois Car Accident Lawyer?

The best lawyer for you depends on the facts of your case. What we do as attorneys is listen to what happened to you and make a recommendation based on your unique facts. Some of these things include:

• How badly were you injured?
• Who caused the accident? If it’s a commercial vehicle like a semi truck, that likely will change the lawyer you want to hire.
• What city was the accident in?
• How much insurance money is potentially available? If it’s a commercial vehicle, it may be limitless. If it’s a person driving their own car, there is likely a fixed amount.
• Do you need help finding a doctor to treat you?
• Are you going to be unable to work because of this?
• Do you primarily speak a foreign language like Spanish, Polish, Serbian, etc.?

The reality is that while all lawyers want the best cases, some are not as qualified as others to handle major injuries. And at the same time, the ones that handle major injuries that are caused by semi trucks aren’t the right lawyer for you if there is only $50,000 in insurance coverage available. In many cases involving commercial vehicles, you can recover millions of dollars if there is a big injury. We also recommend that you hire an attorney who has handled similar cases before. For example, if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, there are important insurance requirements your lawyer should know about.

What we can do for you is help you figure out which law firm is best for you. The honest truth is that some cases are worth more money with some firms than they are with others. Our goal is to help you get the most money in your pocket at the end of the case. Nobody pays us to recommend them. We give you a legal evaluation and make a recommendation after hearing the case facts.

Common Causes of Illinois Car Accidents

Many Illinois auto accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving and cell phone use
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
• Unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating and rear-end impacts
• Fatigued driving
• Poor weather driving errors

Identifying the exact cause — and proving it — is central to building a strong injury claim.

Things To Know If You Are In A Car Accident In Illinois

• Although there is no law about how soon you have to receive medical care, the sooner the better. If it drags out, it can be hard to prove your injuries are related to the accident.
• While we recommend you avoid lawyers who insist you work with doctors they know, if you don’t have insurance or don’t know where to go, a good lawyer can help you find medical care.
• Property damage should be a part of the service your personal injury attorney offers. If your lawyer won’t help you get your car fixed, they are not doing a good job for you.
• It typically costs you nothing to switch lawyers if you realize that you hired the wrong person. This is especially true If you switch before a lawsuit has been filed.
• Don’t be surprised if you get inundated with letters from lawyers or even phone calls. A lot of them pay for crash reports. While it’s technically legal, we find it scummy and don’t recommend attorneys who do this.
• It can be very important to have an accurate police report. So if you are able to, you should call them from the scene of the accident.
• If you are over 18, there is typically a two year time limit for bringing a lawsuit from the date of the accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

Under Illinois personal injury law, accident victims may recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgery and ongoing treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future income loss
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of normal life
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages for families

Proper case valuation often requires medical and financial documentation as well as expert analysis.

Car accidents can take a tremendous toll on everyone involved, both financially and emotionally. If you have any questions about an Illinois auto accident that you were involved in, or would like a referral to a qualified and experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer, please contact us. We have helped thousands of people and would love to help you.

Why Hire An Illinois Car Accident Lawyer?

After a crash, insurers may request recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or quick settlement agreements that are not in your best interests. These early steps are often designed to reduce what they ultimately pay. An Illinois car accident attorney protects your rights and manages the legal and insurance process while you focus on recovery.

An experienced lawyer will:

• Conduct a detailed accident investigation
• Review police reports and crash scene evidence
• Obtain witness statements and video footage
• Analyze medical records and treatment needs
• Calculate current and future damages
• Handle all insurance communications
• Negotiate aggressively for settlement
• File suit and go to trial if necessary

Law firms with litigation experience are often taken more seriously by insurance carriers during settlement negotiations.

FAQ – Illinois Car Accident Claims

How much is my Chicago car accident case worth?

Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

If you received medical treatment or missed work, it is wise to get legal advice before accepting any settlement. We are always happy to provide a free, no commitment consultation.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

You may still recover through uninsured motorist coverage under your own policy.

How long will my case take?

Some cases settle in months, while more complex or litigated cases may take longer. What is important is to not settle too soon or it will cost you money.