November 25, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents occur daily in Chicago, from bustling downtown streets to congested expressways. After a crash, many people feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. Medical bills, lost work time, and repair costs can add pressure fast.
One of the most common questions people ask is whether it is worth suing after a car accident in Chicago. The answer depends on your injuries, the insurance company’s response, and the long-term impact of the crash. Understanding your options can help you protect your rights and your future.
Understanding Your Legal Options After a Crash
After most accidents, the first step is to file an insurance claim. This may be with your own insurance company or with the insurer for the driver who caused the crash. Many people hope this will cover their losses, but insurance does not always provide a fair outcome.
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount or denies the claim, a lawsuit may become the next course of action. A lawsuit is a legal action that allows you to seek compensation through the court system. Knowing the difference between these two options helps you decide the right direction for your situation.
Both paths should be considered carefully so you understand what each one means for your recovery.
When an Insurance Claim Is Not Enough
Insurance companies are businesses that work hard to limit the amount they pay. Even when the evidence is clear, some insurers still try to reduce or deny claims. A low settlement offer can fail to adequately cover all your losses from the wreck.
Common issues that make insurance claims fall short include:
- Offers that do not cover total medical costs
- Claims that you were partly or mostly at fault
- Denials based on lack of evidence
- Delays that leave you without needed support
When any of these problems arise, a lawsuit can help you demand the full amount you are entitled to. Taking this step can protect you from future financial strain and unpaid medical debt.
Understanding Fault in Chicago Car Accidents
Before you sue after a car accident, it’s important to know how your own responsibility for the crash could affect your claim.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule that can affect how much compensation you may receive after a crash. You can typically recover money if you are less than 50% at fault, and your compensation is usually reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot receive compensation.
Insurance companies often attempt to increase your percentage of fault to reduce the amount they owe. Filing a lawsuit gives you a chance to challenge unfair claims and present evidence that supports your side of the story. Understanding this rule is important because it directly affects the value of your case.
When a Lawsuit May Be the Best Choice
Not every accident requires a lawsuit, but certain situations make legal action more valuable.
You may want to consider suing if:
- Your injuries are serious or permanent.
- The insurance company denies your claim.
- The offer does not cover your medical bills or lost income.
- The other driver does not have enough insurance.
- Your daily life or long-term health has been affected.
In cases involving major injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or head trauma, a lawsuit may be the only way to recover the full amount you need. Filing a lawsuit provides a path to secure the support necessary for your long-term recovery.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Deciding whether to sue after a car accident in Chicago is a serious choice, but learning about your rights can help you make the best decision. A lawsuit may provide fair compensation when insurance falls short and may protect you from long-term financial hardship.
Call Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers. With strong legal guidance and an understanding of the process, you can move forward with confidence and work toward a stable and healthy future.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
5351 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7