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Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. In an instant, you may find yourself dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and calls from insurance companies urging you to settle quickly. It’s natural to feel uncertain about what to do next, or even to wonder whether you have a case at all.
That’s where GWC Injury Lawyers comes in. For more than 40 years, our firm has been standing up for accident victims across Illinois. We’ve secured over $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, earning a reputation as one of Chicago’s most trusted personal injury law firms. Our mission is simple: to fight tirelessly for your rights and to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t face this difficult time alone. Call us at 312-999-9999 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys.
When to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Many accident victims wonder if they really need a lawyer. The truth is that the earlier you seek legal help, the stronger your case may be. Insurance companies move fast to minimize their liability, and evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness memories can disappear quickly.
Hiring an attorney right away ensures someone is working to protect your interests, gather crucial evidence, and handle the insurance companies while you focus on recovery. At GWC, our Chicago auto accident lawyers offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case, so there is no risk in calling today.
How GWC Can Help You
Car accident claims can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to handle them while recovering from serious injuries. Our car accident attorneys in Chicago, Illinois, take that burden off your shoulders by managing every step of the process.
We begin by thoroughly investigating your accident, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence like police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records. Then, we negotiate aggressively with insurers to reach a fair settlement. If they won’t cooperate, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. From start to finish, our goal is to maximize your compensation while guiding you with clear, honest communication.
Why Choose GWC as Your Chicago Car Accident Attorneys?
Not all law firms are the same. GWC Injury Lawyers has been a trusted name in Illinois for decades because we combine deep experience with proven results.
- 40+ years of experience handling car accident claims in Chicago.
- Over $2.5 billion recovered for our clients.
- 24/7 availability when you need us most.
- No fee unless we win your case.
Our results speak for themselves:
Understanding Car Accidents in Chicago, IL
Every case is unique, but with GWC on your side, you can be confident we’ll fight tirelessly for the maximum recovery available to you.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The aftermath of a crash can be chaotic, and the steps you take immediately can make a big difference in both your recovery and your legal claim.
To help, our Chicago automobile accident lawyers have created a short video guide that walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Chicago. Watch it here:
In general, you should:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay.
- Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and accident scene.
- Gather contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Taking these steps will protect your health and help build the strongest possible case.
How Do I Know If I Have a Car Accident Case?
One of the first questions many people ask is, “Do I even have a case?” The answer depends on a few important factors. At its core, a valid car accident claim requires proof of negligence. This means showing that another driver or party failed to act with reasonable care. Examples of negligence are texting behind the wheel, driving under the influence, and ignoring traffic signals.
It’s not enough that negligence occurred. It must also have directly caused the accident. Finally, there must be measurable damages. Examples of measurable damages include medical bills, lost income, property damage, or pain and suffering. Without these damages, there is no case to pursue.
If these elements are present, you likely have a claim worth investigating. Even if you’re unsure, the best way to find out is to speak with an experienced attorney. At GWC, we offer free consultations where we carefully review the facts of your accident, explain your rights, and give you an honest assessment of whether you have a case.
Serious Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents often cause severe injuries that can change your life in an instant. At GWC, we have represented clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, amputations, burns, and permanent disfigurement. Even less visible injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and emotional trauma, can have long-lasting effects on your quality of life.
These injuries not only require immediate medical care but often lead to ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and financial strain. Our attorneys understand the medical and financial challenges car accident victims face, and we fight to make sure your damages reflect both current and future needs.
What if a Loved One Died in a Car Accident?
In the most tragic cases, car accidents can result in the loss of life. When this happens, family members of the deceased may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims seek compensation for both the financial impact and the profound personal loss that comes with losing a loved one.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include funeral and burial expenses, the loss of financial support the victim would have provided, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and care. Holding those responsible accountable can offer a sense of justice and financial security during an exceptionally challenging period.
At GWC Injury Lawyers, we handle these sensitive cases with compassion and determination. If your family has lost someone in a car accident, we encourage you to contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Learn about Wrongful Death claims at GWC.
Understanding Liability in Illinois Car Accidents
In Illinois, proving fault comes down to negligence. To win compensation, we must show that another driver or party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, caused the accident, and left you with measurable damages.
Liability can differ depending on the type of crash:
- Single-vehicle accidents may involve negligent drivers or even vehicle owners.
- Multi-vehicle crashes often involve shared fault among multiple drivers.
- Commercial vehicle accidents may include responsibility for drivers, trucking companies, shippers, or maintenance providers.
- Other parties like auto manufacturers, dram shops that overserve alcohol, or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions may also be liable.
To prove fault, evidence is key. This may include police reports, eyewitness accounts, black box data from commercial trucks, skid mark analysis, or surveillance footage. Our attorneys know how to gather and preserve this evidence to build the strongest possible case.
Illinois Car Accident Laws
Illinois law sets strict rules that affect every car accident claim. Victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Don’t assume partial blame means you have no case. In Illinois, you can still recover damages after a car accident if you are less than 50% at fault.
Finally, all drivers in Illinois are required to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
- $20,000 for property damage
Because these limits are often not enough to cover serious injuries, working with an attorney is essential to explore every potential source of recovery.
Compensation in Chicago Car Accident Cases
Every case is different, but car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In cases of extreme negligence, we may also pursue punitive damages. These types of damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and discourage similar misconduct. Examples of extreme negligence include drunk driving and fleeing from police.
At GWC, we’ve helped clients secure settlements as high as $6.1 million for car accident cases. While no two claims are the same, our record of success shows our commitment to maximizing results.
