Car Accident FAQs

It’s natural to have questions about what happens after a car accident in Illinois. Do you need a lawyer? How much compensation could you recover? How long do you have to take legal action?

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can answer all these questions and more. Below, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Illinois car accidents. For more information or a free case review, contact us.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have decades of experience helping people recover fair compensation for their injuries. We have recovered over $2.3 billion in compensation for our clients, including more than 350 jury verdicts or settlements worth $1 million or more. In one case, we recovered $20 million for a woman who suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her with chronic pain.

Here’s how we can go about pursuing compensation for you after a car accident that wasn’t your fault:

Discussing your rights during a free case evaluation – We’ll review your situation to determine if you have a viable personal injury claim and answer any questions you might have, at no cost or obligation.
Investigating the accident – Our lawyers can collect crucial evidence like police reports, witness statements, and camera footage to make a fault determination.
Evaluating your losses – We’ll assess how the accident harmed you, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to calculate the amount you’re owed. We can also help you obtain medical treatment post-accident and work with your medical providers to learn about the long-term impact of your injuries.
Dealing with insurance companies – Let us handle all interactions with the insurers involved. We can protect you from accidentally giving them information they can use against you and advise you against accepting any settlement offer that does not fairly compensate you for your losses.
Negotiating a settlement – We have experience negotiating with insurance companies and other drivers to strive for a settlement that’s fair to you and keeps your case from going to court.
Representing you in court – If the auto insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer and your case goes to court, we will represent you and advocate for your best interests. We have extensive trial experience and know how to best present your case to a judge or jury.

You only pay us if we secure money on your behalf.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case?

The exact amount you can recover after a car accident depends on your injuries, vehicle damage, medical expenses, and other factors. No matter how much the auto accident has cost you, our team can help fight for the maximum possible compensation, which may include money for:

Any medical expenses related to the crash, including future treatments you may need
Lost income
Reduced future earning capacity due to a disability
Payment for a rental car or other transportation services
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Diminished quality of life

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

The steps you take after a car wreck are crucial for protecting your legal rights. Here’s a guide to navigating the post-accident period effectively:

Stop at the Scene of the Accident – Illinois law requires you to stop at the accident scene, render aid, and exchange information with the other drivers involved. Activate your hazard lights and park as close to the accident scene as is safe.
Report the Accident – Call the police to report the accident. A police officer can respond to the scene, gather information about the crash, and prepare an accident report. You will likely need to provide the report to your own insurance company, as well as to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
Exchange Information – Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle information, and insurance information. Do not discuss fault or admit fault.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Car accidents can cause serious injuries, so it’s critical that you seek immediate medical care, including going to the emergency room by ambulance, if necessary.
Preserve Evidence – The accident scene will quickly be cleaned up, so gathering evidence while the scene is fresh is crucial to protecting your case. Use your cell phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, wide shots of the accident scene, other vehicles involved, the other vehicle’s license plate, nearby traffic signs and devices, and any other pertinent information.
Follow Up on Medical Treatment – Keep up with all your medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Documenting your injuries and treatment is vital for your insurance claim and your health.
Gather Your Documents – Collect and organize all documents related to the accident, including medical records, medical bills, repair estimates, receipts from incidental costs, and any correspondence with insurance adjusters.
Record Your Recovery – Keep a daily log of your recovery progress, noting any pain or challenges you face. This personal record can be valuable in illustrating the accident’s impact on your life.
Stay Off Social Media – Be cautious about what you post on social media. Insurance companies might use your posts to dispute the severity of your injuries or the impact of the accident.
Communicate Wisely – When talking to insurance companies, be careful with your words. Do not admit fault or make statements that an insurance adjuster could use against you, such as “I should have,..” or “I’m sorry.”
Seek Legal Advice Early – Consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you on the proper steps to take and help handle the legal and insurance complexities for you, giving you the space to focus on your recovery.

Should I Give a Recorded Statement?

Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company without talking to a personal injury law firm first. Your lawyer may be able to handle all communications on your behalf.

If you don’t watch what you say to an insurer, you might inadvertently say something to harm your case and stop you from recovering the money you need.

How Can I Prove the Other Driver Is at Fault for the Accident?

To recover compensation for the car accident, you will need to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company and prove that they were at fault for causing the accident. A Chicago car accident lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim and maximize your potential compensation. This evidence could include:

Police reports
Medical records
Photos from the accident scene
Surveillance or traffic camera footage
Expert testimony
Eyewitness accounts

How Can I Obtain a Car Accident Report in Chicago?

If the crash occurred in or around Chicago, you can get the crash report from the Chicago Police Department (CPD). You can purchase your report online, call the CPD’s record section during regular business hours, or visit the CPD records section in person.

For crashes outside of Chicago, your best option to obtain a crash report is to contact the Illinois State Police (ISP). Their website has information on obtaining a crash report online or through the mail. Both the CPD and ISP require you to pay a nominal fee to purchase an accident report.

You can also work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can recover your car accident report on your behalf and use it to build a strong case for compensation.

What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Case?

Illinois law gives you two years from the accident date to file any lawsuits regarding it. If you miss this deadline, the courts will most likely dismiss your case, leaving you without any means to recover compensation for your injuries.

How Do I Know If I Should Accept a Settlement Offer from an Insurer?

Never accept a settlement offer without talking to an experienced car accident attorney first. They can review the offer and see if it meets all your needs. If the offer isn’t fair, the lawyer can keep negotiating with the insurance company or file a lawsuit to take your case to trial.

Where Can I Learn More?

The Chicago car accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. will gladly answer your car accident FAQs. Call (877) 975-7991 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.