Play Video

Free Case Review

Disclaimer

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

We fight for car accident victims in Chicago and across Illinois

Chicago police recorded more than 109,000 traffic crashes on city streets in 2025, with nearly 25,000 people injured, according to the City of Chicago crash data. The City’s Vision Zero traffic fatality data counts 101 people killed in Chicago traffic that year (preliminary; the city’s data does not include expressway crashes). 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.

Free Case Review

Disclaimer

Table of contents

 

Contact Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers

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.

[More Verdicts]

 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Seen On ABC Eyewitness News
BBB Complaint Free Award - Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers

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.

Play Video

[view our Car Accident videos]

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

Chicago Car Accident Resources

After a crash, you may need to get a police report, find a trauma center, or contact a court or state agency. The official contacts below cover Chicago and the rest of Cook County. If anyone is hurt, call 911 first.

Police and Crash Reports

Which agency writes your crash report depends on where the crash happened. Chicago Police handle most crashes on city streets, Illinois State Police handle many expressway and tollway crashes, and the Cook County Sheriff's Police handle unincorporated parts of the county.

  • Chicago Police Department. Emergency: 911. Non-emergency: 311. Headquarters: 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653. Crash reports can be bought online through the CPD Traffic Crash Reports portal ($6.00 per report). You can search by report (RD) number, name or crash date. For reports completed before 2016, paper reports and other questions, contact the Records Customer Service Section at 3510 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 745-5130. See CPD traffic crash reports.
  • Illinois State Police (expressways and tollways). ISP Troop 3 patrols Chicago-area interstates, including I-55, I-57, I-290 and I-80. Its Des Plaines headquarters is at 9511 W. Harrison St., Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 294-4400. If the "Investigated By" box on your motorist report says "Illinois State Police," you can order the crash report from ISP. The fee is $5.00 plus a card fee, and processing can take 10 or more business days. Questions: Patrol Records Unit, 217-785-0614.
  • Cook County Sheriff's Police (unincorporated Cook County). Non-emergency: (847) 635-1188. Sheriff's Police: (708) 865-4700. See the Sheriff's Office contact page.

Trauma Centers

The Illinois Department of Public Health's trauma center list designates these Chicago-area hospitals as Level I trauma centers:

Courts

  • Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division (injury lawsuits in Chicago seeking more than $30,000): Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 603-6343. See the Law Division page.
  • Circuit Court of Cook County, Traffic Division (moving-violation tickets issued in Chicago): Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602. See the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Traffic Division page.

State Agencies

  • Illinois Department of Insurance (complaints about how an insurer handled your claim): Chicago office, 115 S. LaSalle St., 13th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 814-2420. File a complaint.
  • Illinois Attorney General, Crime Victim Compensation Program (victims of violent crimes, including DUI, reckless homicide and hit-and-runs that strike a pedestrian or cyclist, may qualify for help with out-of-pocket costs; police generally must be notified within 72 hours): Crime Victims Assistance Line, 1-800-228-3368. See the program page.
  • Getting Around Illinois (IDOT maps of winter road conditions and road construction): gettingaroundillinois.com.

Disclaimer: We list these agencies, hospitals, courts and offices for general information only. Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is not affiliated with any of them. Listing them is not an endorsement, recommendation or referral, and none of them endorse our firm. We last verified the contact details in October 2026. They can change, so please confirm with the agency or facility before you visit. In an emergency, call 911.

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.

Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Practice Areas