Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago

If you have been injured in a car crash, you need experienced legal representation. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has recovered over $100 million for accident victims throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. If you were injured in a crash with a negligent driver, a car accident lawyer in Chicago can handle insurance companies, guide you through the legal process, and help secure what you are owed.

The Role of a Car Accident Attorney in Chicago

The aftermath of a serious auto accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your financial compensation.

More specifically, an attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can step in and assist with your case by:

Investigating the Crash and Gathering Evidence

From police reports and accident reconstruction to witness statements and vehicle data, we will gather all of the evidence necessary to prove fault and strengthen your case.

Calculating Your Damages

We will calculate and document every one of your losses (including out-of-pocket costs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering) so no dollar is left out of negotiations with insurers.

Handling Insurance Companies & Adjusters

After an accident, auto insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. Our accident attorneys know their tactics, and we know how to beat them. We will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, counter lowball offers, and work to secure a fair settlement.

Preparing Your Case for Trial

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our legal professionals have the litigation experience to argue your case confidently before a judge or jury in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago?

It doesn’t cost you anything up front to hire a car accident lawyer in Chicago from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning instead of charging you up front, your lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation you recover through a settlement or court judgment.

If you don’t obtain any compensation for your accident, you won’t owe us anything.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Illinois?

There is no average settlement for a car accident claim in Illinois. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, the impact of the crash on your ability to work, the strength of your evidence, and the insurance coverage that’s available.

Some cases settle for thousands of dollars, while others settle for millions. A personal injury lawyer from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can evaluate your case and estimate how much money you may be entitled to.

What Types of Compensation Can You Pursue?

You can pursue many types of compensation after a car crash in Chicago, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, follow-up care, and long-term treatment costs.
• Lost wages: You can recoup past and future income you lost due to the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of earning capacity: You may be entitled to additional damages if you can no longer return to your previous job or work in the same capacity.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and personal belongings.
• Pain and suffering: You may receive compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful death: If you lose a loved one in a fatal crash, you can pursue compensation for burial expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: You may be able to recover compensation for travel, home modifications, or hired help.
• Punitive damages: If the other driver’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

You typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Property damage claims are generally subject to a five-year statute of limitations according to 735 ILCS 5/13-205.

However, these deadlines can change in certain circumstances. For example, special rules may apply if your case involves injured minors, government-owned vehicles, delayed injuries, or a defendant who leaves the state.

Missing the applicable filing deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation through a lawsuit, which is why you should contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. immediately after a crash.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

It can take anywhere from a few months to multiple years to settle a car accident claim. Your case’s timeline will depend on variables such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your medical treatment, the availability of evidence, and whether both sides agree on liability.

While every case is different, the legal process typically includes these stages:

1. Investigation: Both parties gather police reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence.
2. Medical treatment: Your treatment team evaluates your injuries and develops a care plan. You will need to understand the severity of your injuries to establish the extent of your losses.
3. Settlement demand: Our lawyers will submit a demand outlining liability, damages, supporting evidence, and the compensation you are requesting.
4. Insurance negotiations: The insurer reviews your demand and may request additional information, dispute certain losses, or make a counteroffer.
5. Lawsuit (if necessary): If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. This can significantly extend your case’s timeline.

How Do I Pay Bills While Waiting for a Settlement?

You may be able to pay bills while waiting for a settlement using:

• Health insurance: Your health plan may cover eligible treatment.
• Medical payment coverage: If your auto policy includes medical payments coverage, it may help pay for certain accident-related medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the crash.
• Disability benefits: Employer-sponsored disability insurance or qualifying government benefits may cover some of your bills if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Paid leave: Sick leave, vacation time, or other employer benefits may help replace your income during your recovery.
• Medical payment arrangements: Some providers may agree to payment plans or defer collection while your injury claim is pending.
• Medical liens: Healthcare providers may allow you to pay your treatment costs using a future settlement.
• Emergency assistance: Community organizations and public assistance programs like All Chicago or Catholic Charities of Chicago may be able to help you pay for food, housing, utilities, or other essential expenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?

Multiple parties can be held liable for a car accident, including:

• Negligent drivers: A driver who speeds, runs a red light, follows too closely, or fails to yield may be responsible for the resulting collision.
• Employers: A company may be liable when an employee causes a crash while performing their job.
• Commercial vehicle operators: Trucking companies, delivery businesses, and other commercial operators may be held liable for negligent driving or vehicle maintenance.
• Government entities: A government agency may be liable in certain circumstances involving dangerous road conditions or negligent maintenance.

A Chicago personal injury attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can help determine who is responsible for your injuries and other losses.

What if the Other Driver Says I’m at Fault?

If the other driver says you are at fault, it doesn’t mean you will have to pay for the accident. Insurance companies and investigators will determine who is responsible for the crash based on available evidence, such as the police report, witness testimony, and surveillance or traffic camera footage.

Don’t argue with the other driver or speculate about fault at the scene of the crash. Simply call law enforcement, exchange insurance information, and notify your insurer as required by your policy.

What if I am Partially at Fault?

If you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which establishes Illinois’ modified comparative negligence system, you can still pursue damages as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for the crash.

If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering damages. Insurance adjusters may attempt to assign you a greater share of responsibility to reduce your payout. A Chicago auto accident lawyer from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can help counter these tactics.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Negligence?

Types of evidence you may need to prove negligence in your car accident case include:

• Police accident reports: These reports may contain driver statements, witness information, observations, and other details about the collision.
• Photographs and videos: Pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries can help reconstruct the crash.
• Witness statements: Independent witnesses may be able to provide information about speeding, unsafe lane changes, traffic signals, or other behaviors the at-fault driver exhibited.
• Medical records: Treatment records can connect your injuries to the crash and document your medical needs.
• Vehicle damage assessments: Repair estimates and inspections may help establish the force and circumstances of the collision.
• Electronic data and surveillance footage: Dashcam recordings, traffic or business camera footage, and vehicle data may help establish what happened before impact.
• Financial records: Pay stubs, employer statements, invoices, and other documentation can help prove the extent of your lost income and accident-related expenses.
• Expert testimony: If necessary, accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic experts can help resolve disputes or quantify your damages.

Tips for Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may seem helpful when they contact you after a crash, but their priority is minimizing your compensation.

For that reason, when communicating with insurers, it’s important to:

• Report the accident promptly: Notify your insurer in accordance with your policy’s requirements and provide accurate information about what happened.
• Stick to the facts: Explain what happened without guessing about speeds, distances, or other details you cannot remember.
• Avoid recorded statements: Don’t provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you consult a personal injury lawyer from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
• Avoid premature settlements: Do not accept an offer before talking to a lawyer.
• Keep communications organized: Record important dates, claim numbers, adjusters’ contact information, and the details of your discussions with them.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have experience with a wide range of car accident cases.

We represent clients injured in:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Side-impact (T-bone) collisions
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Rollover crashes
• Distracted driving accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian and cyclist accidents
• Crashes involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accidents
• Fatal car accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago

Some of the most common causes of car crashes in Chicago include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, using navigation systems, adjusting entertainment controls, and other distractions can prevent drivers from noticing hazards.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the force of an impact.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may cause crashes by ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections or crosswalks.
• Red-light violations: Running a red light can lead to a side-impact collision at a busy intersection.
• Following too closely: Tailgating reduces the distance available to stop when traffic slows suddenly.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Unsafe lane changes: Failing to check blind spots or signal properly can cause sideswipe or merging collisions.
• Adverse weather: Snow, ice, heavy rain, and reduced visibility can make Chicago roads more dangerous.
• Failure to check for pedestrians and cyclists: Drivers who overlook crosswalks, bike lanes, or turning hazards may cause serious injuries to cyclists or pedestrians.

Why Choose Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.?

You should choose Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. for your car crash case because:

• We have won over $100 million: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injury victims in Illinois.
• We have 75 years of combined experience: Our personal injury lawyers will bring decades of knowledge to your case.
• We have been serving Chicago since 2002: We’ve been helping Chicago families pursue personal injury claims for over 24 years.
• We work on a contingency fee basis: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Our clients aren’t just a number: We treat every injured person with compassion and advocate for them relentlessly.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Chicago

The steps you take after a car crash can have a significant impact on your personal injury claim.

You should:

• Call 911: Contact the Chicago Police Department and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. If anyone witnessed the crash, obtain their contact information as well.
• Document the scene: Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, debris, and any visible injuries.
• Seek medical care: Visit Northwestern Memorial Hospital, UChicago Medicine, or another nearby hospital to get treated.
• Contact your insurance company: Report the crash to your insurer, but avoid discussing fault or giving a recorded statement.
• Consult a lawyer: A personal injury lawyer from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can explain your options and help you pursue compensation.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in a car crash, there’s no time to waste. A Chicago car accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can explain your options, guide you through the claims process, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation to get help with your case.