Best Auto Accident Lawyer Chicago

Why Hire a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there are an estimated 772 car wrecks in the state every day.

Cook County leads the State of Illinois in car crashes.

Nearly 160,000 car accidents happened in Cook County in 2019, accounting for over 50% of crashes in the state.

The statistics are staggering and car accidents on Chicago’s busy roadways are unfortunately not always avoidable.

The statistics are staggering and motor vehicle accidents on Chicago’s busy roadways are unfortunately not always avoidable.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries resulting from a car accident, we are here to help.

Contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer from TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options today!

Individuals who have been involved in a car crash and are already dealing with injuries, stress, financial loss, and recovery should not be additionally burdened with the hassle of handling your legal action.

Let us represent and fight for you, while you focus on the most important thing – recovery!

We are dedicated to fighting for our clients to the fullest extent.

In addition, you can expect the following five (5) benefits from our Chicago law firm:

1. Free Consultations

You can receive a free consultation by phone, in person, and online from the lawyers at TorHoerman Law.

We work on a contingency basis, which means you only owe us a fee if we win your case.

Our consultations are completely confidential and free of charge!

2. Professional & Experienced Legal Team

Our firm has been working with clients from all over the United States for over 35 years, and we have a proven track record of success.

Our firm has been awarded over $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements in cases we’ve fought for our clients.

Our team of Chicago car accident lawyers is dedicated, professional, and always ready to help you!

3. Unparalleled Client Service

Our staff is available to clients 24/7 for any questions or concerns that may arise.

We are always here to help you through your case, let you know what is going on, and ensure you are comfortable with the process!

4. Honesty & Integrity

There is nothing more important to our firm than honesty and integrity.

You will always receive truth and transparency from our staff at TorHoerman Law.

Our clients’ best interests are always at the forefront of every conversation, and we place ethics above all else!

5. Privacy & Confidentiality

Our law firm will help ensure your privacy, and we respect the confidentiality of all clients.

We will maintain this privacy at each and every stage in your case.

Your information will not be shared with anyone else.

The only exceptions are in the case of mandatory disclosures, such as if you are under investigation for another crime.

It is important to know your legal rights and options related to the specific details of your accident.

In order to maximize your chances at a successful claim, it may help to consult with the experts here at TorHoerman Law!

If you or a loved one suffered injuries resulting from a car accident, we are here to help.

Contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer from TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options today.

Individuals who have been involved in a car crash and are already dealing with injuries, stress, financial loss, and recovery.

You should not be additionally burdened with the hassle of handling your legal action.

Let us represent and fight for you, while you focus on the most important thing – recovery.

We are dedicated to fighting for our clients to the fullest extent.

Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyers

Chicago is no stranger to car accidents.

In fact, the city has some of the highest rates of traffic collisions in the country.

As an urban area, it has some of the most dangerous roadways due to traffic creating congested roads, regular winter weather bringing ice and snow to the area, and roadways in need of repair.

In 2021, there were over 1,300 traffic-related fatalities in Illinois, 470 of them being in Cook County.

Even the safest drivers can get into a car accident because, ultimately, you can’t control the behaviors of other drivers or outside factors such as weather conditions like snow, ice, or rain.

You can, however, take control of your future by seeking legal representation if you are involved in a collision.

An experienced car accident attorney can help when you are faced with the uncertainty of the aftermath of a car accident!

At TorHoerman Law, you’ll have an experienced Chicago car accident attorney evaluate your case and answer any questions you may have – free of charge.

We care about car accident victims and helping them recover maximum compensation.

Our experienced team of attorneys are here to handle your Chicago car accident claim – navigating the civil litigation process so that you can focus on getting back in good health and getting back with your life!

I Was In A Car Accident in Chicago (IL) - What Should I Do Now?

If you are involved in a car accident in Chicago (IL), follow these five (5) steps:

1. STOP!

Never leave the scene, unless seriously injured and you need to go to the hospital.

Call the Chicago police and Chicago medical professionals for assistance.

Illinois law requires you to report the event if an injury or death occurred.

If the incident resulted in more than $1,500 in property damage, it must be reported within 10 days.

Failure to report a car accident is considered a felony in the state of Illinois.

2. Document Everything

Record details and collect photos, including photos of the license plates and licenses of anyone involved in the accident.

Write down the names of the responding law enforcement officers – the more details you collect, the better!

3. Do Not Admit Fault

Do not admit fault to anyone, including to the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company!

4. Keep ALL Records

If hurt, keep track of all medical and billing records.

This will help your case down the road.

5. Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer

Hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer, like the Chicago car accident attorneys we have here at TorHoerman Law.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney from TorHoerman Law right away.

They can help you navigate the complicated Illinois legal system.

You should ask your legal team any, and all, questions.

We’re here to help and make the process run smoothly for you!

What Are The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago, IL?

While statewide campaigns, such as Click it or Ticket, End Distracted Driving, or the Illinois Speed Awareness Day, have been successful in creating awareness – they haven’t eliminated the factors that can cause car accidents.

Chicago car accidents are most often caused by the following six (6) factors:

1. Speeding
2. Alcohol or drug impairment
3. Distracted driving
4. Reckless or careless driving
5. Vehicle defects
6. Road hazards

These common causes of Chicago car accidents are very similar to the most common causes of car accidents nationwide.

In Chicago, the bad winter weather and busy roadways are additional factors that contribute greatly to Chicago car crashes.

After alerting emergency personnel, the responding officers will determine who is at fault and what factors caused the collision.

In conjunction with the severity of your injuries and damages, that determination will later help establish your compensation case.

What Are The Most Common Chicago Car Accident Injuries?

The following is a list of the six (6) most common injuries suffered in Chicago car accidents:

1. Neck injuries
2. Back injuries
3. Spinal injuries
4. Broken bones
5. Head and brain trauma (traumatic brain injury)
6. Death

The most common car accident injuries are oftentimes avoidable by taking the right safety precautions, like wearing a seatbelt.

Regardless of the injury, you should seek medical attention to properly diagnose and treat your injury.

Seeking medical attention is an important step in mitigation and can greatly increase your chances of winning your Chicago car accident lawsuit!

6 Steps in a Chicago Car Accident Lawsuit

Each case is unique, so there is no “right” timeline for a Chicago car accident lawsuit, but typically cases proceed similarly.

These are the six (6) steps in a Chicago car accident lawsuit:

1. Understand the Illinois Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury, meaning you have two years from the date of your accident to file a Chicago car accident lawsuit.

You must contact a Chicago car accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case as quickly as possible as to not miss your chance of filing a lawsuit!

2. File Your Car Accident Case

If, after an investigation into the facts, the chicago car accident attorney agrees to proceed with your case – a Chicago car accident case will be filed on your behalf.

3. Discovery

After the filing of the lawsuit, the discovery phase of the litigation occurs.

This is where information and evidence are exchanged, and depositions of the parties and potential witnesses will be conducted.

4. Attempt to Resolve

In many cases, after the completion of the discovery phase but before the trial, the parties will attempt to resolve the case.

While some car accident cases can be resolved in as little as six months, the facts of each case will dictate the timing and potential of any settlement.

5. Settlement Reached Before Trial

If a settlement is agreed upon, after all the liens and attorney fees and case costs have been paid, you can receive the net proceeds as either a lump-sum payment or in a structured settlement – where the proceeds are paid over an agreed-upon timeframe.

6. Unable to Reach Settlement – We Go to Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached by the parties involved, the case will likely proceed to trial.

More often than not, Chicago car accident lawsuit cases settle before going to trial.

However, there is a small chance your case could go to trial.

Your Chicago car accident lawyer will be there to help you every step of the way regardless of which route your case could take!

Receiving Fair Compensation for your Chicago Car Accident

The accident has happened and been taken care of by emergency personnel, but you’re still in pain, either physically or emotionally.

The aftermath of a Chicago car accident is often incredibly stressful – seeking compensation for the damages you suffered can help alleviate some of that stress.

Chicago Car Accident Damages

• Vehicle repair
• Vehicle replacement
• Payment of medical bills
• Lost income compensation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Depending on the specifics of your Chicago car accident lawsuit, you may choose to both compensate damages and punitive damages against the party who holds liability for your losses.

You should discuss both types of damages in detail with your Chicago car accident lawyer.

After calculating your total damages, your Chicago car accident lawyer will use legal means to seek compensation that totals the damages you incurred as a result of your accident.

10 Insurance Claim Settlement Negotiation Tips & Auto Insurance Laws in Illinois

By law established in 1989, Illinois drivers are required to carry liability insurance.

Specifically, drivers must carry the following:

• $25,000 in injury or death to another person
• $50,000 in injury or death to two or more people
• $20,000 in property damage

The right type of auto insurance can keep you protected in the event of a crash.

As a driver, you are required to have the aforementioned coverage and carry your insurance card with you at all times while operating the vehicle.

If you were in a car accident in Chicago and the other driver does not have insurance, confusion can arise.

Which will likely leave you wondering…

What Happens If I Am in a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver?

Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common issue on Chicago roadways.

The scenarios differ based on the coverage you have:

Full Coverage

If you have full coverage on your vehicle, your policy likely covers uninsured motorists, but often, it comes with a price tag at your expense.

You’ll be required to submit a car accident claim and pay an out-of-pocket deductible, which often will be paid back but takes a significant amount of time.

Because of the claim you filed, your insurance premiums could rise substantially at the time of renewal.

Only Liability Insurance

If you only have liability insurance on your car, new issues arise.

You will likely have to pay out of pocket for almost all of the expenses unless you added uninsured motorist property damage.

The add-on gives damage protection to the driver if hit by an uninsured motorist.

But, you need to be able to identify the driver, and it cannot be a hit-and-run, otherwise, you will be responsible for fixing the damage to your car.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

It’s important to note that uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can likely save you from paying thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if you are hit by an uninsured motorist.

The add-on will increase your insurance costs by a small amount, but that amount is a small price to pay when faced with a wreck involving an uninsured driver!

Uninsured motorists cause havoc on roadways.

The Insurance Information Institute estimated that in 2015, 13.7% of motorists were uninsured.

Illinois is ranked 18th in the country for the number of uninsured motorists on the roads.

Chicago, Illinois (IL) - Rules of the Road

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, nearly 100,000 people suffer injuries due to motor vehicle accidents in the state every year.

However, many of these incidents could have potentially been avoided if drivers were following the rules of the road.

Speed Limit

In the City of Chicago, the universal speed limit for urban streets, not including expressway streets, is 30 miles per hour.

If there are no visible speed limit signs, you can assume the speed limit is 30 MPH.

This is a universal law throughout the State of Illinois – however, there are exceptions.

In the case of streets that are more similar to highways, the speed limit will be higher, and when in school or construction zones, the speed limit will be lower.

Also, there may be instances of lower speed limits when bike lanes are present.

The NHTSA says that most urban areas follow the same speed limits, providing guidance even if a sign is not in place.

Seat Belt Laws

A seat belt must be worn by all passengers regardless of seating, age, height, or weight.

Not only is it illegal to not wear one but by wearing a seatbelt, you are ensuring your safety.

Seat belts can, and do, save lives!

Red Light Camera Enforcement Program

In Chicago, the City strongly enforces the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program designed to reduce the number of dangerous crashes at intersections.

Rear-end, side-swipe, angle, and head-on crashes are the most common types of car accidents that can cause significant harm to all individuals involved.

By issuing citations to those who run red lights, the City hopes to deter drivers from carelessly passing through intersections when the light has turned red.

Originally established in 2003, red-light cameras were placed at two intersections – Peterson and Western and 55th and Western. Since then, the program has expanded to other busy and problematic intersections.

Pedestrian Walkways & Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules

While driving in the City, you’ll see countless pedestrians walking or cycling.

Though this isn’t uncommon in a city of its size, the Chicago Department of Transportation has been trying to continually improve pedestrian safety through new pedestrian plans and initiatives.

In 2014, the Chicago Police Department began an initiative to deter drivers from speeding around crosswalks and failing to yield to pedestrians.

The initiative involves off-duty, undercover officers posing as pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks.

If a driver failed to yield or was driving at an unusually high rate of speed, the driver would be pulled over by a police spotter down the street.

Results of the campaign in 2015 revealed 2,602 citations were issued for “Failure to Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk”.

What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident In Chicago, IL

If you have been in a car accident, be aware that you may have a few different legal obligations.

If the accident resulted in injury or if there was damage to other property, you must exchange the necessary information with those involved.

If your car accident resulted in damage or injury, you should take the following five (5) steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention

If the accident caused injury, immediately seek medical attention.

If a bystander requests a description of your injuries and you feel they will be able to help with your claim, ask them to record the details of what happened.

2. Take Photos

Before you leave the scene, take photos of any damage sustained by both vehicles involved in the accident.

This will be your proof of what happened and will help your insurance company.

3. Ask for Contact Information

If you are involved in an accident, be sure to ask for the other party’s contact information.

This should include their name, address, phone number, insurance information, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and license plate number.

4. Contact the Police

If the accident resulted in injury or if there is any property damage, you must contact your local police department to file a report.

This will allow you to file an official claim with the other party’s insurance company for reimbursement of medical bills and property damage.

However, it may also be possible to receive compensation without filing an official police report – it just is much more complicated to do so.

5. DON’T DISCUSS FAULT!

Lastly, and most importantly, don’t try to take responsibility for the accident or discuss fault with anyone.

This can harm your case and further anger the other party involved.

A Chicago Car Accident Lawyer at TorHoerman Law will always guide you in the right direction if you are not sure how to handle your case.

Please call us with any questions at (312) 313-2273!

TorHoerman Law - The Best Chicago Car Accident Lawyers

The legal team at TorHoerman Law is both experienced and skilled in handling car accident lawsuits in Chicago, IL.

Highly regarded as top lawyers in their field, a number of our lawyers hold titles as the Top Attorneys in IL, and have been named “Top 100 Lawyer” in the State of Illinois, an incredibly prestigious award that demonstrates capability and expertise in the legal field.

You can count on TorHoerman Law, the best personal injury lawyer Chicago has to offer, to work hard for you and your case.

Contact us today and let the Chicago car accident lawyers from TorHoerman Law help you work through your Chicago car accident case!