Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a preventable traffic crash, you could qualify for financial compensation—and you have the right to hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer to help you pursue that money.

Call today for more information about what The Rooth Law Firm’s Chicago car accident attorney can do for you. With over 40 years of experience, including trial experience, our lawyer is prepared to fight for the damages you need both in and out of the courtroom.

Our Legal Team Protects the Rights of Chicago Accident Victims

The legal system can be overwhelming for a layperson, especially if you are still struggling to cope with severe injuries. Our attorney can make the process much easier for you to understand and navigate by:

Explaining your rights and options
Providing honest legal advice about what you should do next
Building your casefile and collecting evidence from as many sources as possible
Asking the insurance company to pay you quickly and fairly
Negotiating for a settlement that meets your needs
Filing and receiving all necessary paperwork, including the settlement agreement
Representing you in civil court if and when necessary

Most cases are settled out of court. There are several advantages to this approach, including the fact that settlements typically do not take as long as trials, allowing injury victims to get their money sooner.

That said, if a trial is inevitable (e.g., the insurance company refuses to negotiate), The Rooth Law Firm will not hesitate to set a trial date, submit evidence to the court, and deliver oral arguments before a judge and jury on your behalf. Our decades of trial experience and familiarity with local legal systems mean we are well equipped to handle your case, no matter what direction it goes in.

You Have a Limited Time to Seek Car Accident Damages

From the moment your accident happens, you are subject to Illinois’s personal injury statute of limitations. This law states that accident victims have a limited time (generally two years) to sue for damages. If you miss this deadline:

You may lose the right to file a lawsuit
The insurance company has less incentive to negotiate and offer a fair amount, because they no longer have the threat of a trial hanging over them
It would be harder for you to get the money you need

The sooner you contact a lawyer about your case, the more time we will have to pursue your damages while working within the statute of limitations.

Get Help With Your Personal Injury Case Today

You’re hurt. Robert J. Rooth is here. Call today for a free case review. We can listen to your story and help you evaluate your legal options at any time, day or night.

Does Auto Insurance Pay After a Car Accident?

Illinois is an at-fault state. This means the at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for covering any damage they cause.

First, we must prove that the at-fault party is responsible for your crash. The insurance company may try to deny liability to avoid paying you fairly. Our legal team uses evidence like eyewitness testimony, expert testimony, medical records, and Chicago Police Department reports to prove that the negligent party should pay for your:

Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Loss of independence
Disability
Scarring
Medical expenses
Loss of wages, bonuses, or benefits
Loss of future earning capacity
Loss of your previous job

Property Damage and Your Case

If you are dealing with property damage as well as physical injuries—for example, if your car was totaled in the same accident in which you broke your arm or suffered a concussion—you could be eligible for additional damages. Our legal team can fight for just compensation for the cost of buying a new car, the cost of a rental car, and towing expenses.

Other Forms of Insurance May Be Available

What happens if the liable party does not have enough insurance to cover all of your damages? The Rooth Law Firm can look at other policies, such as your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, that may help you pay the bills.

It is easy to get confused or even discouraged when searching for ways to recover the money you need, but do not worry: we can help you through this process, no matter how long it takes.

Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?

In a crowded city like Chicago, car accidents may seem inevitable. In 2023 alone, over 25,000 people were injured in Chicago traffic collisions.

However, your injuries were not inevitable. In too many cases, car accidents are not the result of “bad luck” or coincidence: they are the direct consequence of negligent behavior. For example:

Tourists who are unfamiliar with the area might be more focused on their phones or GPS devices than on watching where they are going.
Frustration with city traffic can cause drivers to lose patience, ignore traffic signs or speed limits, or even succumb to road rage.
Drivers do not always take the weather into account when making travel plans, or they may be overconfident in their ability to navigate a blizzard or windstorm and forego basic safety precautions.

In each of these hypothetical cases, the driver chose to behave negligently (looking at their phone, exceeding the speed limit, etc.) and put others at unnecessary risk. Many cases involve driver negligence, but some may involve property owners, manufacturers, or even the local government.

No matter who is liable in your case, we are not afraid to confront them for our clients. No one should be allowed to get away with negligence.

We Can Handle Even the Most Complex Personal Injury Cases

Every case presents its own opportunities and challenges. While some cases are relatively straightforward, others may require extra work and strategizing. We are prepared to handle claims and lawsuits involving:

Large corporations, such as auto part manufacturers or rideshare companies, that have ample experience with lawsuits and may try hard to undermine your case
More than one vehicle type—for example, if your car was hit by a truck, our trucking accident lawyer can step in on your behalf
Insurance companies that deny liability so they can pay you less than you need and deserve

The Rooth Law Firm understands that accidents do not follow a set pattern, so a basic, cookie-cutter legal strategy is not enough. We work closely with each client so we better understand what they are facing and can come up with the right plan to help them achieve their goals.

Call Today to Find Out How Rooth Gets Results for Our Clients

We are a small but aggressive firm that has proven time and again our commitment to our clients and our willingness to fight hard for justice. Call today so we can assess your case for free. The Rooth Law Firm’s Chicago car crash lawyer is ready to start protecting your rights while you focus on recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Get a Lawyer if the Car Accident Was Not Your Fault?

It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney after a collision, regardless of who was at fault. With legal representation, you would not have to handle any legal task on your own, and you would have an advocate ready to jump in if the insurance company tries to blame you unfairly for what happened.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Legal costs may vary based on the specifics of your case and even which firm you hire. The Rooth Law Firm charges a contingency-based fee, which means you only pay if and when you receive a payout. We can go into further detail when you consult with us.

When Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney?

The right time to call a lawyer is typically after you have received medical care and are sure that your injuries have been stabilized. If the liable party’s insurance company tries to speak with you before then, tell them that you will have your legal representative get in touch with them soon. Do not agree to anything they ask for without consulting an attorney.

Can You Get Compensation if the Car Accident Was Your Fault?

Up to a point, yes, accident victims who displayed negligence can still recover damages under Illinois law. For example, say that you were speeding at the time of your accident with a drunk driver. It is up to a jury to decide how much your speeding contributed to the crash and subtract an appropriate amount from your financial award.

Once your share of liability hits 51 percent, you are no longer eligible for damages. To protect your award, it is important to consult with a lawyer and make sure you understand your rights before seeking compensation.