Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Seek Justice and Fair Compensation for Serious Injuries

If you’ve been in a car accident in Chicago, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills, calls from insurance companies, and uncertainty about what to do next. A Chicago car accident lawyer from our team can help you understand your rights, file a car accident claim, and navigate the legal process with care and clarity. We offer a free consultation and a team that believes in your case.

What Makes Us the Best Car Accident Attorneys for Your Case

Our top-rated Chicago personal injury attorneys have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and maintain a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating for client satisfaction and professional excellence. With over $450 million recovered for automobile accident victims, we’ve helped people across Illinois stand up to auto insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation.

Car Accident Settlements and Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Every case we take on represents someone whose life changed in an instant. Below are just a few examples of car accident settlements in Chicago that have helped victims and their families find clarity, accountability, and the financial support they need to move forward.

$4,000,000 – Fatal Work-Related Car Accident in Downtown Chicago

When 42-year-old Marcus was traveling with coworkers for a company conference near the Loop, the driver lost control of the vehicle on a rain-slicked stretch of Lower Wacker Drive. Marcus, a backseat passenger, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. His family reached out to us shortly after the accident, unsure of how to move forward.

Because the trip was work-related, there were multiple parties involved, raising complex questions about liability and insurance. Our investigation revealed a history of safety violations tied to the company vehicle and a lack of proper driver training.

These factors, along with the devastating loss of Marcus’s wife and children, helped us secure a settlement that provided long-term financial support for his family.

$3,200,000 – Pedestrian Hit in Crosswalk on Chicago’s North Side

Luis, a 58-year-old man living with a disability, was struck in a crosswalk in Andersonville while heading home from the grocery store. He suffered multiple orthopedic injuries, including a shattered femur and pelvic fractures that required several surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

The driver claimed not to have seen him, but security footage from a nearby business showed the pedestrian signal was active and Luis had the right of way. Despite attempts by the insurance company to downplay the extent of his injuries due to pre-existing conditions, we demonstrated how the crash significantly impacted his mobility and independence.

$2,000,000 – Rollover Crash on I-90 Near O’Hare

Samantha, a 33-year-old marketing manager from Logan Square, was driving westbound on I-90 near O’Hare when a large SUV cut into her lane without warning. Her vehicle veered into the median and rolled over twice. She sustained a traumatic brain injury, along with shoulder and spinal injuries that disrupted her ability to work for nearly a year.

Key factors in the case included extensive witness statements, highway camera footage, and expert medical opinions linking her cognitive issues to the crash. The driver initially denied responsibility, but after depositions and expert reports, the defense agreed to a settlement shortly before trial.

$1,600,000 – Rear-End Collision on I-55 with Spinal Surgery

Julia, a 45-year-old school counselor from Bridgeport, was stopped in traffic on I-55 when a commercial van rear-ended her. The impact caused a herniated disc in her lower back, eventually requiring lumbar fusion surgery. The defense argued her back issues were degenerative and unrelated to the crash, but her medical records showed no prior complaints.

We brought in a spine specialist who confirmed the injury was acute and crash-related. In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, the long-term effects of the surgery on her quality of life helped drive the settlement.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

We’ve represented clients in a wide range of traffic collisions throughout the city and suburbs. Here are some of the most common types.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of car accidents we see in Chicago. Many of our clients suffer from back injuries, neck pain, or mobility issues that don’t show up right away.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers also handle rear-end collisions involving unique circumstances, such as being rear-ended while pregnant, crashes involving multiple vehicles, and accidents caused by commercial drivers following too closely.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes tend to result in high-impact injuries, and often the person not at fault is left with the most serious damage. We’ve worked with families across Chicago who were hit on rural roads, during left-turn situations, or by a driver going the wrong way on a one-way street.

T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes

In many T-bone cases, the at-fault driver ran a red light or failed to yield. These serious car accidents can lead to severe injuries for both drivers and passengers, especially on the side where the vehicle was hit.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Pileups and chain-reaction crashes are especially common on Chicago highways during poor weather or heavy traffic conditions. These cases can be complicated, as there are often multiple drivers, several insurance companies, and conflicting reports about how the accident occurred.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Being left at the scene by a hit-and-run driver is one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences a person can go through. In these cases, we help clients negotiate with their own insurance company, including uninsured motorist coverage claims.

Our auto accident lawyers also work closely with investigators, pull surveillance footage when available, and help clients find financial recovery even when the other driver can’t be found.

Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Accidents

Despite Illinois laws requiring insurance, many drivers in Chicago either carry the bare minimum or none at all. If you were hit by someone without adequate coverage, our Chicago car accident attorneys can help you file a claim through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes, whether caused by a collision, road hazard, or vehicle defect, often lead to serious trauma. Our team looks at all angles—including road maintenance, vehicle safety records, and third-party liability—to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Accidents Involving Passengers

Passengers injured in a car accident are often unsure whose insurance applies or whether they can make a claim at all. Whether you were riding with a friend, in a rideshare vehicle, or even in a work vehicle, you still have rights. Our auto accident attorneys help injured passengers explore all available coverage options and handle the communication with each insurance company involved.

Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents raise unique questions about insurance coverage and driver responsibility. If you were injured while riding in or struck by an Uber or Lyft in Chicago, we can help determine who’s liable and what coverage applies. Our experienced car accident attorneys also represent rideshare drivers who were injured while working but faced claim denials or confusing policy restrictions.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Whether you were hit while biking on Milwaukee Avenue or crossing at a marked crosswalk downtown, collisions between cars and vulnerable road users often result in serious consequences. Our Chicago auto accident attorneys represent cyclists and pedestrians who were injured by negligent drivers, and we understand how these cases differ from traditional vehicle-to-vehicle claims.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists in Chicago are at high risk for serious injury even in lower-speed crashes. Our law firm represents riders who were hit by distracted drivers, cut off at intersections, or struck while lane-sharing. Motorcycle cases often involve bias from insurance companies, but we make sure your injuries and losses are taken seriously and treated with the respect they deserve.

Work-Related Car Accidents

If you were driving for work—making deliveries, traveling between job sites, or transporting clients—and were involved in a crash, your case may involve both a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim. Our personal injury law firm helps untangle these overlapping issues and ensures you receive full compensation from all available sources.

Wrongful Death Claims

When someone loses their life in a car crash, the emotional weight for their family is unbearable, and the legal process that follows can be just as overwhelming. We guide families through fatal car accident claims involving negligent drivers, dangerous road conditions, or defective vehicles. Our goal is always to honor your loved one’s memory while helping you achieve the justice and closure you deserve.

Accidents Involving Rental Cars

If you were injured while driving a rental car in or around Chicago or were hit by someone in a rental vehicle, liability can be murky. Rental agreements, credit card protections, and third-party coverage often overlap. Our Chicago car accident attorneys help sort out the details, file the right claims, and make sure you’re not left dealing with a maze of paperwork and denials.

Out-of-State and Cross-Border Accidents

Chicago is a major transportation hub, and many people are injured in car accidents here while visiting from out of state. Likewise, some Chicago residents are hurt while traveling elsewhere. We handle cross-jurisdiction cases, working with local and out-of-state insurers, and making sure your claim is properly managed, no matter where the accident occurred.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Chicago?

Understanding what caused a car accident is one of the most important parts of any case. Whether it’s a distracted driver or a mechanical failure, identifying the cause helps determine who’s legally responsible and how we can help you recover.

If you’re unsure what caused your accident, our team investigates every angle to understand what happened, who’s responsible, and how to help you move forward. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents we see across Chicago.

Distracted Driving

Texting while driving, using a GPS, and eating behind the wheel are all forms of distracted driving that can lead to serious crashes. In busy areas like downtown Chicago or during rush hour on Lake Shore Drive, even a split-second distraction can cause a collision.

These cases often involve phone records, dash cam footage, and eyewitness testimony, all of which we gather to show the driver’s lack of attention.

Speeding

Speeding remains a major factor in many serious crashes. Whether someone is racing down the Eisenhower Expressway or just ignoring limits on a neighborhood street, driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impact. In some cases, speeding drivers also face citations or criminal charges, which can support your civil injury claim.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Driving under the influence is illegal and incredibly dangerous. We represent people who were injured by drivers impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or other substances. These cases often involve police reports, toxicology tests, and criminal proceedings that can all influence the outcome of your personal injury claim.

If you’ve been affected by a drunk driving accident in Chicago, we’ll help make sure that the driver is held accountable in every way possible.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Intersection accidents are common throughout Chicago, especially where traffic signals are ignored or stop signs are missed. Drivers who run red lights often strike crossing vehicles or pedestrians, leading to severe injuries. We often use traffic cam footage, police citations, and intersection design data to prove fault in these cases.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage behaviors put everyone at risk. Aggressive driving is dangerous and often leads to high-speed, high-impact collisions. We’ve handled cases where reckless drivers caused multi-vehicle accidents or left the scene after a hit-and-run. In these claims, proving patterns of dangerous driving can be key to securing fair compensation.

Fatigued Driving

Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents in Chicago. Falling asleep at the wheel or zoning out from exhaustion can have the same effect as impaired driving. These cases can be harder to prove, but we know what to look for—delivery logs, work hours, surveillance footage—and how to build a strong case around it.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Failure to Yield

Improper lane changes and failure to yield the right of way are frequent causes of sideswipe and T-bone accidents, especially on multi-lane roads like the Dan Ryan or near downtown merge points. When a driver fails to check blind spots or cuts across lanes without signaling, serious accidents can occur. These cases often depend on clear crash diagrams, vehicle damage, and eyewitness statements.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, and even high winds can turn a routine drive into a dangerous one, especially during a Chicago winter. While the weather isn’t something anyone can control, drivers still have a responsibility to adjust their behavior. If someone was speeding in icy conditions or failed to maintain their vehicle for safe driving, they can still be held liable for the crash.

Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failures

Sometimes the cause of an accident isn’t the driver, but the vehicle itself. Defective brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can all lead to serious crashes. We handle cases involving product liability claims against manufacturers and maintenance providers when faulty parts or negligent repairs contributed to the accident.

Inexperienced or Unlicensed Drivers

Accidents involving teen drivers, learners, or individuals without a valid license are more common than most people realize. We’ve helped clients who were hit by drivers without the proper training or legal authority to be behind the wheel. In these cases, we often look into the role of vehicle owners or parents who allowed the unlicensed driver access to a car.

Commercial Vehicle Violations

When drivers of company vehicles violate federal or state regulations—such as hours-of-service limits or vehicle maintenance requirements—they put everyone on the road at risk. Whether it’s a delivery truck, construction truck, or rideshare vehicle, we investigate logbooks, employment records, and safety histories to identify any rule-breaking that contributed to the crash.

Poor Road Design or Maintenance

Potholes, confusing signage, broken traffic lights, or poorly designed intersections can all contribute to serious accidents. In these cases, a government agency or contractor responsible for road maintenance may share fault. Claims involving public entities are complex and time-sensitive, but we have experience navigating these challenges and holding the right parties accountable.

Obstructed Views or Visual Hazards

Overgrown trees, blocked intersections, and hidden signage can prevent drivers from seeing other vehicles or pedestrians in time. These visual hazards may be the result of city neglect or private property issues. We help identify who’s responsible for the obstruction and what role it played in the crash.

What are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can change lives. From chronic back pain to brain injuries, the physical toll can be life-altering. And while some symptoms appear right away, others take days or weeks to surface.

If you were hurt in a crash, we’re here to help you understand what you’re dealing with, how it may impact your future, and what your legal options are. Below are some of the most common injuries we see in Chicago car accident cases.

Neck and Back Injuries

Back and neck injuries are among the most frequently reported after a collision, especially in rear-end or side-impact crashes. These injuries can range from mild whiplash to serious disc herniation that may require spinal fusion surgery.

We’ve represented clients suffering from chronic lower back pain, reduced mobility, and long-term nerve damage. Even if symptoms seem minor at first, untreated back injuries can worsen over time and become permanent.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions

A sudden impact or jolt to the head can lead to traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, memory loss, or even coma. Many clients come to us after experiencing confusion, light sensitivity, headaches, or emotional changes weeks after the accident.

Brain injuries can be especially difficult to detect and prove, which is why we work closely with medical experts to document symptoms and their effects on your daily life and ability to work.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In severe collisions, the spinal cord can be damaged, leading to partial or full paralysis. These are high-stakes cases that require detailed medical documentation and long-term planning. We’ve worked with individuals facing a lifetime of care, from physical therapy to home modifications, and we fight to make sure every future need is accounted for in the claim.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures are common in both high-speed crashes and more moderate impacts. Whether it’s a broken leg, arm, hip, or multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention, orthopedic injuries often lead to long recovery times and loss of income. We’ve helped clients obtain compensation not just for their medical treatment, but for physical therapy, assistive devices, and lost future earning potential.

Shoulder, Knee, and Joint Injuries

Joint damage is often overlooked in the chaos after a crash. Torn ligaments, dislocations, and rotator cuff injuries may not appear on initial scans but can cause ongoing pain and limitations. We help clients get the right specialists involved early, ensuring insurance companies don’t minimize these legitimate injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and deep bruising. While they may sound less serious, these injuries can be incredibly painful and take weeks or months to fully heal. In some cases, clients develop chronic conditions like myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia after a crash. Insurance companies often try to downplay these injuries, but we know how real—and how disruptive—they can be.

Internal Injuries

Not all injuries are visible. Internal bleeding, organ damage, or internal bruising can be life-threatening if not caught in time. Chest or stomach pain after a crash, especially with nausea or dizziness, it’s critical to get checked out right away.

We’ve represented clients whose internal injuries weren’t diagnosed until days later, and helped them recover damages for delayed treatment, missed work, and long-term health impacts.

Chest and Rib Injuries

Seat belts save lives, but the force of a collision can still cause fractured ribs, bruised lungs, or heart-related trauma. Chest pain after a crash should always be taken seriously, especially if there are signs of shortness of breath or dizziness. These injuries can also signal internal bleeding or cardiac complications.

Facial Injuries and Disfigurement

Broken glass, airbag impact, or contact with the steering wheel can result in facial fractures, eye injuries, or scarring. In some cases, reconstructive surgery is needed. We work with plastic surgeons and long-term care planners to account for both the physical and emotional impact of facial trauma.

Psychological and Emotional Injuries

Car accidents can also cause mental trauma. Many people suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious crash. Some can’t get back behind the wheel, others have panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or mood swings. These are real injuries with real consequences, and they deserve recognition in your case.

Injuries With Delayed Symptoms

Some of the most serious injuries don’t show up right away. Concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, and nerve damage can take hours or even days to appear. That’s why we always encourage clients to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash, even if you feel “fine” at first. Documenting injuries with delayed symptoms is often a critical part of a successful injury claim.

What Types of Damages Can Victims Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

When someone files a car accident claim, they may be entitled to recover damages in three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Each reflects a different kind of loss, from financial costs to the personal impact of an injury.

Economic Damages

These are the measurable financial losses that result from a car accident.

• Medical bills: This includes hospital care, surgery, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and other medical treatment. In many cases, future medical expenses are also considered.
• Lost wages: If your injuries kept you from working or limited your ability to earn as you did before the accident, you may be able to recover those losses.
• Loss of earning capacity: This applies if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior job or reduce your ability to work in the long term.
• Property damage: Compensation may include repair or replacement of your vehicle and any damaged personal items.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: This covers transportation, home care, medications, and other costs related to your recovery.
• Funeral and burial expenses: In fatal auto accident cases, families can seek compensation for end-of-life costs.

Non-Economic Damages

These reflect the personal and emotional effects of an accident and are not tied to specific bills or receipts.

• Pain and suffering: This includes the physical pain caused by your injuries and how that pain interferes with daily life.
• Emotional distress: Many people experience anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms after a serious car crash.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from taking part in hobbies, exercise, or other daily activities, this type of damage may apply.
• Non-economic damages: This broader category includes lasting effects like disability, disfigurement, or loss of independence.
• Loss of consortium: A spouse or partner may also have a claim if the injury affects the relationship or household.

Punitive Damages

These are not available in most car accident cases but may be awarded if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as in some drunk driving cases. Punitive damages are intended to punish wrongful conduct and discourage it in the future.

What Is the Average Payout for a Car Accident in Chicago, IL?

Based on recent case data from Cook County courts, the average payout in a car accident case is approximately $778,577. These figures include a wide range of outcomes across motor vehicle cases filed in both state and federal courts, and they cover everything from minor collisions to complex, multi-party car accident lawsuits.

In most car accident cases, the value depends on several factors:

• The severity of the injury
• Whether the injury is temporary or permanent
• The total cost of medical bills and future care
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Available auto insurance coverage
• Fault and liability disputes
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial

While averages are useful for context, no two cases are the same. A fair settlement reflects the specific facts of your situation, not just general data. If you’re unsure how your case compares or want to understand what damages you may be able to recover, we can help assess that based on your medical treatment, income loss, and other impacts related to the accident.

Example Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

$79.8 Million – Police Pursuit Crash Involving Fatality and Multiple Injuries

A 10-year-old girl was killed and two family members were injured when a vehicle they were in was struck during a police pursuit in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The city of Chicago was held liable for the actions of two officers who pursued a suspect and initiated the events leading to the crash.

• The child’s estate was awarded $67.4 million, including damages for loss of society and emotional suffering.
• Her brother, who survived with a facial laceration and respiratory injury, was awarded $11.2 million.
• Her father, who sustained four fractures, received $1.25 million.

The total award to the family was $79.8 million.

$43.1 Million – Rear-End Collision Causing Tetraplegia

A nurse in her early 50s suffered a spinal cord injury in a rear-end crash with a tractor-trailer. She was diagnosed with partial tetraplegia, underwent multiple surgeries, and required ongoing rehabilitation and pain management.

• Damages included $7 million in future medical care, $1.1 million in lost future earnings, and $9.5 million each for future disability and disfigurement.
• Her husband received $3.5 million for loss of consortium.

The jury awarded a total of $43,051,020.38 in damages.

$35.8 Million – High-Speed Police Crash Causing TBI

A woman sustained a fractured pelvis and a brain stem injury resulting in locked-in syndrome after her vehicle was struck by a police cruiser traveling at 70 mph. The jury found Cook County 75% at fault.

• She was awarded over $7.3 million for medical care, $13 million for disability, $9.5 million for disfigurement, and $6 million for pain and suffering.
• Her net recovery, after reduction for comparative fault, was $26.8 million.

Total damages were $35.8 million before the reduction.

$9.9 Million – Commercial Vehicle Crash Causing Spine and Hip Injuries

A 21-year-old was struck by a commercial vehicle and suffered multiple lumbar disc herniations, underwent several surgeries, and developed complications, including urinary incontinence, depression, and long-term back and hip pain.

• The plaintiff was awarded $9.9 million, which included medical costs, pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, and future care.
• The jury found the commercial driver and employer at fault for making an improper lane change and driving too fast for conditions.

Why You Need a Chicago Car Accident Attorney

Car accident cases in Chicago often involve more than just filing an insurance claim. Disputes over fault, delayed medical symptoms, and limited insurance coverage can complicate even a seemingly straightforward crash. If your case involves serious injuries, multiple vehicles, or an uninsured driver, the stakes are higher, and so is the risk of being undercompensated.

In Cook County, most personal injury cases are filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, where strict procedural rules apply and insurers often rely on aggressive defense strategies. Navigating these challenges without legal guidance can lead to undervalued claims, missed deadlines, or denied coverage.

A lawyer familiar with local courts, jury trends, and the tactics used by auto insurance companies can help protect your rights, calculate damages accurately, and move your case forward with a strategy built for this jurisdiction.

How Common Are Motor Vehicle Accidents in Chicago, IL?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 101,023 reported crashes in the city of Chicago in 2023. These crashes involved 203,587 vehicles and resulted in 25,077 people injured and 158 fatalities.

Where Do Car Crashes Happen Most Often in Chicago?

Certain roads and intersections in Chicago consistently see more car accidents due to traffic volume, design, or driver behavior. Based on crash data and patterns, these are some of the highest-risk areas in the city:

• I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) and I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) – Frequent rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes, especially near downtown exits.
• Lake Shore Drive – High-speed accidents and lane-change collisions near Grant Park, Museum Campus, and the Oak Street Curve.
• 95th & Stony Island, Western & Peterson, and Cicero & I-55 – High-volume intersections with regular injury crashes.
• Downtown Chicago (The Loop) – Dense traffic, rideshare congestion, and pedestrian activity lead to frequent accidents.
• Near Midway Airport and Chicago Medical District – Busy corridors like Pulaski Road, Ashland Avenue, and Ogden Avenue see increased risk from delivery vehicles, buses, and emergency traffic.
• Parking lots at retailers like Target, Jewel-Osco, and Walmart – Low-speed crashes can still cause serious injury, especially to pedestrians.

What Personal Injury Laws Govern Chicago Car Accident Claims?

The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) outlines the traffic laws that apply across the state, including speed limits, yielding, DUI laws, and rules for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Violations of these laws can serve as the basis for determining fault in a car accident case.

Chicago’s local ordinances (TITLE 9 VEHICLES, TRAFFIC AND RAIL TRANSPORTATION) regulate traffic signals, speed limits, intersection controls, and other conditions that affect how crashes occur. These local rules can be relevant when determining whether a driver violated a duty of care.

In Illinois, courts have long held that violating traffic safety laws can serve as evidence of negligence. In Ney v. Yellow Cab Co., the Illinois Supreme Court found that a statutory violation related to vehicle safety could support liability if it led to the type of harm the law was designed to prevent.

Illinois personal injury law follows a modified comparative fault system under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you’re barred from recovering damages.

How Long Do Victims Have to File an Auto Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the standard deadline to bring a personal injury lawsuit after an auto accident is two years from the date of the crash. This is set by the Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury claims under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

But not every case follows the same timeline. Illinois law provides for certain exceptions that can pause or extend the filing deadline in specific circumstances, such as:

If the car accident victim is under 18 at the time of the crash, the two-year clock does not begin until their 18th birthday. In that case, they have until age 20 to file a personal injury lawsuit.

If a person is mentally incapacitated or otherwise legally unable to manage their affairs at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused (or “tolled”) until the disability ends. The two-year period begins once the legal disability is lifted.

In wrongful death cases, the two-year statute starts from the date of death—not the date of the crash—under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/). This allows family members time to bring a claim on behalf of the deceased through the estate.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Chicago?

Liability in a car accident claim depends on who caused the crash and under what circumstances. In Illinois, more than one person or entity can be held legally responsible. Below are common parties who may be liable in a car accident in Chicago:

• Another driver – Most car accident claims involve a driver who broke a traffic law, drove distracted, failed to yield, or was otherwise negligent. If a driver is more than 50% at fault, they can’t recover compensation under Illinois law.
• Vehicle owner – If the at-fault driver borrowed a car, the vehicle owner may be liable, especially if the driver was a family member or driving with the owner’s permission.
• Employers – When someone causes a crash while driving for work—such as a delivery driver or someone operating a company vehicle—their employer may be liable for damages under Illinois agency law.
• Uber or Lyft – If a rideshare driver causes a crash while logged into the app or carrying a passenger, liability may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s coverage, or both.
• City of Chicago or other government entities – If poor road conditions, missing signs, or dangerous intersections contributed to the crash, a government agency may be responsible. These claims have different rules and shorter deadlines.
• Auto manufacturers or repair shops – If the accident was caused by a defective part—such as faulty brakes, tires, or airbags—liability could fall on the vehicle manufacturer, parts distributor, or mechanic.
• Bars and restaurants (Dram Shop claims) – If a drunk driver was overserved at a bar or restaurant before causing a crash, the business may be liable under the Illinois Dram Shop Act.
• Multiple parties – Many car accident cases involve more than one liable party. For example, a commercial driver might be at fault, but the company that owns the vehicle or failed to maintain it could share responsibility.

How Insurance Companies Deny Liability

In many Chicago car accident claims, defendants and insurance companies raise defenses to limit their liability or reduce the value of your injury claim. One of the most common is arguing that you caused or contributed to the crash. We respond by investigating the scene, securing traffic camera footage, and working with experts to clarify how the crash occurred.

Another frequent defense is that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. They may point to pre-existing conditions or delayed treatment. We work with your medical providers to show how the accident aggravated prior conditions or caused new ones. When there are treatment gaps, we explain them using medical records and life circumstances that justify delays.

Defendants may also argue that your damages are inflated, saying your medical bills are unreasonable or your pain and suffering claim is exaggerated. We counter this by documenting your full medical history, lost wages, and long-term impact with support from treating physicians and, if needed, vocational or economic experts.

Other defenses include claims that you failed to follow medical advice, didn’t mitigate your damages, or filed your lawsuit too late. We address these issues early by tracking timelines, preserving records, and ensuring compliance with treatment plans. The sooner we identify the likely defenses, the better we can prepare your case to overcome them.

How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Injury Claim in Chicago

What you do after a crash can directly impact your ability to file a strong car accident claim and recover compensation. Here are steps that help protect your rights and improve your case:

• Report the accident immediately
• Get medical attention right away
• Preserve all evidence
• Exchange and verify information
• Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies
• Follow all medical advice
• Track expenses and lost time from work
• Avoid posting about the accident online
• Consult an experienced car accident lawyer early

How Our Chicago Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help

• Investigate the accident thoroughly – We gather crash reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence to understand how the accident occurred and who’s legally responsible.
• Document and value your injuries – We work with your doctors and medical providers to track your treatment and fully assess the impact of your injuries—both now and in the future.
• Handle all communication with insurance companies – We manage calls, emails, and documentation with your own insurer and the at fault driver’s insurance company, so nothing is misrepresented or used against you.
• Calculate the full value of your car accident claim – That includes medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering or reduced quality of life.
• Help you avoid common mistakes – We guide you through the process so you don’t make choices—like giving a recorded statement or signing a low settlement—that weaken your injury claim.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement – We present your case clearly, with supporting documentation, and push back when insurance companies undervalue your claim.
• Prepare for trial if necessary – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court and present it to a jury. That includes filing your personal injury lawsuit, managing discovery, and working with expert witnesses.
• Coordinate with medical providers and lien holders – We communicate with providers, help manage outstanding medical bills, and work to resolve any liens after a settlement or verdict.
• Protect your case timeline – We make sure your case complies with the statute of limitations and all filing deadlines under Illinois law.

Chicago Car Accident FAQs

How much does a Chicago car accident attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, typically as a percentage of the car accident settlement or verdict. You won’t owe anything out of pocket if we don’t win your case.

Who can file a car accident claim in Chicago?

In Illinois, anyone injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence can file a car accident claim. That includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and, in some cases, family members filing on behalf of children or fatal car accident victims in wrongful death actions.

Consult a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Near You

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our team is here to answer your questions, review your case, and help you move forward. We offer a free consultation and only get paid if we recover damages on your behalf.

Contact us today to speak with a car accident attorney who understands Chicago’s roads, courts, and insurance landscape.