a hand holding a phone in a car

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago’s bustling streets, like Lake Shore Drive, Cicero Avenue, or Western Avenue, teem with life. Cars rush to work, school, or errands, and amid it all, accidents happen.

From fender-benders to severe collisions, the trauma of a car accident can leave you feeling lost, hurt, and unsure of what to do next

After a car accident, a Chicago car accident lawyer from Walner Law is here to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Walner Law, we know how one moment can change everything, and we want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Our team of experienced legal professionals is deeply committed to representing car accident victims just like you. We’ll take on the legal complexities so you can focus on what truly matters—healing and getting your life back on track. 

Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Car Accident Claim

After an accident, you need someone who truly cares—not just about your case, but about you. At Walner Law, we understand that car accidents impact more than just your physical health. They can disrupt your finances, your emotional well-being, and your ability to care for your family.

Jonathan Walner et al. smilingFrom the moment you contact us, we take the time to listen to your story, understand how the accident has affected your life, and work tirelessly to find the best path forward for you.

Our team has been a trusted name in Chicago since 1961. We’ve built that legacy by securing life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients, including multi-million-dollar awards for those who needed it most.

Whether it’s dealing with stubborn insurance companies or preparing your case for trial, we have the knowledge, experience, and determination to get you the results you deserve.

What separates Walner Law from the rest? It’s not just our track record of success—it’s the compassion and understanding that defines every client relationship. When you trust us with your case, we don’t just see you as a file number.

We treat you like family. From helping you access medical care to answering every question you have along the way, we go above and beyond to give you peace of mind during a trying time.

Your recovery is our priority, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

We’re available for you 24/7
If you have been injured by a driver who was using a cell phone, please contact us online at Walner Law® or call (312) 410-8496 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers about your cell phone car accident.
Herbert
Mr. Walner I am so grateful for your passion dedication and professionalism.
Herbert
5/5
Monica
Kristin was so knowledgeable and guided me step by step about my options and kept me in the loop about my case.
Monica
5/5
Denise
I chose Walner Law because they made me feel like a very important client and took consideration of my medical injury at the time.
Denise
5/5

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Chicago Car Accident?

It’s a common scenario after a car accident. The insurance company of the at-fault driver quickly makes you an offer. It may seem tempting, especially when dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and stress. But before you sign anything, take a step back and consider this important truth—insurance companies are not on your side.

Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. They count on accident victims feeling desperate and overwhelmed to settle quickly, often for far less than the true value of their claim.

That’s where hiring a skilled Chicago car accident lawyer makes all the difference. At Walner Law, we’ll carefully evaluate your case, considering all damages—from medical expenses and lost income to pain, suffering, and long-term care needs.

With our skills, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to pursue a settlement that reflects the true impact the accident has had on your life. And if the insurer won’t budge, we’re ready to take your case to court.

Remember, when you have Walner Law in your corner, you never have to settle for less than you deserve.

Your health, livelihood, and future are far too important to leave in the hands of an insurance adjuster. Always consult an experienced attorney before accepting an offer. The right legal team can protect your rights and ensure you’re taken care of now and in the years to come.

Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Chicago, Illinois

Dealing with the legal system after a car accident can be confusing, but understanding the key laws in Illinois can help. Here are three essential rules that affect car accident claims in Chicago.

Illinois’s At-Fault Insurance and How It Works

Illinois operates as an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that, after an accident, the person who caused the crash (or their insurance company) is responsible for paying damages.

If you’re an accident victim, you have three primary options to recover compensation:

  1. super lawyersFiling a claim with your own insurance company, especially if you have coverage like MedPay or uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
  2. Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
  3. Filing a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver.


This process may sound straightforward, but insurance companies often contest fault or try to downplay your injuries. That’s why you need a dedicated Chicago car accident lawyer.

At Walner Law, we’ll help gather evidence, prove liability, and fight for what you deserve under Illinois’s at-fault system.

Illinois’s Statute of Limitations

One crucial aspect of any car accident claim is the statute of limitations. In Illinois, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to meet this deadline, your case may be dismissed, and you could lose your right to compensation.

It’s important to note that this timeframe may vary in certain situations. For example, if your case involves a government entity, different deadlines and requirements may apply.

Consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Walner Law can file your claim on time and meet all legal requirements, so we protect your rights from day one.

Illinois’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Another key law to understand in Illinois is the modified comparative negligence rule. This rule determines how fault is allocated in an accident and how it impacts compensation.

Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident – but only if your share of the blame is less than 51%. If you’re 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any compensation.

The damages you can recover will also decrease based on your percentage of fault.

Because of this rule, insurance companies will shift as much blame onto the victim as possible. That’s why you need a legal team like Walner Law fighting for you. We’ll build a strong case to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.

Do I Have a Car Accident Case?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is, “Do I have a case?” At the heart of most car accident claims is negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act reasonably, and their actions (or lack of action) harm another person.

To have a successful personal injury claim, you must prove four key elements:

  1. Duty of Care
    Every driver has a duty of care to others. They must drive responsibly and follow traffic laws to keep others safe.

  2. Breach of Duty
    When a driver fails to meet their duty of care – for example, by speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light – this is a breach of duty.

  3. Causation
    You must show that the other driver’s actions directly caused the accident and, as a result, your injuries.

  4. Damages
    Finally, you must prove that the accident caused you harm, whether it’s physical injuries, emotional distress, financial losses, or a combination of these. Medical bills, wage loss documentation, and testimony can establish your damages.


At Walner Law, we have decades of experience investigating car accidents and building strong negligence cases. Our team will gather evidence, consult experts, and do everything necessary to show how another driver’s carelessness changed your life. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, our free consultation can provide the clarity you need to take the next step.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Chicago Car Accident Claim?

Determining who is at fault for a car accident isn’t always straightforward. Often, multiple parties may share responsibility for what happened.

Some of the parties who you could hold liable in your accident include:

  • Expertise-Best-Car-Accident-Lawyers-in-Chicago BadgeThe Other Driver
    Driver error or negligence, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, or running a stop sign, causes most car accidents. If another driver acted carelessly or recklessly, they may bear the blame for your injuries.
  • Employers or Companies
    If the at-fault driver was working during the crash (like a delivery driver), their employer may share liability. Companies sometimes must pay for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance of their vehicles.
  • Car or Part Manufacturers
    If a defective vehicle component, such as faulty brakes or airbags, contributed to the crash, you can hold the car manufacturer or parts supplier accountable in a product liability claim.
  • Government Entities
    Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or other unsafe conditions caused by negligence of a local or state agency can also lead to liability.


At Walner Law, we take the time to investigate every angle of your accident to ensure all responsible parties are identified. By holding the appropriate people or organizations accountable, we’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Knowing where Chicago car accidents occur most often won’t stop you from getting into one. However, it will help you understand that anywhere in the city is a potential spot for a collision.

If your accident occurred in the following or any other place in the city, contact us to discuss your case today:

  • Michigan Avenue: Known for heavy traffic and numerous intersections, making it prone to accidents.
  • Lake Shore Drive: A major thoroughfare with high speeds and frequent congestion.
  • Cicero Avenue at I-55: Busy intersection with complex traffic patterns.
  • DuSable Lake Shore Drive: High-traffic area with frequent accidents due to speed and congestion.
  • South Pulaski Road and I-57: Notable for frequent accidents, including those involving wildlife.
  • University of Chicago: High pedestrian traffic and busy streets increase accident risk.
  • Loyola University: This accident zone is created by high pedestrian and vehicle interaction combined with new and easily distracted drivers.
  • West Garfield Park: Residential area with reported serious accidents, often involving high speeds.
  • West Englewood: Known for high-speed accidents and complex traffic situations.


An experienced 
Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney from Walner Law can help you no matter where your accident occurred in the city. We know how difficult it is to navigate the city streets, highways, and entertainment zones, but that doesn’t mean you deserve to suffer due to someone else’s negligent actions. 

Seek compensation from the at-fault driver with the help of our dedicated legal professionals.

Compensation Available to Chicago Car Accident Victims

A car accident can lead to a ripple effect of challenges in your life. From physical injuries to financial hardships, the damages you face may seem overwhelming.

Under Illinois law, you may pursue compensation for several types of losses, including:

  • Medical Expenses
    This can include all current and future costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
  • Lost Income
    If the accident left you unable to work, you can seek reimbursement for the wages or income you’ve lost, as well as your reduced earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering
    Beyond financial losses, accidents can take an emotional toll. Compensation may include relief for chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property Damage
    If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairing or replacing it.


Every car accident case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. At Walner Law, our team fights for comprehensive compensation so that you can move forward without financial burdens holding you back.

 

How Much Does a Chicago Car Accident Attorney Cost?

WALNER LAW AttorneysAfter a car accident, many people worry they can’t afford an attorney. At Walner Law, you don’t need to pay us anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that:

  • You only pay legal fees if we win your case.
  • The fees come directly from the settlement or verdict, so you won’t pay out-of-pocket expenses.


This approach ensures that anyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can access experienced legal representation. It also motivates us to work tirelessly on your behalf because your success is our success. When you hire Walner Law, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.

Contact Our Trusted Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Today

At Walner Law, we know how stressful and scary life can feel after a car accident. You deserve more than just legal advice – you deserve a team that cares about you and your future. When you choose us, you’ll benefit from:

  • Jonathan WalnerPersonalized Attention – Your case is never just a file number. We get to know you, your story, and your needs.
  • Experienced Guidance – With over six decades of experience, we know how to handle even the most challenging cases.
  • Aggressive Advocacy – Whether in negotiations or in court, we fight for the full compensation you deserve.
  • No Financial Risk – Our contingency fee arrangement means you only pay if we win for you.


You don’t have to face this alone. Contact a trusted
Chicago personal injury lawyer at Walner Law today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free consultation. Let’s work together to turn this difficult chapter into a story of recovery and hope. Your brighter future starts with a single call.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident, please contact WALNER LAW® today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated
Chicago personal injury lawyer.
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