Auto Accident Injury in Chicago, IL

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Chicago? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Chicago, IL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago had an upscale share of auto accidents in 2023 due to unsettled traffic safety challenges. The city recorded 118,304 motor vehicle accidents, out of which 21,881 involved injuries. That is, from the statistics, in Cook County, where Chicago is situated, 361 lives were lost, and this indicated an 18% increase compared to 2019. These accidents were highly attributed to the following major factors: excessive speed, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports.

The Chicago Police Department has kept traffic crash reports for the last seven years online. Each report costs $6, which includes a $1 convenience fee and a $5 service fee.  

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number, and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

In 2018, the cost of traffic deaths for motor vehicle accidents in Illinois was approximately $1.18 billion. One study estimates that when car crash injuries and property damage are included, the total cost of Illinois car crashes reaches $3.8 billion, every year.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Illinois

Liability Laws for Chicago

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. In fact, like most states, Illinois uses a fault-based car insurance system. This holds the at-fault driver liable for damages.

Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. That means that injured parties found to bear more than 50% of the fault for the incident cannot recover damages. That is unless the defendant acted in a “willful and wanton” manner. Local lawyers understand insurance companies for this area.

Statute of Limitations in Chicago

Each state has its tort laws that determine the statute of limitations for filing a claim. Some states allow as little as one year, while others can extend up to six years. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date of the incident.

This is why it’s crucial to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on the compensation you may be entitled to.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Chicago, IL

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Illinois!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.