Were you hurt in a car accident in Chicago, Illinois? Unfortunately, collisions can leave you with significant injuries and damage to your vehicle. Fortunately, our team at Morelli Law Firm can step in to help you recover after a wreck, handling all your legal concerns while you heal.
You can reach out to a Chicago car accident lawyer immediately after a wreck. Your Chicago personal injury lawyer can review your case, answer your questions, and go over all the losses you sustained. We provide personal care and attention, along with professional legal support.
Find out more about how we can help by calling or completing our online contact form.
What Do You Do After a Car Accident in Chicago?
In the aftermath of a Chicago car accident, report the collision to the police and seek medical care. You can also contact a Chicago car accident lawyer for professional help and advice about your subsequent actions.
In many cases, the experts recommend reaching out to a lawyer before leaving the scene of an accident. Getting help right away can keep you on the right track for securing compensation for your losses, especially if your accident:
- Resulted in severe property damage
- Led to injuries
- Caused the loss of a life
Your Chicago car accident lawyer can provide you with support from the time of your accident until the resolution of your claim. Find out more by contacting us for a free consultation about your situation.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800When Can You Seek Damages for a Chicago Car Accident?
Over 98,000 total car accidents occurred in Chicago in 2021, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. More than 80,000 of these accidents resulted in property damage, and more than 17,000 led to injuries.
If you were involved in a collision in our city, you could file a claim for compensation if you meet specific eligibility requirements. Generally, you can seek damages if another party caused the wreck through negligence.
Your Chicago car accident lawyer can look for negligence by checking to see if:
- Another party owed you a duty of care
- The party violated that duty of care
- Their actions directly led to your accident
- The accident caused your injuries or financial losses
We can review the facts of your case and provide information about your eligibility to file a claim.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Sue for in a Chicago Car Accident Lawsuit?
The costs of recovering from a wreck in Chicago can quickly add up. Fortunately, a car wreck lawyer can assess your losses and help you seek financial coverage. Depending on your situation, our team may help you recover your:
Healthcare Expenses
Thousands of people experience severe injuries in Chicago every year after car accidents. We understand the expenses associated with emergency medical care, hospitalization, and physical therapy.
Our team can help you seek funds to cover these losses and the costs of your medications and any assistive devices you need after your accident. We go over all the costs associated with common car accident injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Head, brain, and spine injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Burns, cuts, and abrasions
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
Allow us to check your medical records to track all the losses you sustained for medical care.
Lost Wages
Car accident lawyers can also help you secure funds to cover the wages you lost at work after a car accident in Chicago. The time you have to take off work can depend on the injuries you sustained in your wreck.
We factor in the number of hours you missed and any bonuses or raises you lost out on during your recovery.
Lost Earning Potential
We understand the long-lasting effects of many car accidents in Chicago. You may be unable to return to work if you have a disabling condition due to your collision. You may receive funds to cover your diminished or lost earning potential in this situation.
Property Damage
You may also sustain property damage in a car accident in Chicago. For example, your vehicle may require extensive and expensive repairs. Your vehicle could even end up totaled, depending on the collision’s severity.
You might face other forms of property damage if you had items with you in the vehicle at the time of the accident. For example, your cellphone could end up damaged due to the forces of the collision, requiring a replacement.
Pain and Suffering
Finally, you may receive funds to cover your non-economic losses after a collision in Chicago. These losses include things like your pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
While they do not have a set dollar value, the emotional effects of a wreck can impact you for the rest of your life. Therefore, our team at the Morelli Law Firm takes these losses very seriously.
We’ll look into the overall effect of the collision on your mental and emotional health and build compensation for these losses into your car accident claim.
Contact our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers today
877-751-9800How Much Compensation Do You Get After a Chicago Car Accident?
The funds you receive following a wreck in Chicago vary based on the nature of your losses and your degree of fault for the collision. Your Chicago car accident lawyer can review all your expenses and provide you with an estimate for your final compensation.
How Can A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Your car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL, can step in to assist with every aspect of your legal claim. First, we start helping clients in your position by providing a free consultation. During this conversation, we’ll review your situation and may agree to take on your case.
When you work with us, you can count on our team to:
Guide You Through the Legal Process
We understand that you may have many questions after a wreck with another driver. Your Chicago car accident lawyer can provide the answers you’re looking for in a timely fashion. We maintain open communication so that you can reach out to us anytime.
Investigate the Causes of Your Accident
We understand the importance of establishing that someone else caused your car wreck in Chicago. Therefore, we dig into all the facts surrounding the collision and adjust our investigative services based on your situation.
Depending on what occurred in your collision, we may:
- Speak to witnesses
- Get access to your police report
- Visit the scene of your Chicago car accident
- Look for video or photo evidence of the collision
- Work with car accident specialists
We’ll use the evidence we gathered during our investigation to build a claim designed to bring you damages to cover all your losses.
Track Your Losses and Expenses
Our team looks personally into the financial hardships you experienced due to your car accident in Chicago. We focus on all of your expenses, going past your healthcare expenses to consider losses like your mental anguish.
We gather medical reports, documents from vehicle repair shops, and other forms that can help us back up your claim.
Handle Legal Communication on Your Behalf
Insurance agents and the other drivers involved in your collision may reach out to you after a wreck. However, it’s a good idea to avoid discussing your case with them, as they may use the things you say to deny you compensation.
A car accident attorney in Chicago, IL, can take over all communication on your behalf, protecting the strength of your claim. Allowing your lawyer to handle communication also gives you more time to focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Us for Your Car Accident Claim in Chicago?
We understand the pressure you may feel about selecting the right Chicago car accident lawyer after a collision. Our firm stands out from the rest due to our decades of experience. In addition, the years we’ve spent studying the law give us the confidence to take on your claim.
We dedicate ourselves to securing results for clients like you. We’ve brought clients:
- $5.4 million after a traumatic motor vehicle accident
- $2.65 million for an 11-year-old after a major car accident
- $990,000 for a man struck by a car while walking
We believe in standing with you every step of the way. We’re not afraid to take on tough cases and can immediately answer your questions when you reach out to us for assistance.
Can You Settle Your Car Accident Case in Chicago?
After a car wreck in Chicago, you may settle with the insurance company to get compensation for your losses. Settling represents an excellent choice for many individuals. However, legal professionals advise against taking the first settlement offer in many situations.
Insurance companies frequently offer an initial lowball settlement following collisions. Agents hope that the injured party takes the payment, allowing them to save their company money.
Fortunately, your car accident attorney in Chicago, IL, can review all settlement offers on your behalf. In addition, your lawyer can negotiate with insurance agents, working to increase the funds you receive while representing your best interests.
What Is a Good Settlement Offer for a Chicago Car Accident?
When gauging a reasonable settlement offer for our car accident clients, we don’t consider a set number. Instead, we believe a good settlement is any offer that covers all the losses you sustained from the collision.
We always focus on your specific situations, striving to negotiate a deal that allows you to move forward without financial hardship.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Chicago Car Accident?
Not all drivers in Chicago choose to settle their claim after a collision with another vehicle. In fact, your Chicago car accident lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit in some situations. Filing a lawsuit allows you to take your claim before a judge and jury.
Generally, we consider filing a lawsuit when insurance agents refuse to negotiate a fair settlement. Many insurance companies do not expect drivers to stand up to them, but we’re here to be the support you want in your corner.
What Happens During a Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
Your Chicago car accident attorney can walk you through the process of filing a lawsuit. Generally, lawyers begin the process by filing a complaint with the court about the individual who caused your accident.
After beginning the lawsuit, your legal team will handle discovery for you, collecting evidence, and building your claim. We may file motions to block evidence and continue negotiating with insurance agents.
In fact, some claims end up settled while going through court, ending the lawsuit. We also have the experience to state your case in court, working to bring you a verdict in your favor. You can learn more by contacting us today for help.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case in Chicago?
The time it takes to resolve your car accident claim in Chicago can vary. For example, settling a claim following a collision with another driver may only take a few weeks to several months, allowing you to move forward with compensation for your losses.
Lawsuits often take longer in Chicago. Depending on the complexity of your claim, it could take several months or over a year to conclude a lawsuit. We can provide more information about the time for your case when you contact a car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL.
How Much Can a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Generally, Chicago car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. They only receive payment for their legal services after they resolve a claim for their clients. Then, after handling the case, they receive a percentage of the final settlement or verdict.
Therefore, the exact costs of working with a car accident attorney in Chicago, IL, can vary based on the final value of your case. However, this process does ensure you don’t have to pay legal fees while struggling with the aftermath of a collision.
We can review our specific charges for car accident claims when you contact us for assistance. In addition, we offer risk-free consultations that make it easy to discuss your case and unique needs.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Chicago, IL?
Some drivers wonder if they should hire a Chicago car accident lawyer, considering the cost of legal assistance. Lawyers provide you with professional help backed by years of experience and resources designed to support you against other drivers and insurance companies.
Additionally, many people find they end up securing more compensation when they work with a lawyer on their car accident claim. Lawyers understand fair settlement offers and can help you navigate complicated legal waters.
Who Can We Hold Liable for Your Chicago Car Accident?
When we take on claims for clients in your position, we dig into all the facts surrounding the wreck. We understand that many parties can end up causing a collision, so we investigate the actions of:
Other Drivers
Other drivers frequently end up causing collisions. They cause accidents when they break the rules of the road, which may include:
- Driving too fast for the conditions or breaking the speed limit
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
- Changing lanes without checking their blind spots
- Tailgating other drivers
The above list contains some common examples of dangerous behavior that can result in accidents in Chicago. However, we understand that drivers may make other decisions that lead to crashes. Therefore, we investigate all cases our firm takes on.
Depending on the other driver’s actions, they may end up causing a head-on, rear-end, or side-impact accident. Some drivers even roll their vehicles over, potentially striking multiple other cars.
Car Manufacturers
Sometimes, drivers do not cause accidents in Chicago. Instead, wrecks may occur due to a dangerous defect in a vehicle. In these cases, we have the resources and training to take on major car manufacturers and retailers.
We can look for evidence of similar defects causing accidents, showing that you are not alone in dealing with the problem. Contact us today to find out how we can file a lawsuit against a car manufacturer.
The City of Chicago
Finally, the city is responsible for keeping our roads in good condition. They must fill potholes regularly and ensure road signs get placed correctly to provide the right direction to drivers. Sometimes, failures in this area can result in accidents.
In this case, the city may hold liability for your collision. We know how to build cases for this kind of negligence and can support you.
What Behaviors Lead to Chicago Car Accidents?
Reckless behaviors generally cause car accidents in Chicago, IL. What makes drivers engage in negligent conduct that endangers themselves and others? In many cases, we look for signs that the driver was operating their vehicle while:
Impaired by Alcohol
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 18.5 million people admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol in 2020. These numbers tend to hold steady over time.
Drivers impaired by alcohol have slower reaction times and may engage in risky behavior, leading to accidents. These drivers caused one death every 45 minutes in 2020, demonstrating the risks of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Illinois requires drivers to keep their blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.08% when operating a vehicle, or they can face driving under the influence (DUI) charges. We can access your police report after an accident, determining if the other driver was impaired at the time of the collision.
Distracted
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that drivers can experience either visual, manual, or cognitive distractions while operating a vehicle. Each form of distraction increases a driver’s odds of causing an accident because they don’t have their complete focus on the road.
Cell phone usage is one of Chicago’s most significant causes of distraction. Drivers sending text messages experience all three forms of distraction, often ignoring the road for a dangerous amount of time.
Your Chicago car accident lawyer may look at cellphone records to see if the driver who struck you was engaging in dangerous and distracting behavior at the time of the collision.
Fatigued
Driving while fatigued can increase the odds of an accident. In fact, fatigue can impair Chicago drivers as much as alcohol usage. Tired drivers often have slow reaction times and may make poor decisions when navigating the roads.
Incredibly tired drivers even fall asleep at the wheel, losing control of their vehicles and causing accidents. Drowsy driving accidents often happen at night but can occur at any time of the day.
While it’s more challenging to prove that a driver was operating a vehicle while fatigued, we can thoroughly investigate on your behalf.
How Long After a Chicago Car Accident Can You File a Claim?
The state of Illinois gives you around two years to file a car accident claim with your legal team in most cases. However, exceptions to the statute of limitations exist. For example, you may have less time if the accident involved a government employee or vehicle.
Waiting too long to begin your claim can prevent you from seeking compensation for your losses. Fortunately, a Chicago car accident attorney can monitor the deadlines on your behalf, ensuring your claim stays on track.
What Are the Benefits of Contacting a Lawyer Right Away?
Working with a car accident attorney in Chicago, IL, does more than keep your case on track. Getting a legal team on your side immediately also gives your lawyer a chance to gather the evidence before it’s lost.
Securing immediate help also ensures you don’t have to deal with insurance agents on your own. These representatives may try to get you to admit fault for an accident. They often encourage drivers to record a statement that they can use to weaken their claims.
Allowing a lawyer to handle all communications helps protect your odds of getting compensation.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Partially Caused the Accident?
We understand that fault can become complicated when handling car accident cases in Chicago. Sometimes, more than one driver could contribute to a collision. In this situation, the state’s comparative negligence laws come into place.
Illinois allows you to seek funds to cover your losses even if you have a percentage of fault for the collision. Generally, you can seek some damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the wreck.
However, the percentage of the compensation you receive drops with your degree of fault. Therefore, you may want to work with a Chicago car accident lawyer to show that another party caused your wreck, thereby preserving your damages.
What Happens if You’re in a Wreck with an Uninsured Driver in Chicago?
All drivers in Chicago have a legal obligation to obtain insurance before operating their vehicles. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore this requirement and get on the road without enough coverage to pay for damages they cause in collisions.
Fortunately, a Chicago car accident attorney can use several options to bring you compensation, even in this situation. Depending on the facts of your claim, your lawyer may:
Use Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Policy
You have the option to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage when buying car insurance in Chicago. However, Illinois does not require that you carry this kind of coverage.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, we can help you file an insurance claim, seeking funds from your company. We can also review your insurance policy to help you understand your current status.
You may also have a chance to sue the driver who struck you, regardless of whether they carry appropriate insurance. You can speak with us about all your options starting right now.
What Steps Should You Take After a Chicago Car Accident?
If you got hurt in a car accident in Chicago, your law firm might recommend that you take specific steps. Following these guidelines can strengthen your case, allowing you to seek compensation for your losses.
We recommend that you:
Stay at the Scene of the Accident
Leaving the scene of a car accident can result in hit-and-run charges in Chicago. A conviction for a hit and run may lead to fines and other penalties, including restrictions on your driver’s license. Therefore, we recommend that you pull your vehicle over in a safe place and wait.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
Contact the police following an accident with another vehicle, especially if the collision led to injuries or significant property damage. The police can investigate the scene of the wreck and file an official report about what they believe happened.
Collect Evidence Before You Leave
You can help your Chicago car accident attorney build your claim before ever leaving the accident scene. Take time to snap pictures of:
- Your injuries
- The damage to your vehicle
- The position of your vehicle
- Hazards that contributed to the accident
In addition to getting pictures, you may want to obtain contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident and the other driver. Taking these steps helps give your lawyer a firm foundation to work from when handling your claim.
Get Medical Care for Your Injuries
Make sure you seek medical care if you sustained injuries in a car accident in Chicago. Getting treatment immediately helps set up a paper trail showing that your injuries came directly from the collision.
Documentation showing the causes of your injuries can make it more difficult for insurance agents to deny your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Chicago
Finally, make sure you seek legal aid after your car wreck in Chicago. You can reach out to a lawyer at any point after the collision, but getting help right away can help you feel more confident about the outcome of your claim.
Our team can also walk you through your next steps in seeking damages when you reach out to us following an accident.
Should You Notify Your Insurance Company Following an Accident?
Yes, it’s essential to let your insurance company know after any car accident in Chicago. Informing your insurance agent immediately allows them to start the paperwork for your claim and helps establish that the collision happened when you say it did.
However, your insurance company may not always put your best interests first. Therefore, make sure you talk to your Chicago car accident lawyer before you sign any papers or give recorded statements.
Your lawyer can help you cooperate with insurance agents while protecting your claim.
How Do You Select a Lawyer for Your Chicago Car Accident Claim?
Finding a law firm to handle your car accident claim in Chicago may feel challenging. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you get in contact with a team that can handle your needs.
You can start looking for recommendations for a car accident law firm from your:
- Friends
- Family
- Co-workers
You can also search online for law firms in your area. Look for firms with experience with cases like yours and a reputation for successfully resolving claims in their client’s favor.
You can speak with a representative for various firms with a free consultation, allowing you to select a team to serve you in Chicago.
Speak to Us After a Car Accident in Chicago
You can start working with a Chicago car accident lawyer at the Morelli Law Firm today. Our team takes your case seriously and stands up to insurance companies and other drivers on your behalf. So put your trust in us while you recover from your injuries.
Get started by calling us or completing our online contact form. We’re ready to address all your needs and concerns.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form