CHICAGO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

In Chicago, and throughout the state of Illinois, car accidents happen every day. Sometimes, these crashes are quite minor and do not result in significant injuries or property damage. In other cases, though, these collisions are severe and result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been seriously injured, your life may suddenly be turned upside down. As you try to recover, you may have to deal with uncooperative insurance companies, and face a complex legal system. 

After an accident, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent party for compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and more. Our experienced team of attorneys can provide the legal advice you need and help you obtain the full and fair compensation that is justly yours. 

Types of Auto Accidents 

Sadly, there are many common types of auto accidents in Illinois. These include: 

• Rear-end collisions 
• Head-on collisions 
• Side-impact collisions 
• Sideswipe accidents 
• Single vehicle accidents 
• Multi-vehicle accidents 
• Rollover accidents 
• Blind spot accidents 
• Low-speed accidents 
• Merging accidents 

Any of the above accidents can result in life-changing injuries. It is important to speak to one of our attorneys who will conduct an investigation so you obtain the maximum settlement you deserve. 

Common Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents 

A car crash can result in a number of different injuries. The most common of these are as follows: 

• Neck injuries, including whiplash 
• Back injuries, such as herniated or bulging discs 
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions 
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis 
• Burns 
• Internal injuries, such as perforated organs or internal bleeding 
• Broken bones 
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring 
• Loss of limb and amputations of fingers, toes, and other appendages 
• Knee injuries 
• Ankle and foot injuries 
• Shoulder injuries 
• Hand and wrist injuries 
• Crushing injuries 
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

The vast majority of car accidents in Illinois are caused by the negligence of other parties. The most common negligent acts that result in car crashes include: 

• Distracted driving which can include texting and driving, eating, loud music, and rowdy passengers 
• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs 
• Drowsy driving 
• Following too closely 
• Speeding 
• Unsafe lane changes 
• Failure to yield 
• Aggressive driving 

The above are just a few of the most common causes of car accidents. Any time another person’s negligence, or carelessness, results in an accident, it is important to speak to an attorney who can outline your legal options. 

How to Obtain Compensation After a Car Accident in Illinois 

There is a specific process you must follow in order to obtain compensation after a car accident in Illinois. The first step is to contact a Chicago car accident attorney. Your attorney will then conduct an investigation and collect evidence that will support your claim. A lawyer will also fully review the facts of your case to accurately value your claim to ensure you receive the full and fair settlement that is justly yours. Your lawyer will then submit your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company along with a demand letter outlining the full damages you are pursuing. 

Shortly after receiving your claim, the insurance company will likely make an offer. The initial offer is usually one that is too low to fully cover the cost of your injuries and other losses. Your lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company until a fair settlement is reached. If the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can then take the case to trial and argue your case in court. The vast majority of car accident claims are settled outside of court. 

Our skilled attorneys can provide the legal advice and help you need throughout the entire process. We have collected more than $50 million on behalf of our clients. Below are just a few of the successful verdicts and settlements we have helped accident victims receive: 

• $7,365,000 on behalf of a family whose father was killed in a truck accident on the Dan Ryan expressway, 

• $2,100,000 for a pedestrian struck by a motorist and sustained a broken arm and leg 

• Confidential settlement for someone whose husband was killed in a motor vehicle accident at Fargo’s Hector International Airport in North Dakota 

Determining Liability After a Car Accident 

In the majority of cases, the negligent driver who caused a crash is liable for a car accident. For example, if a driver was impaired and crashed into your vehicle, you could file a claim with their insurance company to recover the financial compensation you need to cover your losses. However, there are times when accidents are not caused by a negligent driver. 

A defective vehicle, or part of a vehicle, can also cause an accident. For example, if your brakes were defective, you may slam into another vehicle through no fault of your own. In this case, you could hold the brake manufacturer liable for paying the damages you deserve. Or, if an improper road design caused your crash, the government entity responsible for designing and maintaining the road may be liable for your accident. 

Understanding Contingency Fees 

Many people are reluctant to hire a lawyer for their accident case because they think the cost is too great. This is a myth. The majority of personal injury attorneys in Illinois, including those at our firm, charge on a contingency basis. This means that you only pay if we win your case. Our standard contingency fee is one third of the verdict or settlement. Other law firms may charge 40% or 50% depending on how much work is required on your case. We are committed to making sure your rights are upheld and that you receive the full and fair compensation you need. We do not think you should pay any more than necessary in order to do it. 

Our Car Accident Attorneys in Chicago Can Provide Sound Legal Advice 

If you have been hurt in a crash, our Chicago car accident attorneys at Kennedy Watkins LLC can help. We are dedicated to helping clients obtain the fair compensation they deserve, and can put our expertise to work for you, too. We will travel across the state to meet with accident victims, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To ensure you receive the full damages you deserve, call us now at (312) 448-8181 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help. 

FAQ

About Car Accident Claims in Illinois

What Should I Do After an Accident?

The aftermath of a car accident is very confusing and you may not know what to do next. After any crash, the most important steps to take are as follows: 

• Call 911 so police and medics are dispatched to the scene. 
• Remain at the scene until police arrive or say you are free to go. 
• Take photographs of your injuries, the surroundings, the vehicles involved, and of any damage caused. 
• Locate witnesses and ask them for their names and contact information. 
• Notify your insurance company, even if another driver was to blame.  
• File a report with the Illinois Department of Transportation within ten days of the crash. 
• Keep all documents, records, receipts, and invoices related to the crash. 
• Contact a Chicago car accident attorney. 

Taking the above steps after a crash will protect any future claim you may file. 

How Can I Tell if I Have a Valid Claim?

You have a valid car accident claim if another person or entity was careless, if that carelessness caused an accident, and if you were hurt as a result. Just because you have a claim, though, does not mean you will receive fair damages. A lawyer can help you exercise your rights to make sure you obtain full compensation. 

What is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Illinois?

In the majority of cases, there is a two-year statute of limitations, which begins running on the day of the crash. However, you should not wait too long before contacting an attorney. Over time, evidence can become lost, witnesses can be difficult to locate, and memories may fade. Always speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after any crash to make sure your rights are protected. Some cases may involve a statute of limitations as short as one year. 

Can I Recover Compensation if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Generally speaking, you cannot recover compensation for any injuries or other conditions you incurred prior to the accident. Still, you can recover compensation if the crash made your pre-existing condition worse. This includes both physical and mental injuries. 

Will I Have to Appear in Court?

Only approximately five percent of car accident cases go to trial. The vast majority of cases are settled outside of the courtroom, which means there is very little chance that you will have to appear in court.