If you were injured in a car accident in Chicago, IL, you may be feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help. You may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and trauma. Call us today at (312) 635-5400.
We’re here to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for every available dollar. Our attorneys have nearly two decades of combined experience in personal injury law. We’ve helped thousands of injury victims like you recover the total and fair compensation they deserve.
Insurance companies have armies of defense teams to help them minimize their financial liability. Trying to stand up to them can be daunting on the best of days. When you’re injured and struggling, our team handles the insurance and legal issues.
Contact our law offices in Chicago, Illinois, to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney today.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Chicago, IL
Being involved in an accident can potentially change the course of your life in extreme ways. Whether the aftershocks are small or large, you deserve to hold the responsible party accountable.
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t always there to help when you need it most. Many victims find that their settlement offers don’t even come close to covering their losses. Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys can help you fight for rightful compensation.
Our team at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, has a proven track record of success when it comes to helping our injured clients maximize their compensation awards. In fact, we’ve already recovered over $250 million in settlements and verdicts.
Every client who hires us benefits from our client-centric approach, which involves:
- Conducting our thorough investigation into the crash
- Compiling all evidence that can be used to prove causation and establish liability
- Working closely with leading experts and professionals who can testify about complicated aspects of your personal injury claim
- Identifying and documenting your losses as we calculate your case value
- Leading all negotiations with the insurance company and defense attorneys
- Vigorously defending you against unjust allegations that you caused the crash
- Rejecting any unfair insurance offers and negotiating for a full settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and advocating for your rights at trial if necessary
Insurance companies don’t want you to hire our Chicago personal injury lawyers. They know we have the skills to hold them accountable for the full compensation our clients deserve.
We’re always here to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. To learn more about our team and this area of law, call for a free case review today with a Chicago car accident attorney.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
It can be complicated to recover fair compensation without an experienced accident attorney. The insurance company’s primary goal is to reduce the money they pay. They have the resources to fight your claim indefinitely. Unless a lawyer forces them to, they won’t fully consider how the injury has changed their life.
Some benefits of hiring a vital attorney include the following:
- Resources. Your lawyer will have the resources to hire experts to strengthen your case and prove complicated elements.
- Time. You have other things to worry about if you’re struggling with a severe injury. Your lawyer can handle the paperwork, insurance communications, and legal issues while you focus on other responsibilities.
- Protection. Insurance companies love to blame victims for their injuries. Your lawyer will anticipate this insurance scare tactic and have a plan to minimize the impact.
- Knowledge. Do you know how much compensation you deserve? The insurance company does–and an experienced attorney can reject any lowball settlement offers and ensure you understand your case value.
When you hire a respected attorney, the insurance company will likely take your case seriously. They know you won’t be satisfied with a lowball deal–so they’ll be more likely to negotiate in good faith for a full settlement.
How Much Is My Chicago Car Accident Claim Worth?
This is one of the most critical issues in your personal injury case. After all, the entire point is to recover compensation for all your losses. It’s also impossible to answer until your lawyer carefully reviews the details.
Your case value will depend on some factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you miss time at work and lose income during recovery
- How the injury will impact your long-term earning potential
- The cost of your medical treatment, therapies, and rehabilitation
- Whether you require assistance with everyday tasks
- Whether your doctor expects you to make a full physical recovery
- Expected future costs associated with a long-term injury
- The impact of any long-term disability on your quality of life
- The impact of any allegations that you share responsibility
Serious injuries tend to impact a victim’s life more dramatically. It makes sense that serious injuries lead to higher settlements and verdicts.
It’s always a good idea to schedule a free case review with an experienced lawyer to understand your case value better. Because most personal injury law firms offer free consultations, there isn’t any downside.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
Illinois personal injury laws classify damages according to the type of loss they represent. Most victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Lost future earning potential
- Skilled nursing care
- In-home assistance
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Rehabilitation and specialized therapies
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non- Economic Damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Limitations caused by long-term disability, such as chronic pain
- Diminished quality of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages are only available in rare cases where the defendant’s acts were intentional, malicious, or showed reckless disregard for human life.
Determining Fault in a Chicago Car Accident
The first step towards recovering compensation is determining who is responsible for your car accident. The law will assign each party involved in the accident a percentage of blame from 1-100%. This percentage is based on evidence collected after the event. Your lawyer can use this evidence to help assign blame to the negligent driver.
Accident evidence can come from various sources, including physical evidence (photos, videos) from the scene, police reports, medical records, witness statements, and more. This evidence can be used to show the cause, circumstances, and aftermath of the accident and support the assignment of blame. For example, police reports may include an officer’s observations pointing to the offending driver’s negligence, and medical bills can prove you have sustained injuries from the other party’s conduct.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?
You can recover compensation unless you were mainly responsible for the accident. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar to recovery. Once your share of fault reaches 51%, you lose your right to damages.
If you’re assigned a percentage of fault less than 51%, your compensation is reduced by that percentage.
Don’t take allegations of fault lightly. These claims aren’t even always legitimate. While a victim can share some blame, insurance companies often exaggerate and manipulate the system to their advantage. An experienced accident lawyer can protect you from any unfounded accusations.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Illinois?
The statute of limitations in Illinois is two years. You have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Wait any longer, and you lose your right to damages in most cases.
Exceptions to the rule do exist. The identity of the victim can impact the deadline. Minor children have more time to take legal action if their parents don’t file a claim. You could have much less time to act when a government agency is a defendant.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Chicago
When you’re hiring an injury lawyer, it’s important that the attorney has experience handling many different types of injury cases. Our attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, have years of experience handling complicated personal injury claims.
Some examples of our primary car accident practice areas include:
Rear-End Crashes
Whether the at-fault driver was tailgating, speeding, or just not paying attention, our lawyers are here to help. Establishing liability in a rear-end collision isn’t always as straightforward as you may think. Many rear-end crashes are much more serious than your average fender bender. If you were injured, call our Chicago rear-end accident lawyers for a consultation today.
Intersection Crashes
Accidents at intersections are extremely common in Chicago. If another driver failed to yield the right of way, ran a red light, or ignored a stop sign, our lawyers can help you prove it. Contact our intersection crash lawyer today to arrange your free case review.
Highway Crashes
Highway accidents can be hazardous. Many highway accidents involve high speeds and multiple vehicles. Proving liability isn’t always easy. If you’ve been involved in an accident on the highway in Chicago, contact our highway crash attorney today to learn more about your legal options.
Rollover Accidents
SUVs tend to pose the most significant risk when it comes to rollover accidents. Their higher center of gravity makes them particularly vulnerable to rolling over–especially when high speeds are involved. Establishing your right to compensation in rollover cases can be challenging, so contact our experienced Chicago rollover accident lawyers for assistance today.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on crashes happen when two vehicles strike each other directly from the front, usually while going in opposite directions. These collisions are one of the most severe types of car accidents you can be involved in due to the substantial amount of force produced when two objects collide directly. Contact our Chicago head-on crash lawyers today.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, are well-prepared to handle car accident cases, including those involving:
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes and pile-ups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
Each type of car accident case presents its unique complications and issues. Our experienced team is prepared to help you navigate them all. Count on us to handle every aspect of your injury claim–from the investigation to the settlement negotiations.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
A serious car accident can produce nearly any type of injury imaginable. The types of injuries you suffer depend on the circumstances and the nature of the car crash itself.
Common examples of car accident injuries include:
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Chest injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Seek medical attention promptly after a car accident. Even if you don’t require emergency assistance, your injuries could become worse without prompt treatment. Medical records will also be crucial to recovering compensation for any injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago?
Car crashes happen every day in Chicago. Any number of factors can contribute to the cause of a crash. Identifying those factors is critical to making a full financial recovery.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding and ignoring traffic laws
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Fatigued drivers or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Dangerous left-hand turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving or under the influence of drugs
- Defective or damaged vehicles or parts
- Driving while ill or disabled
- Poor visibility
As you can see, most accidents happen when people are careless or reckless. When an auto accident is preventable, the person who caused it should be held financially responsible. If you were involved in a car crash, our attorneys are here to help you fight for the total compensation you deserve. Give us a call to get started today.
Chicago Car Accident Statistics
298,347 motor vehicle accidents were reported to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in 2022. 83,783 people were injured in those crashes. 8,921 of those injuries were severe enough to be deemed incapacitating. 1,268 fatalities were reported.
158,044 traffic accidents were reported across Cook County in 2022. 364 victims were killed, and another 28,861 people were injured in those crashes.
Car Accident FAQ
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Like most personal injury lawyers in Chicago, we only take a fee if we win. These fees are called contingency fees. When your lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they take a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
We’ll let you know what to expect before you choose to hire us. Typically, our fees are somewhere between 33% and 40%, depending on complexity. This way, you don’t have to worry about paying upfront fees.
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
It is always a good idea to talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, regardless of how minor the accident might seem. The attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help you protect your rights, stand up to the insurance company, and get maximum compensation for your injuries.
Hiring a lawyer is incredibly important because you may not know the extent of your injuries or losses until well after the accident. A Chicago personal injury attorney can ensure you take all the necessary steps to maximize your claim. Plus, many personal injury attorneys, including us, work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Call Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Ultimately, the facts and circumstances will dictate liability in your car accident case. Illinois personal injury laws are broad. Anyone who shares fault can be held accountable after a crash.
Responsible parties often include:
- Negligent drivers
- Trucking companies
- Government agencies
- Negligent passengers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Employers of negligent drivers
After a car accident, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation from all at-fault parties. It’s even possible that multiple parties can be responsible for the same auto accident.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most cases never go to trial. With a strong lawyer, you can almost always recover fair compensation through the insurance negotiation process.
Trials are most likely when:
- There are serious disputes over liability
- Multiple parties share blame for the same accident
- The victim wants a sense of justice in a public forum
However, it’s important that the threat of litigation remains on the table. Insurance companies don’t want to go to court. Trials take time and resources. They’re also unpredictable.
When you hire a lawyer with a strong track record at trial, that increases the odds that the insurance company will offer a higher settlement. Even the threat of trial can be powerful motivation to negotiate in good faith.
How Long Does the Car Accident Lawsuit Process Take in Chicago?
Many factors affect how long a car accident claim may take in Illinois. In complicated cases, the time frame can range from a few weeks to a few years. The length of time your case will take depends on the case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, and the number of parties involved in the crash. The best way to figure out how long the process might take for you is to speak with an attorney.
Some aspects that might affect the amount of time it takes to settle your case include:
The Extent of Your Injuries
A settlement cannot be successfully negotiated until you have either recovered fully from your injuries or created a comprehensive treatment plan for the future. To determine how much you could be entitled to, you’ll have to talk to medical professionals for opinions and prognosis, which can take a significant amount of time.
The Investigation Period
A thorough investigation takes time. Your attorney will need to gather and go through medical bills, vehicle damage, determinations of responsibility, and more. If the accident is complex or involves multiple parties, the investigation can be lengthy and require extensive resources. Delays in obtaining information or resolving disputes over liability can further extend this phase, at worst, postponing the entire process and delaying a resolution.
Whether the Case Settles or Goes to Trial
Most car accident cases are settled before they get to trial. However, if the insurance company puts up a fight, your case can take longer to resolve. If your attorney cannot negotiate a fair settlement, the case will go to trial. Ultimately, your case’s path can profoundly impact how long it takes to resolve your car accident lawsuit and obtain compensation.
Talk to your attorney about how long they estimate your case might take.
Call an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation Today
When it comes to protecting your financial stability, it’s critical to choose a law firm that puts you first.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we know the stakes are high after an injury. We’re prepared to do everything possible to help you recover the maximum compensation possible after a crash.
It’s never too early to start learning about your legal options. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can listen to your story, help you understand your rights, and walk you through the process so you know what to expect. To discuss your options, call us today to schedule your free consultation.
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