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Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
We fight for car accident victims in Chicago and across Illinois
According to a recent CDOT report, over 2,000 people were injured in Chicago car accidents in 2023. Tragically, there were also 136 fatalities noted in this report. When someone is seriously injured or killed in a car crash, the fallout is often swift and extensive. Medical bills, missed work shifts, chronic pain, and long-term mental health challenges are just a few of the consequences we often see in these cases.
Traumatic accidents are troubling and life-changing even under the most “ideal” circumstances. When another person’s negligence leads to a catastrophic crash, however, survivors may face additional challenges both logistically and emotionally. Feelings of frustration and betrayal are extremely common following a negligence-related accident, and this stress can easily compound if insurance negotiations or other legal discussions go south.
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we help accident victims in Chicago and across the state of Illinois pursue compensation for losses related to motor vehicle accidents. Our local team is proud to represent survivors of a wide range of accident scenarios, and we’re committed to fighting for a case outcome that aligns with their needs.
Contact our team today for a free case review, and let’s discuss what the next steps could look like in your fight for fair compensation.
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Table of contents
- Why choose Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers?
- Types of car accident cases we handle
- What to do after a Chicago car accident
- What makes Chicago accidents so dangerous?
- A note on negligence
- How comparative negligence works in Illinois
- The Chicago car accident claims process
- What damages are available in a Chicago car accident claim?
- Chicago car accident frequently asked questions
Results
$250,000.00 Settlement in Car Crash Case
A man was struck by a teenage driver while crossing a street in Chicago. He sustained a comminuted and depressed lateral tibial plateau fracture with associated hem arthrosis. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation with an anterior compartment fasciotomy. Case settled for $250,000.00.
Why choose Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choices, questions and general uncertainty in the days and weeks following a serious car accident. For some survivors, choosing the right lawyer to represent them can become yet another major stressor. There are a lot of firms to choose from, and it’s not always easy to determine whether these people genuinely have your best interest in mind or are equipped with the experience necessary to fight for you effectively.
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we know just how difficult the lawyer search can be and want to ease some of the strain. We have boots on the ground in the heart of Chicago, and we understand some of the unique challenges associated with pursuing car accident claims in this region.
Additionally, we have an established track record of advocating for survivors from all walks of life. Some of our standout recoveries include:
- An $887,500.00 settlement prior to trial for a 43-year-old male who was rear-ended at a stop sign in Chicago.
- A $371,060.94 arbitration award for a DoorDash driver who suffered multiple injuries in a head-on collision.
- A $288,500.00 settlement for multiple family members who were struck by a driver who made an improper left turn at an intersection.
- A $250,000.00 settlement in a car accident claim filed by a client who was struck by a teenage driver while crossing a street in Chicago.
These are just a few of the recoveries our team has secured for local clients. Whether advocating for clients during insurance negotiations or representing accident victims in court, our team works tirelessly to obtain strong verdicts and settlements that can help our clients meet their immediate and long-term needs.
Types of car accident cases we handle
No two crashes are exactly alike. That’s why we handle every crash scenario on a case-by-case basis rather than taking the same cookie-cutter approach to every car accident claim that comes across our desk. Here are just a few kinds of car accident cases we see in our Chicago office:
Rear-end collisions
In 2024, rear-end collisions accounted for roughly 40% of all multi-vehicle crashes nationwide. These crashes are fairly common in Chicago and the surrounding areas due to our dense traffic congestion. Stop-and-go traffic can be a major contributor to rear-end collisions because drivers don’t always maintain safe stopping distances in traffic jams. Many people write off rear-end crashes as being relatively minor, but many of these accidents actually result in serious injuries and extensive property damage – all of which can be incredibly costly.
Intersection accidents
So many things can go wrong in high-traffic intersections. If a driver fails to yield properly, runs a red light, or doesn’t keep a lookout for pedestrians and cyclists while turning, they could cause serious harm to the people around them. T-bone and side-impact crashes are some of the most dangerous crash scenarios we see in local intersections, and many of these accidents have catastrophic consequences.
Distracted driving accidents
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in nearly every context. People may be more inclined to multitask in slow-moving traffic jams, but distracted driving can also contribute to accidents in parking lots, residential areas, and more. In Illinois, it’s illegal to use your phone for things like sending messages, streaming video and scrolling social media while driving. Cell phones aren’t the only source of distraction, though. GPS devices, sound systems, and even other passengers can become disastrous distractions in certain situations.
Impaired driving incidents
In 2024, alcohol-related crashes accounted for roughly 23% of all Illinois traffic fatalities, and 21,245 DUI arrests were reported to the Secretary of State’s office. Drug- and alcohol-related accidents are incredibly frustrating because they are preventable in most cases. Impaired drivers are less equipped to respond appropriately to safety hazards and may be more inclined to engage in reckless driving behaviors. This can be quite an incendiary combination and may lead to particularly devastating accidents.
Multi-vehicle crashes
Traffic is a major concern in the Chicago area, for more reasons than one. As traffic density continues to increase, we may encounter more chain-reaction crashes. When you have a large number of vehicles in close proximity to one another, one seemingly minor misstep can trigger a multi-car pileup accident with serious consequences. These crashes also pose logistical challenges with respect to investigation and insurance claims because it can be hard to pinpoint what exactly kick-started the crash and how all other involved parties may or may not have contributed.
Hit-and-run accidents
When one driver flees the scene of an accident without providing necessary information or speaking to law enforcement, the other impacted driver may encounter additional hurdles with respect to recovering compensation. These cases are challenging and, frankly, irritating for many injured victims and their loved ones. Uninsured motorist coverage can help offset some of the cost associated with these incidents, but when damages exceed policy limits, victims can be left without the funds they need to cover all of their losses.
What to do after a Chicago car accident
Everything you do immediately after a crash can have major implications for the future of your case. Not only is your personal safety at risk in the moments after a serious accident, but your rights can be compromised if you don’t handle the situation with care.
To mitigate some of these risks, after an accident, you should:
- Check for injuries and render aid: If you or anyone else was injured in the accident, your first priority should be moving to safety and rendering any first aid that may be required.
- Call 911: Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if needed. You’re also required to formally report any crash resulting in:
- Injury or death
- Over $1,500 in damage to the property of any person
- Over $500 in property damage if any vehicle involved is uninsured
- Exchange information: If it’s safe to do so, you should get the other driver's name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance information and share yours if asked to do so. Do not apologize or speculate about what may have caused the accident while speaking with the other driver or your insurance adjuster.
- Document the scene: If possible, take photographs of any vehicle damage, roadway conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, or visible injuries. This kind of documentation can become important pieces of evidence later on in your case.
- Seek medical attention: If you were not transported for emergency treatment immediately following the crash, you should make it a point to obtain a medical evaluation as soon as you can. Even if you feel fine, you may have invisible injuries. Getting evaluated can help you safeguard against unexpected health complications and provide you with a paper trail that can help support your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Many insurers require policyholders to promptly notify them of any accidents. Check your policy to confirm these reporting requirements, and do your best to comply. If you miss any deadlines or reporting windows, your claim may be impacted.
- Contact a Chicago car accident attorney: The sooner you get an attorney involved in your case, the sooner they can begin advocating for you. Your Chicago auto accident lawyer can help investigate your crash and prepare you for any next steps that may be required in your case.
What makes Chicago accidents so dangerous?
We see our fair share of serious accidents here in Chicago. Our high traffic density, growing population, and frequent construction and infrastructure projects likely contribute to the severity of these crashes. When accidents happen along busy corridors like I-90, I-94, Lake Shore Drive and other crowded roadways, there’s an enhanced risk of serious harm.
We also have to contend with a lot of different kinds of motor vehicles in our city. Passenger cars, public transportation vehicles, delivery trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and even scooters can all pose their own safety risks. Add pedestrian traffic into the equation, and even a minor traffic infraction can tee you up for a major crash.
A note on negligence
In many car accident cases, fault is connected to findings of negligence.
Some collisions are unavoidable, but those that happen because of another person’s actions or inactions have certain legal implications.
To be considered negligent under the law, a person generally must have:
- Owed the injured party a legal duty of care
- Violated that duty
- Proximately caused the injured victim identifiable harm
If those conditions are met, you may be able to hold the other driver involved in your case legally and financially responsible for certain accident-related losses. Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to determine whether there is enough evidence to support a finding of negligence.
How comparative negligence works in Illinois
In Illinois, we adhere to a modified comparative negligence system when determining liability for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, all parties involved in a crash will have their contributions assessed in order to decide who should bear the bulk of the responsibility.
In states with strict contributory negligence systems, a person who contributed to their own accident will generally be barred from recovering any compensation from another party. In Illinois, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially to blame for your own injuries. What matters is the extent of your contributions. As long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash, you may be able to pursue a claim against the other involved party.
There is a bit of a trade-off required, however. If you were 50% or less to blame for the crash, any compensation you receive will ultimately be reduced by the same percentage as your level of fault. If you were 20% to blame, your recovery would be reduced by 20%, and so on. An experienced Cook County car accident lawyer can help you understand how comparative negligence may impact your case.
The Chicago car accident claims process
The exact path your case might follow will depend on the facts of your case. However, we think it can be helpful to provide a basic overview of how most claims unfold once a lawyer is involved:
Step 1: Consultation
You’ll meet with your prospective lawyer to have a confidential conversation about the details of your case and your ideal outcome.
Step 2: Evidence collection
Your lawyer will send preservation requests for any evidence in danger of deletion or modification. They’ll also gather any photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage or expert opinions that may be relevant to your claim.
Step 3: Investigation
Your Chicago car crash lawyer reviews all of the evidence and information they collected in order to identify any liable parties and begin calculating the value of your claim.
Step 4: Demand package
Your side submits a demand package to the other party’s insurance company outlining liability, injuries and damages.
Step 5: Settlement negotiations
The parties attempt to resolve the claim through negotiation. Your lawyer may be able to support you during this phase.
Step 6: Filing a lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached via negotiations, you and your lawyer may decide to file a lawsuit in civil court.
Step 7: Discovery and litigation
Both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions in preparation for trial.
Step 8: Settlement or trial
It’s not unusual for these cases to settle before they actually go to trial. If an agreement still hasn’t been reached by the end of the discovery and litigation process, however, the case may ultimately proceed to trial.
How do your lawyers prove negligence in car accident cases?
Our Chicago car accident lawyers work with the police and our own investigators. When necessary, we also work with traffic reconstruction experts, car part safety experts, and other experts. Our lawyers thoroughly question everyone involved in the accident. We review phone records and other evidence when relevant.
Our attorneys understand the art of negotiation – how much your case is worth, how much the insurance carriers will offer, and what the terms of a just settlement should be. If the insurance company's offers are not reasonable, we’re always ready to argue your case in court before a judge and a jury.
How much is my car accident claim worth in Illinois?
When an accident happens, the people injured by these vehicles will have their lives changed, sometimes forever. Every personal injury brings with it daily physical pain, the need for medical attention, and anxiety over whether the injuries will ever heal or get better. People who survive the injuries usually lose some of the enjoyment of life while they are healing. Many injured victims cannot return to work for significant amounts of time, and some never return.
We demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses of every nature
- Lost income and benefits, including permanent disability benefits
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
When the wrong is egregious, we ask for punitive damages so the reckless conduct doesn’t continue.
We seek wrongful death damages for families when car accidents are fatal. These damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the loss of personal support (comfort, society, guidance, and love) your loved one would have provided each family member.
What damages are available in a Chicago car accident claim?
You may be entitled to a variety of different damages depending on the facts of your case. Many clients pursue claims for a variety of economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care and/or rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity due to injuries
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In most cases involving private individuals, there are no caps on economic and non-economic damages, so you can fight for a compensation amount that aligns with the nature of your losses.
Chicago car accident frequently asked questions
How much is my Chicago car accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on the severity of your injuries, as well as the extent of your losses and the amount of insurance coverage available to you.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are some limited exceptions, however, so it’s worth talking to a lawyer even if you’ve surpassed this window.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?
Yes, you should speak to your insurance adjuster, but you should also be cautious about what you say. Even if you think your statements are accurate and innocuous, the insurance adjuster may leverage them against you later on.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial doesn’t automatically mean your claim is over. You may be able to appeal their decision or pursue alternative action to recover compensation. Your lawyer can help you sort out what options make the most sense in light of the insurer’s decision.
How long does a car accident claim take?
Every case is unique, and the timeline generally depends on the facts of the case and the avenues you choose to pursue while fighting for compensation.
Can I recover lost wages?
If you had to miss work while receiving medical treatment or were unable to return to your previous work duties due to the nature of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages or your reduced earning capacity.
Will my case go to court?
Many claims settle out of court, but you may have to go to trial if all other negotiations fail to deliver a resolution.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Initial offers are often lower than the full value of a claim. You should carefully consider the extent of your losses prior to accepting any offers. An attorney can also help you vet your initial settlement offer.
How are pain and suffering damages calculated?
There is no fixed formula for calculating non-economic damages, but testimony from friends, family members, employers, and experts can all help convey the extent of your losses.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency basis. That means you
Contact a Chicago car accident attorney today
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers may be able to help you advocate for yourself during insurance negotiations or in the event that your case proceeds to trial.
Call today or stop by our office at 77 W Washington St., Suite 1215 for a free case review. No strings, no sweat. We’re here to help, and we’d love the chance to learn more about your accident and your goals.
Car Accident Blog Posts
16-Year-Old E-Scooter Rider Killed in North Center Crash
On August 3, 2026, 16-year-old Alex Blacio died after a collision with a semitruck while riding an e-scooter in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Emergency responders transported Blacio to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Tragically, he was the third teenager killed while riding an e-scooter in Chicago this year. What happened…
Are Rideshare Accidents in Chicago More Likely to Cause Serious Injuries?
Serious injuries can occur in Chicago rideshare accidents, but no available research clearly shows they are more likely than in regular car accidents. What is clear is that Uber and Lyft drivers spend long hours navigating some of the busiest parts of the city, from O’Hare and downtown to Wrigley Field and Lake Shore Drive.…
What Causes Fatal Car Accidents on Chicago’s South Side?
Chicago’s South Side can be busy and congested, but that doesn’t mean fatal car accidents are inevitable. Yet fatalities and serious injuries occur in neighborhoods such as South Shore, Chatham, Englewood, and Hyde Park. These fatalities can be preventable and caused by factors such as speeding, high-risk intersections, confusing traffic patterns, and aging infrastructure. As…
Why Do High-Speed Crashes on Chicago Expressways Lead to Catastrophic Injuries?
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UIC Sprinter Sariyah Watson and Two Others Killed in Wrong-Way I-88 Crash in Aurora
Sariyah Watson, a 21-year-old sprinter on the University of Illinois Chicago track team, was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. The junior, who was studying for a sports management degree at UIC, was on her way to DeKalb to visit her mom for Mother’s Day when she died. This recent tragedy highlights the horrific impact…
How Much Compensation is Available After an Amputation Caused by a Car Crash?
Amputations are among the most devastating injuries you can suffer in a car accident. While no amount of money can truly compensate you in full after this type of loss, the severity of this injury means that there could be substantial compensation available after an accident. Severe cases can result in substantial settlements or jury…
What Should You Do If a Loved One Dies After a Catastrophic Car Accident?
Losing a loved one in a car accident is an incredibly painful and overwhelming experience. While dealing with unimaginable grief, family members also have to make urgent decisions regarding final arrangements, medical records, crash investigations, and legal options. Although nothing can undo the loss you’ve gone through, there are certain things you should do after…
Can a Car Accident Cause Internal Injuries That Don’t Show Up Right Away?
If you’re involved in a car accident and don’t notice any injuries right away, you may think that you’ve escaped the worst possible outcomes. However, some internal injuries may take hours or days to become apparent. Internal bleeding, brain injuries, and soft tissue damage may gradually worsen, leaving you unsure of what’s happening or what…
Who Pays for Lifetime Medical Care After a Catastrophic Car Accident in Chicago?
A catastrophic car accident can change your entire future in a matter of seconds. Most car accident victims suffer minimal injuries or injuries that heal within weeks or months—but some have injuries so severe that they will require care for the rest of their lives. Families dealing with spinal cord injuries, serious traumatic brain injuries,…
Driver Injures 14 in Oak Park Multi-Vehicle Crash Before Taking His Own Life
Just before 9 a.m. on April 3, a driver in a Toyota 4Runner ran a red light on Lake Street in Oak Park, Illinois, crashing into multiple vehicles and injuring 14 people. Several were hospitalized, but fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported. The driver died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the crash. What happened:…
Traumatic Brain Injuries After Car Accidents: Symptoms Insurance Companies Downplay
According to a special emphasis report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, nearly 30,000 people suffered traumatic brain injuries across our state in 2021. Traumatic brain injuries – or TBIs – can have long-lasting consequences for survivors of all ages and result in significant expenses related to medical care, rehabilitation, and even long-term disability.…
Severe Thoracic Spine Fractures in High-Speed Crashes
People who survive high-speed car crashes are often left with devastating, life-changing injuries. Thoracic spine fractures are among the worst. These breaks occur in the middle of the backbone and can cause paralysis, chronic pain, and problems that last a lifetime. During a high-speed collision, the spine can absorb impact far beyond what it was…
Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage After Rideshare Collision
A rideshare trip is meant to be convenient, but accidents can have unexpectedly serious consequences. Intra-abdominal hemorrhage, which is bleeding inside the abdominal cavity, is one of the most devastating injuries that can occasionally go unnoticed. Due to the severity of possible damage, it’s important to understand its seriousness, why an intra-abdominal hemorrhage might be…
Who is Liable in a Car Crash With a Distracted Walker?
Chicago is known as a pedestrian-friendly city, with newcomers to the region often surprised at how easily pedestrians will step into a crosswalk even though there are cars approaching. As a result, pedestrian accidents are often assumed to be the driver’s fault. Drivers have an obligation to take reasonable steps to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.…
How an Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A car accident can derail your plans, and in severe cases, it can change your entire life. The immediate aftermath of a Chicago car accident can be overwhelming, leaving you to figure out if your car is drivable, what type of medical care you need, and how to get everything paid for. During all of…
How Do I Get Surveillance Video of My Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
On November 24, 2025, 25-year-old De’Avion Smith was struck by a car while riding his bike. The driver fled the scene, and Smith was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated. Chicago data shows more than 37,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2021 alone. Whether a hit-and-run results in serious injuries or…
Driving Safely on the Road During the Holidays
Millions of people drive through Chicago during Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s. With increased traffic and winter weather, the risk of accidents rises. Understanding how to drive safely during the holidays, and knowing your legal options if an accident occurs, can help you better protect yourself. If you or a loved one has…
The Role of Cell Phone Data in Proving Crash Responsibility
Given our growing dependence upon cell phones, it’s no wonder so many drivers are being asked to hand over their devices in the wake of a contested accident. As we know, all kinds of evidence can easily make or break a complicated car accident case, and modern cellular phones can provide a veritable treasure trove…