At Clifford Law Offices, our Chicago Car Crash Attorneys are dedicated to representing individuals who have been injured or tragically lost loved ones in motor vehicle accidents. We understand the profound impact a car crash can have on your life, and we are here to help you pursue a resolution that addresses not only your medical expenses but also provides the essential ongoing support needed for you and your family in the aftermath of an accident.
Our experienced Chicago auto accident lawyers prioritize clear communication and will take the time to thoroughly explain your legal options after you’ve suffered a serious injury in a vehicle accident in Chicago. We offer free consultations to discuss your case at your convenience – whether by phone, at our local office, or even at your home or hospital room. Together, we can determine the best course of action to seek fair compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Our Car Crash Attorneys?
Award-Winning Chicago Car Crash Attorney Firm: Clifford Law Offices Recognized as Best Lawyers in Personal Injury Law 2025
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Consider Clifford Law Offices because:
- Award-Winning and Nationally Recognized: We are a nationally recognized, award-winning law firm with a proven track record of success, having secured over $5 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Decades of Experience in Chicago Car Crash Cases: Our firm possesses decades of focused experience handling car crash cases in Chicago. This extensive experience equips us to effectively manage virtually any personal injury situation, regardless of complexity.
- Efficient and Compassionate Approach: We stand apart by combining efficiency and compassion in our approach to your case. We are committed to helping you obtain the maximum compensation possible while providing supportive guidance throughout the legal process.
- Client-Focused and Empathetic: We treat our clients like family. We listen attentively to understand the nuances of your case and fiercely advocate for your rights, with the same dedication we would for our own family members.
- Responsive Communication: We prioritize responsive communication. When you choose our firm, you can expect prompt and clear communication throughout your case, with timely responses to all calls, emails, and correspondence.
- Trusted Reputation: Our firm’s reputation as trustworthy and highly respected car crash lawyers lends significant weight to your case from the outset. Other attorneys frequently refer their most complex cases to us, confident in our ability to provide exceptional legal counsel.
We understand that this is a challenging time for you. We are committed to thoroughly analyzing your case, offering personalized advice, and addressing all your questions. This includes questions specific to your situation, as well as common questions related to car crashes, such as:
- What steps should I take immediately following a car crash?
- What are the typical stages involved in a car accident lawsuit?
- Who is responsible for covering my car repair expenses?
- Will the at-fault driver be required to pay for my medical bills?
- Do I have a strong legal case if I decide to pursue a lawsuit?
- Is suing the other driver the right course of action?
- What exactly does my car insurance policy cover in this situation?
- What are my options if the insurance company wrongfully denies my claim?
- If the other driver was speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or driving recklessly when the accident occurred, how does that impact my case?
A Proven History of Success in Chicago Car Crash Cases
For over 30 years, our dedicated injury lawyers have been staunch advocates for victims of serious car crashes in Chicago and across the nation. Our personal injury team’s combined experience encompasses hundreds of years of casework in personal injury and wrongful death law, resulting in a consistent record of favorable outcomes for our clients. Our notable case results include:
- $38.3 Million Recovery: Secured for a mother and her two children involved in a devastating truck-car collision on Interstate 90 near Rockford, Illinois.
- $25.9 Million Verdict: Won against Yellow Cab on behalf of a man who suffered a permanent and life-altering brain injury.
- Record $24.1 Million Verdict: Achieved for an 8-year-old Chicago boy who sustained severe injuries after being struck by a Chicago Transit Authority bus in a school crosswalk.
- $22.7 Million Verdict: Obtained for a widow whose husband was tragically killed by a speeding truck driver who was under the influence of drugs. The $10 million award specifically for grief and sorrow set a Cook County record in this category.
- $2.8 Million Settlement: Reached for a 16-year-old who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a bus collided with the vehicle he was a passenger in.
It is important to remember that every car crash case is unique, and past results do not guarantee a specific outcome in future cases. However, you can be assured of our unwavering commitment, dedication, and focused attention to your case. Our consistent success in securing outstanding results for our clients is rooted in our aggressive dedication to their needs. When a car crash has permanently altered your life and the lives of your family members, it is essential to discuss your situation with one of the experienced Chicago car crash attorneys at Clifford Law Offices.
“I was always very impressed with each of the firm’s attorneys’ professionalism in handling such difficult cases, and their hurting clients. I can’t say it was easy for me to answer the phone and hear a crying client on the other end. But, I will always remember the feeling of actually being a part of a system that was helping victims who couldn’t help themselves.” – K.K.
Car Crash Resources
Understanding Car Crash Attorney Fees
At Clifford Law Offices, our car crash attorneys handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not be charged for our time unless we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do secure a financial settlement or verdict in your favor, our fees will be directly deducted from the award, based on a clearly agreed-upon percentage. This contingency fee arrangement ensures that you will never have to pay attorney fees out of your own pocket, whether we win or lose your case.
We believe in transparency and honesty regarding our fees. We are upfront about our charges and committed to avoiding hidden fees or unexpected add-ons throughout the legal process.
While hiring our firm comes with no upfront cost and no risk of payment unless we win your case, choosing not to hire a car crash attorney could potentially cost you a fair settlement. Statistics show that car crash claimants in Illinois are likely to recover significantly greater compensation when represented by a Chicago car crash lawyer. In fact, insurance companies often increase their settlement offers as soon as they learn that a claimant has retained legal counsel.
Immediate Actions After a Car Crash
Following a car crash, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or panicked. However, remaining calm and focusing on gathering crucial information at the scene is essential. Consider keeping this checklist in your glove compartment for quick reference in case of an accident:
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Contact the Police: Call 911 to ensure there is an official police report documenting the accident.
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Document the Scene with Photos: Take photographs of all vehicles involved, capturing details like:
- License plates of all vehicles.
- The intersection or accident location (if applicable).
- Traffic signals and signs in the vicinity.
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Collect Contact Information from All Involved Parties: Obtain and record:
- Full name, address, and phone number (photographing the driver’s license is also helpful).
- Insurance information (take a photo of the insurance card).
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Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses, collect their:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers.
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Record Police Officer Details: Note down the:
- Names and precinct of the responding police officers.
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Take Detailed Notes: Document key details about the accident, including:
- A clear description of how the accident occurred.
- All damages to vehicles, individuals, or property.
After gathering information at the scene, promptly report the accident to your own insurance company. Be prepared to answer their questions and potentially provide a statement. Having your notes readily available will be beneficial when speaking with your insurer.
Key Stages in Filing a Car Crash Lawsuit
Filing a Complaint
Car crash lawsuits are categorized as civil cases, typically initiated by the injured party (the victim) filing a formal complaint or petition with the local court. This complaint outlines the allegations against the at-fault party and specifies the financial compensation you are seeking. Filing the complaint officially marks the beginning of the lawsuit.
It’s critical to be aware of the Statute of Limitations, which sets a specific time limit for filing a claim. This time period varies by state. Consult with a Chicago car crash attorney to determine the applicable statute of limitations in Illinois and understand the deadline for filing your claim.
Defendant’s Response
Once the defendant (the at-fault party) is served with a copy of your complaint, they have a designated timeframe to respond. They may choose to admit or deny the allegations outlined in your complaint. Their response might also include a counterclaim, asserting that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident and your own injuries and losses.
The defendant also has the option to file various motions, such as motions for a change of venue, a change of judge, or even a motion to dismiss the case.
Mediation Phase
In many cases, a judge may order both parties to participate in mediation. Mediation involves you, your attorney, the defendant, and their attorney meeting with a neutral third-party mediator. The mediator’s role is to facilitate discussions and guide negotiations, aiming to help both parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution, often in the form of a settlement.
Discovery Phase
If mediation is unsuccessful, the lawsuit proceeds to the discovery phase. During discovery, lawyers from both sides conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the car crash. This process may involve reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence to build a comprehensive understanding of the accident. All information collected during discovery is shared between the legal teams. The discovery phase typically extends for several months, and the duration depends on the complexity of the case.
Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached through mediation or negotiation, the car crash lawsuit may proceed to trial. At trial, both parties present their cases, evidence is examined, and witnesses are questioned. Ultimately, a jury is tasked with reaching a verdict. Contrary to the dramatic courtroom scenes often depicted in television, car crash trials are often resolved within a day or two. Following the trial verdict, both parties have the right to appeal the decision.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Car Crash Claims
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a car crash is generally two years from the date of the accident (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K13-202). This two-year period applies to injury claims when the other driver is at fault or if another factor, such as a vehicle manufacturing defect, contributed to the injury. However, it’s important to note that if the claim involves a local public entity or one of its employees (e.g., a school bus driver), the statute of limitations is shortened to one year from the accident date (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2062&ChapterID=58&SeqStart=8900000&SeqEnd=9200000).
Given the complexities of legal timelines and potential exceptions, it is crucial to consult with a car crash attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can help you accurately determine the specific statute of limitations applicable to your case and ensure you take timely action to protect your legal rights.
Prompt medical attention is also strongly recommended following a car accident, even for seemingly minor issues like headaches or joint pain. As Hon. Henry R. Simmons (Ret.) noted, “Having a physician diagnosis and treat your injuries and prepare the required medical charts provides the evidence that you were truly injured.” Seeking professional medical advice and care is essential for both your well-being and the strength of your potential car crash claim.
Chicago Car Crash Statistics
In 2022, Chicago experienced a staggering 97,388 motor vehicle accidents. Of these, 181 crashes resulted in fatalities, and 16,830 involved injuries (2022 City Summary Report from the Illinois Department of Transportation). While car crashes occur throughout the city, a disproportionate number happen on specific roadways. In 2023, six Chicago streets accounted for 72% of all city-wide crashes: Western Avenue (2,936 crashes), Pulaski Road (2,927 crashes), Cicero Avenue (2,598 crashes), Ashland Avenue (2,366 crashes), and Halsted Street (2,098 crashes).
Illinois Car Crash Laws
During your initial consultation, our attorneys will explain your legal options and the relevant aspects of Illinois car crash law, including:
Filing Deadlines
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your car crash to file a personal injury claim in civil court. For wrongful death claims arising from a car crash, the filing deadline is also two years from the date of your loved one’s death. Missing these deadlines typically results in forfeiting your right to pursue compensation. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances. Consult with our firm to discuss whether any exceptions might be relevant to your case.
Fault-Based Insurance System
Illinois operates under a fault-based, or tort, insurance system. This means that in a car crash, the party determined to be at fault is responsible for the resulting damages. As an injured victim, you and your attorney will work to establish fault for the crash and file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Comparative Negligence
Car crash cases can sometimes involve shared negligence, where more than one party contributed to the accident. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, if you (the claimant) are found to be 50% or less at fault for the collision, you are still eligible to recover financial compensation. However, if your fault exceeds 50%, you will lose your right to recover damages. Engaging a car crash attorney can be crucial in effectively demonstrating the other party’s majority share of fault and protecting your right to compensation.
Establishing Negligence and Liability After a Car Wreck
Securing a car crash settlement or verdict is not guaranteed. Financial recovery depends on successfully proving that someone else’s negligence caused your accident and injuries. To establish liability, it is necessary to demonstrate to an insurance company or a judge that the defendant acted negligently, and this negligence directly led to your car crash. Building a strong case requires documenting your injuries, gathering evidence from the accident scene (if possible and if your condition permits), and working closely with an experienced car crash attorney.
In Illinois, proving liability in a car crash case requires establishing the following four elements:
Duty of Care
You must demonstrate that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In the context of driving, this generally means that all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly to avoid causing harm to others.
Breach of Duty
You must show that the defendant breached their duty of care. This could involve demonstrating that the defendant violated traffic laws, was driving distracted, or otherwise acted carelessly or recklessly while driving.
Causation
You must establish a direct causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your car accident. In other words, you must prove that the defendant’s negligent actions were the direct cause of the car crash.
Damages
Finally, you must prove that you suffered actual damages as a result of the car crash. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses stemming from the accident.
Determining negligence and liability in car crash cases often requires the experience and resources of an established law firm. While the other driver may appear to be primarily at fault, other parties could also share liability. For instance, a defective seatbelt manufacturer could be partially liable for a spinal cord injury if a faulty seatbelt malfunctioned during the crash and worsened the injuries. Consult with the car crash injury lawyers at Clifford Law Offices to get help determining all potentially liable parties and establishing fault in your case.
Free Car Crash Case Review – Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car crash, a knowledgeable Chicago car crash attorney at Clifford Law Offices is ready to assist you. We are committed to helping families maximize their financial recovery and navigate the path forward after a serious accident. Call us today at (312) 899-9090 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation legal consultation.
