Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is the leading motor vehicle accident law firm in Chicago. While many lawyers avoid the courtroom, our automobile accident attorneys are confident, professional, and prepare every injury case for civil trial. This approach, along with our reputation for achieving high-value settlements and verdicts makes the “other side” sit up and listen – insurance companies know we mean business.

 

chicago car accident lawyer

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Our hard work pays off for clients in Chicagoland

There are many law firms that act on behalf of the injured in auto accident cases. Every law firm varies in its approach, and some are more effective and maximizing compensation than others. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has over three decades of trial experience in Illinois courtrooms. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand what it takes to prove negligence and reach the best settlements possible for our clients.

Other points that set our legal practice apart include:

  • Our Chicago car accident lawyers are responsible for historic or record-breaking victories, including what was the largest verdict in Illinois history for a personal injury claim.
  • We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no out-of-pocket costs for our clients.
  • We have significant experience handling car accident cases in Chicago and understand how to handle even the most complex cases.
  • Our Chicago car accident lawyers pursue the maximum compensation possible in every case.

Exploring every avenue for compensation

All aspects of the accident must be evaluated, including the accident scene, the condition of the vehicles, along with interviewing eyewitnesses. An evaluation of the long-term impact of the injuries in financial terms is necessary for determining the damages to pursue. The need to take immediate legal action cannot be overstated. We urge to you connect with our firm without delay, so our Chicago car accident attorneys can get to work.

When should I hire a Chicago car accident lawyer?

The optimal time to retain the services of our legal team is directly after the accident, but this is not always possible. A seriously injured person may spend weeks in the hospital, possibly unconscious, in pain, or undergoing treatment. This is the time for the close family to step in and connect with our Chicago auto accident lawyers.
The evidence that supports a successful lawsuit must be gathered and preserved – a case becomes more difficult when vital evidence has been destroyed or lost. The bottom line is, the sooner you connect with us the better – for you.

 

How long do I have to file a claim?

It may be difficult to consider the legal implications of a car crash, particularly if you suffered serious or life-threatening injuries. In Illinois, the statute of limitations restricts the timeframe under which a lawsuit can be filed. You have two years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit.

To file an insurance claim (typically a first step in seeking full compensatory damages), the claim must be filed within a few weeks. A lawsuit must be filed within two years in civil court. In cases of wrongful death, the Illinois statute of limitations allows for one year from the time of death to file a lawsuit.

What kinds of damages may I be able to recover?

The value of your car accident injury claim hinges on the total amount of your damages. However, the amount you receive may not be exactly how much the accident cost you, for better or worse.

The following factors come into play when determining how much a car accident claim is worth:

  • How the accident happened
  • Any comparative negligence you bear
  • The actions of the defendant leading to the accident

Considering the elements listed above, the compensation you receive may fall short of the total amount of your damages or exceed the total of your economic damages.

 

Economic damages

To calculate how much your car accident injury claim is worth, start by assessing your total economic damages resulting from the incident. Economic damages are generally the easiest to prove in any motor vehicle accident injury claim. Retain copies of all:

  • Repair invoices
  • Medical bills
  • Receipts for anything related to your car accident after the incident

 

Medical treatment

If a negligent defendant caused a car accident with your vehicle and is responsible for your injuries, the defendant is liable for any and all medical treatment you require. Your medical expenses can include hospital bills, ambulance fees, and all other expenses related to your medical care, but only those resulting from the injuries from your accident.

 

Lost income

An auto accident may cause a severe injury that prevents you from working and driving for an extended time. You may develop permanent damage that prevents you from working in the future. You may secure compensation for lost future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from resuming work or working at all after your injury.

 

Property damage

The defendant is liable for the damage to your vehicle, so repair or replacement costs will likely form a sizable portion of your overall economic damages.

An experienced Chicago auto accident attorney can help you gather the materials necessary for proving the extent of your economic damages (i.e. medical bills), but you could be eligible for further compensation.

 

Non-economic damages (Pain & suffering)

The court will also award pain and suffering compensation to a plaintiff who suffered physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish due to a defendant’s actions. This varies based on:

  • The severity of the plaintiff’s injuries
  • The manifestation of any permanent disability
  • The plaintiff’s quality of life following his or her recovery

More damaging injuries and those that cause permanent damage generally lead to the most pain and suffering compensation.
A plaintiff’s attorney may call on expert witnesses to help justify a plaintiff’s claimed damages. For example, if a plaintiff developed a permanent disability due to the defendant’s negligent actions, an expert witness can provide further professional insight into the matter. With their testimony, they can show how the plaintiff’s disability will affect their earning capacity and physical health in the years to come. Expert witness testimony bolsters a plaintiff’s credibility.

 

Punitive damages

In rare cases, a jury will award a plaintiff punitive damages when a defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful. This includes performing criminal activities such as driving under the influence or fleeing from the police during the time of the accident.

Punitive damages exist to punish a defendant’s wrongdoing, and the amount awarded depends on the severity of the defendant’s behavior and his or her financial status. Wealthy defendants face much higher punitive damages than defendants with minimal assets.

All car accident injury claim plaintiffs should remember that Illinois state law upholds a comparative negligence statute. This means a plaintiff’s recovery could diminish if he or she bears any partial liability for causing the accident. In Illinois, a plaintiff can still recover compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault for causing the accident in question. However, the plaintiff will lose a percentage of the case award equal to his or her percentage of fault.

 

chicago car accident attorney

What happens if I’m partially to blame for the crash? Can I still recover compensation?

To file a successful claim or lawsuit, the fact of negligence must be established. Every case is different. Proving negligence may be as simple as a criminal conviction for DUI, or it may be much more complex.

 

The at-fault driver is likely represented by an insurance company lawyer. It is not uncommon for their defense lawyers to attempt to reduce the amount in compensation paid.

 

Under the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the concept of “contributory fault” affects every car crash and involves investigating the actions of both drivers to determine liability.

 

While one driver may be at fault, it is possible that the other driver may have made some driving error as well. If this is the case, the amount paid will be reduced by the percentage of fault. Simply, if one driver was 80 percent at fault, and the other 20 percent at fault, the compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.

What’s the process for a car accident lawsuit in Chicago?

When a case proceeds to civil court, it has several phases:

 

Case preparation

This process involves the sharing of information about the case, such as medical records, accident scene investigation information, witnesses who observed the auto accident, and other data.

 

Negotiations

Typically, an effort to resolve the case out of court will be required. This is the part of the process in which a settlement agreement may, or may not, be reached.

 

The trial

All trials are governed by the rules of evidence. The judge makes decisions about what evidence can be presented. Witnesses are called to give evidence. In car accident cases, this may include eyewitnesses to the accident, medical experts, financial experts, and accident investigators, among others. Each side has the opportunity to question these experts.

As experienced trial lawyers, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has extensive experience in case development and presentation. Our record of achieving high-value settlements and jury awards has led to our reputation as the leading car accident lawyers in Chicago.

 

Jury deliberation

After both side’s attorneys have finished presenting their case, the trial is concluded. The jury must then decide whether the defendant (the at-fault party) was responsible, and how much compensation should be paid to the plaintiff (the injured person).

The jury in a civil trial is given specific instructions to follow in coming to a verdict and compensation. The damages must include compensation for the emotional disturbance accompanying the injuries. We do not compromise in protecting the legal right of our clients to recover fair and full compensation, whether at trial or in settlement negotiations.

 

How long does the car accident lawsuit process take?

The process of seeking justice through the civil court system requires time. While drivers in Illinois are required to carry car insurance, some types of injuries result in damages that exceed the limits on a driver’s auto insurance policy. Predicting the length of time required to resolve your case requires an in-depth evaluation of the facts.

Many car accident cases can be settled outside of court – but even that process can be lengthy, particularly in cases of serious or fatal injuries. We urge you to call our Chicago car accident lawyers at once, so we can work together to review the details and establish a realistic timeline for your lawsuit. You can be confident our litigators will be pushing forward with your case and will not accept efforts to delay from an insurance company.

Common car accident injuries in Chicago

Vehicle accidents can cause severe injuries to any area of the body. Some of the most common injuries sustained include:

Chicago car accident statistics

Chicago is one of the largest cities in America, and the most congested. The Illinois Department of Transportation issues “Crash Facts,” revealing the staggering numbers of serious or fatal motor vehicle accidents. Some of the statistics include:

  • 11,490,301 registered vehicles in Illinois
  • 9,081,841 licensed drivers
  • Crashes (1 recent year) 313,316
  • Injuries (1 recent year) 92,675
  • Fatalities (1 recent year) 998

With 858 total traffic crashes occurring per day, 10 people injured, and three killed per day, car accidents occur at a staggering rate in Illinois. A large majority of car accidents occur in urban areas. The breakdown of types of accidents are as follows:

  • Rear-end accidents: 90,955
  • Turning-related collisions: 48,891
  • Sideswipe same direction crashes: 29,989
  • Sideswipe opposite direction accidents: 3,597
  • Angle collisions: 30,939
  • Vehicle overturns: 4,019
  • Collision with a fixed object: 33,853

There are many other types, but these are the most common accidents in which a driver or passenger is seriously or fatally injured. Cook County the largest percentage of car accidents in the state, with 155,935 car accidents, 221 fatal crashes, and 29,414 fatal crashes in the most recently reported year.

Hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault? Our Chicago car accident lawyers can help

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is committed to pursuing the maximum damages in negotiations or at trial. Whether a driver, company, or defective auto part was responsible for your crash, we can help assign liability. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will work hard to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case consultation.

For additional information, visit our Motor Vehicle FAQs.