Being involved in a car accident can change your life in an instant. At Duncan Law Group, our Chicago car accident attorneys fight to protect the rights of victims and secure full compensation for injuries, losses, and hardships caused by negligent drivers. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, you should not have to suffer any more than you already have. Our Chicago car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois
Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence throughout Illinois, affecting thousands of people every year. At Duncan Law Group, our experienced attorneys represent clients injured in a wide range of collisions including:
- Construction zone accidents
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving accidents
- Passenger injuries
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Aggressive driving
- Reckless driving
By working with our firm’s car accident attorneys, you can recover compensation for medical bills, hospitalization costs, future medical treatment, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress.
Distracted Driving, Speeding, and Drunk Driving on Chicago Roads
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of car accidents in Chicago, with over 867 crashes in 2024 linked to drivers using cell phones or being otherwise inattentive behind the wheel. Texting while driving alone accounted for 34% of distracted driving crashes statewide in 2024, and drowsy driving spikes 40% during overnight construction hours in the city.
Driving under the influence also poses a significant danger. In 2024, Chicago reported 530 crashes caused by drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. These risky behaviors greatly increase the likelihood of serious collisions and fatalities on Chicago roads.
Weather and Construction Zone Hazards in IL
Adverse weather conditions such as snow, sleet, ice, and rain significantly increase the risk of car accidents throughout Illinois, especially during winter months when road conditions become hazardous. Poorly maintained roads can amplify these dangers by reducing traction and visibility, leading to a higher incidence of crashes.
Construction zones also contribute to traffic dangers, with frequent changes in traffic patterns, narrower lanes, and workers present, resulting in a significant number of collisions each year. Drivers must exercise extra caution in poor weather and construction areas to avoid accidents and injuries.
Injuries and Liability in Chicago Car Accidents
Chicago sees tens of thousands of car accident injuries annually, with about 10% classified as severe, meaning victims sustained injuries that prevented them from leaving the scene without assistance. Rear-end collisions, one of the most prevalent crash types, often lead to neck and back injuries like whiplash and herniated discs, while high-impact crashes can cause fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
Back, Neck, and Fracture Injuries: Long-Term Impacts
Car accidents in Chicago frequently cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe and life-altering trauma. Common injuries include whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Unfortunately, some injuries can lead to permanent disabilities that significantly impact daily life and earning potential.
Determining Fault: Comparative Negligence and Insurance Claims
Liability in Illinois car accident cases is determined by comparative negligence laws, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. This shared fault influences how damages are calculated in insurance claims and lawsuits. Because of the often complex nature of fault determination and insurance negotiations, working with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney is crucial to ensure victims receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Compensation Options for Car Accident Victims
Compensation for car accident victims in Chicago can cover a broad range of losses. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to medical appointments.
Non-economic damages address the personal toll of accidents, compensating for pain and suffering, emotional distress such as anxiety or depression, disfigurement from catastrophic injuries, loss of earning capacity, and diminished enjoyment of life. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover funeral expenses and damages for loss of companionship. Understanding these compensation options is essential for securing fair financial recovery after a car crash.
How Duncan Law Group Handles Car Accident Cases
At Duncan Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can have on victims and their families.
Evidence Gathering and Negotiation Strategies
Our dedicated Chicago car accident attorneys take a hands-on approach, promptly gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos to build a strong case. We collaborate with medical and accident reconstruction experts and use advanced negotiation strategies to seek fair settlements from insurance companies. Contact Duncan Law Group for a free consultation and let our experienced lawyers put our results-driven approach to work for you.
Case Successes: Settlements and Verdicts for IL Clients
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. At Duncan Law Group, our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, including:
- $2,000,000 verdict for a serious back injury
- $700,000 settlement for a herniated lumbar disc
- $500,000 settlement for a disk bulge injury.
Our team fights aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Contact Duncan Law Group today for a free consultation and let us put our proven results to work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Chicago
How common are car accidents in Chicago?
Chicago experiences over 110,000 car crashes annually, making it one of the highest-accident cities in the country. In 2024, crashes resulted in around 124 fatalities and nearly 26,000 injuries, marking a record high for injuries in the city. Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are significant contributors to these alarming statistics.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
First, ensure your safety and call 911 to report the accident and request necessary medical aid and police assistance. Document the scene by taking photos, collecting names and insurance information of everyone involved, and gathering witness contact details. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident in detail until after consulting with a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Illinois?
Illinois generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the claim involves a government entity, the statute of limitations shortens to one year. Filing promptly helps preserve critical evidence and witness testimony, which is vital to building a strong case.
What damages can I recover from a car accident?
Victims may recover economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and future medical care. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in fatal cases, wrongful death benefits for surviving family members.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Illinois follows a comparative negligence system where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible for the accident, your settlement amount will be reduced by that percentage. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages altogether.
Do I need a car accident lawyer?
Yes, having an experienced car accident attorney is crucial in navigating complex insurance claims and liability issues. A skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses, protect your legal rights, and represent you in negotiations or trial if necessary.
