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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, are legal advocates for our clients and have obtained over $250 million on their behalf.

Injured? Contact A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today.

Don’t delay; contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer to discuss your claim. Knowing your legal rights and options is essential if you have suffered from injuries.

Call a Chicago car accident lawyer today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team regarding your car accident in Chicago remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Hire A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer To Fight For Your Rights

The number of car accidents in America is staggering, and you can’t prevent impaired drivers [1] from causing damage. But what you can do is regain control of your life after car accidents occur, and a Chicago car accident lawyer can help.

The consequences are devastating, with severe loss and damage suffered by victims. Victims of accidents often sustain serious injuries, with thousands of fatalities in preventable car crashes yearly. Property is destroyed that is often irreplaceable without legal intervention.

Contacting a Chicago car accident lawyer is the first step to recovery. We will safeguard your rights, obtain fair compensation, and ultimately assist you in getting your life back on track.

Within the first few days following a car accident [2], the other motorist’s insurer will likely contact you regarding your car accident claim. They will try to:

  • Determine the at-fault party
  • Discuss in detail how the car collision occurred

Our personal injury law firm often advises potential clients to watch what they say during the call. Insurance claim adjusters are trained with proven tactics to get people to admit fault.

Often, they ask leading questions that are difficult to answer without implicating the individual as though they are responsible for the accident that occurred.

If you choose to have a conversation without the representation of a car accident attorney, only give basic details of the events.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

By law, all drivers operating motor vehicles in Illinois carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage protects drivers and their passengers if they are involved in a car accident with a driver who does not have automobile liability insurance. [3]

Drivers and passengers involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist can file car accident claims with their uninsured motorist coverage.

The injured driver’s insurance carrier will investigate the accident and will typically try to settle the car insurance claim quickly and for less than the policy limits.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you are injured in an uninsured motorist accident, speak to a professional car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC attorneys have years of experience representing uninsured motorists’ car accident victims.

An experienced car accident lawyer from our law office can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced car accident injury lawyer and determine your legal options.

Each car accident lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

How The Car Insurance Company Typically Handles an Accident Claim

When the insurance companies’ drivers involved in a car accident are informed of the crash, they dispatch insurance adjusters to the scene. The adjusters will investigate the accident [4] and develop a theory about who caused the crash.

The car insurance company will typically try to settle the claim quickly and within the policy limits. They are a business, too, and aim to avoid paying more money than necessary on the claim.

If the injured person does not have an experienced car accident lawyer, the insurance company often offers well below what the case is worth.

Never Accept the First Settlement Offer

The insurance company may use various tactics to lowball the car accident settlement, hoping the injured victims accept the offer before they understand:

  • The extent of their damages
  • The severity of their injuries
  • The long-term impact the accident will have on their life

An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer fighting for your rights is crucial when dealing with the insurance company.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, the injury lawyers with years of experience dealing with insurance companies and getting our clients the best possible settlement.

More Than 10 People Injured Each Hour in Illinois car Accidents | Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

What We Will Do for You to Ensure Maximum Compensation

Our legal practice will determine your claim’s value through a comprehensive case review to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee, so you only have to pay us for our fees if we recover compensation.

Identify All Defendants

Your lawyer might identify multiple defendants to add to your case’s legal claim or lawsuit, such as –

  • Other at-fault drivers
  • The vehicle manufacturer
  • The roadway designer or maintainer
  • The municipality

Gather Evidence

Our legal practice will collect all of the evidence needed to support your case, including –

  • Photos of the crash scene
  • Pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash
  • Police reports [5]
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Video footage of the accident (if available)

Negotiate A Settlement With The Insurance Company

Our legal practice will negotiate a fair and full settlement with the insurance company on your behalf. We have years of experience negotiating with insurers and getting our clients the best possible settlement.

Resolving a personal injury claim might take multiple negotiation settlement meetings, especially if multiple defendants are involved in the crash.

File an Accident Lawsuit

Our law firms will file a car collision lawsuit on your behalf when enough evidence is available. A lawsuit will allow us to take the defendant’s insurance company to court and fight for a fair trial.

Submitting a claim through our law firms will inform the insurance company that you have an experienced and aggressive law firm fighting for your rights.

In addition, the representation could result in a better settlement offer from the insurance company.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for A Motor Vehicle Accident

Were you injured in a car wreck while on company time, driving your vehicle, or theirs?

If so, we will carefully examine the circumstances of your case to determine if any other liens, workers’ compensation benefits, or health care is available to help you recover damages.

By Illinois law, your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance to pay for any medical bills and lost wages if you are injured. This coverage might include any damages generated while working, on your way to work, or driving a company vehicle.

However, a strict statute of limitations exists on filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Speak to a Chicago lawyer as soon as possible.

The Financial Compensation You Should Expect After Your Accident

Suffering severe injuries, facing high auto repair bills, or losing a loved one in a car collision can be financially devastating. Unfortunately, you might not know where to turn for help.

Our firm has helped thousands of Illinoisans and Chicagoans, and we can help you too. We will fight to get you the fair and total compensation you deserve to cover all your accident-related expenses (including future medical costs).

What Level of Compensation Can You Receive?

How much compensation you could receive is based on the extent of your damages. You can expect to receive compensation that covers –

  • Medical bills: Nearly all moderate to severe car collisions result in enormous medical costs that include hospital bills, surgical care, counseling, physical therapy, rehabilitation, assisted devices, prescription drugs, emergency medical treatment, and ongoing care (future medical payments).
  • Loss of income: Many car and truck accidents leave injured victims unable to return to work or reduce their future earning capacity either temporarily or permanently.
  • Pain and suffering: [6] The physical and emotional harm you experience from a car collision can be significant.
  • Punitive damages: If the at-fault driver’s actions were reckless or malicious, you might be able to recover additional money to punish (punitive damages) the at-fault party.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Chicago, do not hesitate to contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, for immediate legal assistance with your automobile accident case.

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Cases

For years, each personal injury attorney at our law office has handled car accident cases involving single vehicles, multiple vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, commercial trucks, and more.

Our Chicago auto accident attorneys are here to help you and your family member file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the just compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

Car Accident Victims in Hit-and-Run Cases

Hit-and-run accidents are all too common where the at-fault driver responsible for causing the crash flees the crash scene. Fortunately, you are likely still covered under your insurance policy to pay for all non-economic and economic damages associated with a hit-and-run crash.

Under Illinois law, insurance companies must provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) insurance if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

This requirement means you can still recover economic damages from your policy up to your coverage limits even if the driver at fault is never apprehended.

Our car accident firm can help you file a UM claim and negotiate with your auto insurer to get your compensation.

We have successfully represented hit-and-run victims in court against their insurance companies and recovered millions of dollars in economic damages for our plaintiff’s injuries. Let our car accident attorneys help you too.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Thousands of pedestrians are killed or injured in vehicle accidents yearly. Many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers exercised caution around pedestrians.

If you are a pedestrian injured in an accident, you should contact a lawyer to handle your car accident. You may be entitled to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

According to car collision statistics involving bicycles:

  • Vehicles striking pedestrians or bicyclists account for almost half of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
  • The number of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities has increased from 5,376 in 2015 to 7,468 in 2020. This rate is a significant increase of 41%.
  • In Chicago, there were 97 pedestrian fatalities in 2019. This rate is a significant increase from the 73 pedestrian fatalities in 2018.
  • Bicyclist fatalities have also increased from 8 in 2013 to 19 in 2019. These bike/car accident statistics reveal a significant increase of 138%.

Chicago, IL Car Accident Injury Statistics

Common Car Accident Injuries in Chicago

Even a minor injury can leave the victim with life-changing harm, requiring adjustments in daily life. Our Chicago, Illinois, injury attorneys have handled many cases where our clients have suffered injuries after the crash.

Common car accident injuries include:

  • Whiplash: The quick thrust of a collision can whip the head and neck, often causing severe injury with pain and stiffness in the cervical spine.
  • Concussion: [7] A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and headache.
  • Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or loss of limb mobility.
  • Traumatic brain injury: [8] A hard blow to the head can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to swelling and potential damage, commonly called a TBI.
  • Puncture wounds: Any sharp object during the collision can puncture the skin, skull, internal organs, muscles, and even bone.
  • Chest Injury: A chest injury can leave an injured car accident victim with difficulty breathing, chest pain, bad injury, and even death.
  • Eye Injury: Eye injuries can cause blindness and even permanent vision loss.
  • Foot and knee injuries: The driver and front-seat passengers are highly susceptible to foot and knee injuries during a head-on collision or side-impact crash.
  • : The shattered glass from the windshield or side windows can leave the victim of the car accident with a devastating injury, including a deep cut and facial laceration leaving deformity, scar tissue, or nerve damage.

You should immediately contact a car accident attorney if you have been injured in an automobile accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical payments, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Our trial lawyers have years of experience handling car crash cases and know how to get you the compensation you deserve.

Causes of Serious Chicago car Accidents Graphic | Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Determining Liability for Your Vehicle Accident

Identifying all parties involved in an auto accident requires intense and time-consuming investigative work. Our legal team will hire accident reconstruction experts to evaluate what happened and determine who caused the wreck.

Examples of Liability

Many Chicago, IL accident cases we have handled and resolved involve:

  • : Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. Even though there are laws to protect against drunk driving, many of our clients were severely hurt or killed due to someone else’s negligence because of driving drunk or another impairment.
  • Failure to yield: Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk or stop for a stop sign can be held liable for any injuries the pedestrian sustains.
  • : Drivers talking on the phone, texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can be held responsible for any collisions they cause.
  • Illegal lane changes: Swerving in and out of lanes can be extremely dangerous, especially if done at high speeds.
  • Running stop signs or red lights: A negligent driver who runs stop signs or red lights is often in a hurry and ends up causing serious collisions.
  • Speeding: Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents.
  • Reckless driving: When a driver dangerously operates a vehicle, they can be charged with reckless driving.
  • Hitting objects on the road: If a driver hits a pothole, debris in the road, or another vehicle, they can be liable for any damages.
  • Faulty brakes or bald tires: A vehicle with defective brakes or bald tires is a hazard on the road, and the driver can be held liable for vehicle accidents.
  • Defective car parts: The manufacturer can be liable for damages if a defective car part causes a crash.
  • Road rage: When one driver becomes angry and lashes out at the other driver, it can lead to dangerous driving behavior and serious accidents.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, our civil law team can help you identify all liable parties and get you the compensation you deserve.

Catastrophic Car Collisions Involving Commercial Trucks

The sheer size and weight of a fully loaded semi-tractor trailer traveling at any speed can cause serious injuries and death when hitting a passenger vehicle.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2016 1,921 crashes involved commercial trucks in Illinois. Of those crashes, 104 were fatal, and 1,817 resulted in injuries.

Many of these crashes involved colliding with other drivers stopped at a red light or turning left in front of the truck.

11% of People Have Serious Injuries in car Accidents | Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

The Illinois Statute of Limitations

The Illinois state legislature has enacted a statute of limitations on filing injury cases. According to the law (735 ILCS 5/13-202) [9] regarding injury claims, car accident victims with damages can file a Chicago car accident claim within two years from the car accident date.

If you do not file a car accident lawsuit before the two-year deadline, you will lose your right to pursue any legal action. However, extenuating circumstances may allow you to file past the deadline. Contact an established lawyer with experience in car accident scenarios to discuss your options.

This time limit applies to all Chicago, IL, car accident lawsuits.

The Accident Was Not My Fault! What Do I Do Now?

If the car accident was not your fault, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. The car accident attorney can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

You may be entitled to non-economic and economic damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. The Chicago car accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and get you the best possible settlement.

An attorney can file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to trial if the insurer refuses to settle.

Speaking to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident is essential to receive legal counsel and discuss your options.

Proving Your Case

Under civil tort law, you must prove negligence that someone (other driver) or some entity (automobile manufacturer, road maintenance crew, etc.) is responsible for damages to settle your claim or win your car accident case at trial. You’ll need to prove the four elements of civil law, including –

  • The individual or entity at fault for the accident had a duty to ensure your safety.
  • The breach of their duty led to your severe injury due to a car accident.
  • The accident resulted in injuries and damages.
  • You can prove your damages in court if necessary. You will need evidence to support your car collision case, including eyewitness testimony, medical expense bills and treatment records, cell phone records (if distracted driving is suspected), and photographs.

Car Accidents in Chicago FAQs

Our Illinois personal injury firm understands that many families have unanswered questions negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company to resolve a compensation claim after a crash. Chicago vehicle accident lawyers from our law office have answered some of those questions below.

Call our law office at (888) 424-5757, use the contact form for additional information, or schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

The steps you take immediately after the accident happened could make the difference between life and death. While your adrenaline flows within the first few moments, keeping calm and checking your health and the conditions of others involved in the collision is essential. Next:

  • Call 911: If possible, contact local law enforcement to initiate a response to the accident scene by police officers and emergency medical personnel.
  • Assess your health: You may believe you are not injured when confused and dazed. However, the adrenaline in your bloodstream might mask serious car accident injuries.
  • Assess the condition of others: If you can move, check on the well-being of your passengers [10] and any other motorists or pedestrians involved in the accident.
  • Exchange information: Once you have ensured that everyone is safe and has received medical attention, it is time to gather information. You will need the names, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident. You should also take photos of the damage to all vehicles and any visible injuries.
  • File a report: Depending on the accident’s severity, you may need to file a police report. If there is significant property damage or injury, it is always best to process with caution and contact law enforcement.

After you have taken care of the immediate aftermath of the accident, there are a few follow-up tasks you should do to protect your interests.

  • Receive medical attention: Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. They will be able to properly assess any injuries you may have sustained and provide you with the necessary treatment.
  • Contact your insurance company: Reporting what happened with an adjuster with your insurance company could help you cover your damages, including vehicle repair costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
  • File a claim: Your next step should be to contact the insurance company and file a claim. Be sure to have all of the required documentation, such as photos and police reports, ready to submit.
  • Hire Chicago accident lawyers: If the accident is severe or you are having trouble getting the insurance adjuster to cooperate, you may need to hire a car collision attorney to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

How Much is My Serious Injury Worth in a Compensation Claim?

The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your external and internal injuries, the amount of medical treatment to heal, including future medical payments, and the amount of time you cannot work.

You may be entitled to non-economic and economic damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact car accident attorneys to discuss your case and to estimate what your claim is worth.

What Happens If the Other Driver In My Accident Was Uninsured?

If the other driver in your car accident was uninsured, you might still be able to file a auto accident claim against your own auto insurer. Your insurer’s claims adjuster will investigate the accident and may decide to cover your damages.

However, speaking with a Chicago auto accident attorney to discuss your options to hold the other driver accountable is essential.

What Do I Do If the Other Driver’s Auto Insurance Company Denied My Car Accident Claim?

If the other party’s auto insurer denies liability in your car crash, you may need to file a lawsuit for your car accident to get the compensation you deserve. Speaking with Chicago auto accident lawyers as soon as possible is crucial to discuss your options.

An attorney working on your behalf may be able to help you resolve your car collision case by filing with your insurer using uninsured or underinsured coverage. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

Is It Essential to Hire Car Accident Lawyers to Handle an Accident Case?

An attorney can help you protect your rights and get your deserved compensation. For example, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Your Chicago car accident lawyer will negotiate with the other driver’s insurance carrier on your behalf and get you the best possible settlement. However, if the insurer does not offer a fair settlement, the car accident lawyer can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf and go to court.

How Do Insurance Companies Decide Who Is at Fault?

Every driver’s insurer has unique rules when assigning fault, though most will make a liability call based on the following elements:

  • How congested traffic was during the collision
  • If there were any sudden or rapid movements when the crash occurred
  • The driver’s degree of care while driving
  • Speed and other road conditions
  • Evidence at the scene of the car accident

The insurance carrier will use current guidelines to determine liability if there is no evidence that one driver failed to maintain reasonable control over their vehicle (i.e., brake failure).

These guidelines might include identifying any liability against –

  • The person who ran a red light[12]
  • Whether both drivers followed traffic laws
  • If one driver entered from an uncontrolled intersection with reduced visibility
  • The driver that had the green light

Most auto accidents occur in densely populated areas. Most car accident cases are resolved through negotiated settlements.

If the auto accident victims suffered catastrophic injuries or died, the resolution process might take many months or years.

 

Contact A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer to Resolve Your Compensation Claim

Did your loved one suffer serious or fatal injuries in a vehicle crash? If so, contact our car accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form as soon as possible. We can help protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Speak with our Chicago accident injury firm representing injured victims. Claims we litigate for clients include medical malpractice, pedestrian collisions, product liability, construction accidents, nursing home abuse, etc.

Contingency Fee Agreement

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC’s attorneys accept all car injury claims and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement ensures our clients have legal representation without paying upfront out-of-pocket expenses.

Our firm advances all expenses in resolving a claim for a car accident and gets paid only when negotiating a settlement or winning a jury trial award. Our “No-Win/No-Fee” Guarantee is simple: We do not get paid if you do not win!

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our car accident law firm remains private through a car accident attorney-client relationship.

Resources: [1] cdc.gov, [2] health.gov, [3] state.gov, [4] NHTSA, [5] Chicago Police, [6] PubMed, [7] CDC, [8] CDC, [9] Ilga.gov, [10] NHTSA, [11] bls.gov, [12] NHTSA

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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