Chicago Car Accident Attorney
Advocating for Car Accident Victims Across Chicago, IL
Nearly 6.4 million auto accidents occurred in the United States in 2015, costing a staggering $230 billion. That year, 2.49 million people suffered injuries in car accidents, and approximately 43,000 lives were lost, an average of 115 each day, or one every 13 seconds. Teenagers make up the largest percentage of drivers involved in fatal car accidents in Illinois.
Car accidents can impact your life both financially and emotionally. After an accident, you need competent, aggressive, and knowledgeable representation to pursue your best possible outcome. At Leonard Law Group, our team of car accident attorneys in Chicago brings decades of legal experience and can manage a wide variety of car accident cases. Since 1996, we have collected more than $1,000,000,000 for our clients and built a strong track record.
Contact Leonard Law Group for a case review with our Chicago car accident lawyer today! Spanish-speaking services are available.
Top Reasons for Car Accidents in Illinois
Determining the cause of an accident is key to proving liability and recovering maximum compensation. If another person's negligence or recklessness caused your injuries, you should not be left with the bills.
Common causes of auto accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Teenage drivers
- Traffic violations
- Drunk driving
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
At Leonard Law Group, our legal team has represented people in Illinois for nearly 30 years and has extensive experience handling all types of car accident injury claims. If you have been seriously injured in a collision and want compensation for your damages, please contact us today.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Chicago
Knowing what steps to take after a car accident in Chicago helps protect your well-being, legal rights, and financial recovery. Every accident scene is different, but you should follow certain measures.
Steps to follow include:
- Prioritize safety: Move vehicles out of traffic if possible and check everyone for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the crash to police and request medical assistance. Ensure an official police report is created.
- Exchange information: Collect names, driver’s licenses, contact information, VINs, and insurance details from all parties involved.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Gather witness details: Record names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries appear hours or days later.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the crash promptly but avoid making statements or signing anything from the other party’s insurer.
- Contact a lawyer: Hire an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago for comprehensive guidance.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Illinois
Timing is critical when you file a car accident claim in Illinois. Most personal injury claims after auto accidents must be filed within two years of the crash date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages, even if you have a strong case. In all cases, prompt action puts you in the best position to pursue recovery.
Waiting to file a claim risks losing documentation or contact with important witnesses. Leonard Law Group tracks deadlines, gathers necessary documents, and positions cases for on-time filings under Illinois law, maximizing the chances for a successful recovery.
5 Common Types of Auto Accidents in Chicago
Different types of accidents lead to different injuries and property damage. Because Chicago is a busy city, drivers risk a car accident every time they are on the road. In 2017, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 96,302 vehicle accidents in Chicago.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, common types of car accidents in Chicago include:
- Sideswipe Accidents: In 2017, there were 16,006 sideswipe collisions in Chicago, causing 1,260 injuries and 6 fatalities.
- Head-On Collisions: In 2017, there were 760 head-on collisions in Chicago, resulting in 210 injuries and 3 fatalities.
- Rear-End Collisions: In 2017, there were 27,083 rear-end accidents in Chicago, causing 4,378 injuries and 8 fatalities.
- Turning Accidents: In 2017, there were 13,153 turning vehicle accidents in Chicago, causing 2,449 injuries and 13 fatalities.
- Parked Vehicle Collisions: In 2017, there were 19,394 accidents involving parked vehicles in Chicago, resulting in 18,578 injuries and 7 fatalities.
Driving carries risk, and operating a vehicle in a major city increases that hazard. At Leonard Law Group, our car accident attorney in Chicago have decades of experience handling all types of vehicle accident claims. Arrange a free initial case evaluation today to discuss your legal options.
What Injuries Can You Get from a Car Accident?
Even a minor car accident can cause injuries. You might suffer an impact injury, where your body hits part of the car, or a penetrating injury, such as cuts or scrapes.
Common car accident injuries include:
- Bruises
- Head injuries
- Scrapes and cuts
- Internal bleeding
- Broken or fractured bones
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
Suffering an injury in a car accident may require urgent medical attention. In Chicago, emergency responders usually arrive quickly, but some injuries, like soft tissue damage or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at first. Many people develop pain or stiffness days after the accident, especially with whiplash. If you experience new symptoms, prompt medical treatment and clear documentation can support your claim.
Required Documents After an Auto Accident
In addition to having an Illinois driver’s license and registration, all drivers at an accident site must present proof of active insurance.
If you fail to present these three requirements, you may face:
- Issuance of tickets
- Court fees
- Attorney fees after a hearing
Driving creates risk, and all drivers must meet the financial responsibilities Illinois requires.
Insurance After a Car Accident
The defendant’s insurance company may contact you for a recorded statement and could try to use it to limit your claim. They might also request a signed release to access your medical records. Learn your rights as soon as possible after an accident to protect your claim.
Below are several insurance situations you may encounter:
- The Other Person Is Not Insured or Is Minimally Insured:
Some people drive in Illinois without insurance or have insufficient coverage for your injuries. In these cases, your recovery depends on your own coverage at the time of the accident. - The Other Person Is Not Insured and You Do Not Carry Uninsured Coverage:
If the other party has no insurance and you lack uninsured motorist coverage, you may face unpaid medical bills and serious injuries. Even if the other policy does not cover all your losses and you lack underinsured coverage, obtaining compensation is more difficult.
Get the answers you need and the representation you deserve by speaking with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at (312) 487-2513! Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a car accident claim take to resolve in Chicago?
The time needed to resolve a car accident claim in Chicago varies. Many cases settle within months, but claims involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or multiple parties may last more than a year. Factors like insurance negotiations and court schedules can influence timing.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Illinois applies modified comparative negligence. You may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your compensation decreases by your portion of fault. Being more than 50% at fault usually bars a recovery.
Do I need to report a car accident to the police in Chicago?
You must report a car accident to the police in Illinois if there is injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage. An officer at the scene files an official report, which can be important when you submit an insurance claim or seek compensation.
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Attorney Joseph Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with.
“Attorney Joseph Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were highly professional and excellent communicators. They were also extremely knowledgeable about my case. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to others.”