Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Busy streets and highways see thousands of car accidents each year, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and complex legal challenges. These collisions happen in just seconds, but the lasting effects can impact you for years to come.

At Cooney & Conway our experienced attorneys fully manage your case and fight aggressively for maximum compensation, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We have secured billions in successful outcomes, demonstrating a deep commitment to the pursuit of justice for our clients.

Call our trusted law firm for a free, no-risk case review today. (800) 322-5573.

How Much Could My Car Crash Case Be Worth?

The value of your car crash case depends on numerous factors unique to your specific circumstances, with settlement amounts ranging from thousands to millions of dollars based on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance coverage limits. A comprehensive evaluation considers both economic and non-economic damages, including all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage, alongside non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of life enjoyment.

Cases involving permanent injuries, disability, or wrongful death typically command significantly higher compensation, while the at-fault driver’s insurance may limit recovery unless additional sources of compensation exist. Illinois’s modified comparative negligence laws may reduce your recovery by any percentage of fault attributed to you, making skilled legal representation crucial for maximizing your case value.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Chicago Car Accident Claim?

After a car accident in Chicago, you may wonder if you have grounds for a legal claim. Your attorney must be able to establish negligence occurred and resulted in the crash and your injuries. If there is no negligence, there is no case.

These are the elements of negligence in a Chicago car crash claim:

• A Duty of Care Existed: All drivers have a legal obligation to protect other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists from harm by taking reasonable measures to operate their vehicles safely and follow Illinois traffic laws.
• The Other Driver Breached Their Legal Duty: The responsible party failed to uphold their duty by speeding, texting while driving, ignoring traffic signals, or otherwise acting negligently.
• Causation: The at-fault driver’s negligent actions directly caused the car accident and your resulting injuries.
• Damages: You suffered tangible losses as a result, such as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage.

Our experienced attorneys at Cooney & Conway are prepared to evaluate your specific situation and help determine if you have a viable claim under Illinois law.

What Types of Car Crashes Are More Common?

Cook County’s urban environment, expressway system, and high traffic volumes create conditions that increase the frequency of vehicle collisions compared to other parts of Illinois. Being aware of potential crash risks can keep you safer on the road.

Common crash scenarios on Chicago roads include:

• Collisions on congested highways like I-90, I-94, I-55, I-294 and I-290
• Intersection crashes at busy traffic signals and four-way stops
• Sideswipe accidents during lane changes on multilane roads
• Left-turn collisions at unprotected intersections
• Parking lot and parking garage collisions
• Public transportation related incidents involving buses or trains
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles
• Construction zone crashes
• Weather-related accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian collisions
• Delivery truck accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups

When Do I Have to Contact Police After a Car Accident in Illinois?

While Illinois does not require a police report for minor accidents, you must file a police report for accidents if any of the following is true:

• Anyone Was Injured or Killed: If any person isinjured or killed, you are required by Illinois law to report the accident immediately to law enforcement.
• Property Damage Exceeds $1,500: If property damage totals more than $1,500, you must report the accident, even if no one was injured.
• An Uninsured Driver Was Involved: If any driver involved is uninsured, the threshold lowers to $500 in property damage.
• The Driver Fled the Scene of the Crash / Hit-and-Run Accident: If the other driver leaves the scene, you should report the crash to police right away to increase your chances of finding that individual.
• One or More Vehicles Involved in the Crash Cannot Be Moved: If a vehicle involved in the crash cannot be safely moved you must report it immediately.
• City or Government Property Sustained Damage: If the crash causes damage to traffic signs, light poles, public vehicles, or other government property, a report is required.

How Is Liability Determined for a Car Crash in Chicago?

Determining liability after a car accident in Chicago involves identifying who legally caused the collision. Illinois follows a “fault-based” system, meaning the responsible party (or their insurance company) must pay for any resulting damages.

Illinois traffic laws provide the foundation for determining negligence, such as assessing whether there were any traffic violations, such as for speeding, or more severe driver negligence, such as drunk driving.

Certain types of accidents carry presumptions of liability, such as the trailing driver in rear-end collisions. Another example is the turning driver in left-turn accident who often bears primary responsibility if a crash occurs. Liability becomes more complex in multi-vehicle accidents or in crashes involving commercial vehicles.

At Cooney & Conway, we carefully analyze each case to establish clear liability. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys thoroughly evaluate your case to identify all potentially liable parties.

Can I Sue for Damages if I Was Partially At Fault for the Crash That Injured Me?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you may still be able to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. It is important to understand that any compensation you are awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you are more than 50 percent at fault for an accident in Illinois, however, you will not be able to recover any compensation for your damages..

This system makes thorough documentation vital. You also want a knowledgeable attorney who will dispute any percentage of fault unfairly assessed against you.

At Cooney & Conway, we are committed to protecting your right to fair compensation in car accident claims.

What If the Driver Who Hit My Car Is Uninsured or Flees the Scene of the Crash?

Regardless of the situation, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all potential sources of compensation that may be available.

Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers

If you are struck by an uninsured driver in Chicago, you may have other legal options for recovering compensation. Illinois requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) that matches your liability limits. This means your insurance should provide at least some coverage for your injuries even if the at-fault driver is uninsured.

Hit-and-Run Car Crashes

Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges for victims, but leaving the scene does not eliminate your options for compensation under Illinois law. You can help by maintaining the presence of mind to document as much as you can about the fleeing vehicle, including the license plate digits, and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Try and note key details about the driver, including what they look like. Do not delay reporting this information to the police. The sooner you report the accident; the greater chance you have for the driver being caught.

What Evidence Is Needed to Build a Strong Case?

A strong car crash claim requires concrete documentation. Victims have the burden of proving negligence, but when you have legal representation, your attorney will work to establish fault and prove your claim.

Evidence that can strengthen and corroborate your claim includes:

• Police accident report which may include the officers findings and initial assessment of fault
• Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
• Video footage from traffic cameras, dashcams, or nearby businesses
• Medical records documenting all crash-related injuries and treatments
• Physician statements connecting your injuries to the accident
• Witness statements and contact information
• Records of all medical expenses and bills
• Documentation of lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
• Vehicle maintenance records if mechanical failure contributed to the crash
• Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected
• Weather and road condition reports
• Proof of the other driver’s traffic violations
• Documentation of your pain, suffering, and lifestyle limitations

Important Deadlines That Affect Your Chicago Car Crash Claim

If you miss critical legal deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation after a car accident, regardless of the strength of your case. Being aware and adhering to these time-sensitive requirements is essential to preserving your legal options and maximizing your potential recovery. The attorneys at Cooney and Conway can advise you as to the applicable time limits applicable to your potential case.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Illinois

Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance that meets specific minimum coverage levels to protect victims of accidents they cause financially.

Mandatory Liability Coverage Limits:
Illinois law requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of:

• $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury or death per person involved
• $50,000 total coverage for bodily injury or death per accident
• $20,000 to cover property damage sustained per accident

Proof of Insurance
Drivers must always carry their insurance card in the vehicle and be able to provide proof of insurance during traffic stops or accident investigations.

Legal Consequences
Driving without the required insurance coverages can result in heavy penalties, including license suspension and potential suspension of vehicle registration.

At Cooney & Conway, we understand the complexities of uninsured motorist claims and are prepared to work diligently to ensure your financial protection despite the other driver’s irresponsible choice to drive without insurance.

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Soon After Your Car Crash

At Cooney & Conway, we offer a free consultation to evaluate the strength of your case. When we represent you, we often identify compensation opportunities you might otherwise have missed. Insurance companies work hard to minimize your claim.

Our approach combines aggressive negotiation with thorough case preparation. We work hard to secure fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages. Contact us today or complete our online form for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. There are no upfront costs or fees when we fight for your justice. Need legal help after a car accident? Call Cooney & Conway today. (800) 322-5573.