If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Illinois, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate the legal process. Our experienced team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
Call our law office at (312) 635-5400 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Illinois
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we have over 35 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including car accidents.
Our firm has recovered over $250 million for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
Here’s how our Illinois personal injury lawyers can assist you:
- Conducting thorough investigations to gather critical evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensuring all legal documents are correctly filed and deadlines met
- Consulting with experts to build a robust case
- Representing you aggressively in court if necessary
Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted Illinois personal injury attorney.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your car accident claim depends on several factors:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: Costs for treatment, rehabilitation, and future care are considered.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to injury.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional distress.
- Liability: The degree to which the other party is at fault.
Our attorneys will assess all aspects of your case to determine its value and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
In Illinois, car accident victims may be entitled to two main types of damages, economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be quantified, including:
- Medical bills: Expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, and medications.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to inability to work.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Rehabilitation costs: Expenses for physical therapy and other recovery services.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with family members.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Your initial consultation is free, allowing you to discuss your case without financial obligation. This approach ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Illinois?
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys will work to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by sudden jerking motions.
- Fractures: Broken bones from impact.
- Head injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage leading to paralysis.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises.
No matter the severity of your injury, our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Illinois?
Car accidents in Illinois happen for many different reasons. Some accidents are caused by human error, while others are due to road or weather conditions. Understanding what causes these crashes is important for two reasons: it helps drivers know what to watch out for, and it helps accident victims prove who was at fault so they can receive fair compensation.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Illinois and throughout the country. When drivers take their eyes off the road—even for a second—it can lead to serious crashes.
Some common distractions include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Talking to passengers
- Reaching for items inside the vehicle
Even a quick glance at a phone can result in a major collision, especially in busy areas like downtown Chicago. Illinois law bans texting while driving, but that doesn’t stop everyone from doing it. If a distracted driver caused your accident, our attorneys can help prove it and fight for your rights.
Speeding
Driving too fast is dangerous, especially on crowded city streets or highways like I-90 and I-290. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react and makes it harder to stop in time to avoid a crash. High-speed accidents often lead to more serious injuries due to the strong force of impact. Some drivers speed because they are running late.
Others may not even realize how fast they’re going. But regardless of the reason, speeding is a form of negligent driving, and it puts everyone on the road at risk.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in Illinois, yet many people still make the dangerous choice to drive impaired. Alcohol slows down brain function, reduces reaction time, and affects coordination. Drugs, including prescription medications and marijuana, can also affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Drunk driving accidents often happen at night or on weekends, and they tend to cause severe injuries or fatalities. If you were hit by a drunk driver, we can work to hold them fully responsible for the harm they caused.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Reckless driving goes beyond simple mistakes—it’s behavior that shows a clear disregard for the safety of others.
Examples include:
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Swerving between lanes without signaling
- Speeding in heavy traffic
- Road rage and aggressive gestures
Aggressive drivers often create dangerous situations that lead to crashes. They may not be thinking clearly or may act out of anger. If you’ve been injured by a reckless driver, our legal team can collect the necessary evidence to prove their negligence.
Poor Weather Conditions
Illinois winters are known for being tough, and bad weather plays a role in many accidents. Snow, ice, rain, and fog can all reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Even the most careful driver can lose control in these conditions if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Drivers are expected to slow down and adjust their driving to match weather and road conditions. Failing to do so could make them liable for a crash. We often see multi-car pile ups or spin outs during winter months, especially on the expressways and major roads.
Running Traffic Signals
Failing to obey traffic signals and signs is a common cause of intersection collisions.
These include:
- Running red lights
- Rolling through stop signs
- Not yielding the right-of-way
A single mistake at an intersection can lead to serious accidents. Red-light camera footage, witness statements, and police reports are helpful in proving liability in these types of cases.
Driver Fatigue
Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. Fatigue can slow reaction time, cause people to drift between lanes, or even fall asleep behind the wheel. This is especially common among commercial truck drivers, night shift workers, and people with sleep disorders.
Unlike alcohol, there’s no simple test to prove someone was too tired to drive. But we can gather evidence from driving logs, surveillance video, or witness accounts to build your case.
Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failures
Sometimes accidents happen not because of the driver, but because the vehicle itself wasn’t safe.
Common mechanical issues that cause crashes include:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system problems
- Airbag malfunctions
In these cases, the car’s manufacturer, a repair shop, or another third party may be held responsible. These are called product liability cases, and they often require a detailed investigation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within this period. Certain circumstances may extend this deadline, such as injuries to minors or cases involving government entities. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Our Illinois Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Illinois, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an Illinois car accident attorney. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.