Auto Accident Lawyers Near Me

Auto Accident Lawyers Near Me

Many Chicago-area residents spend hours each week commuting to work, not to mention the numerous additional hours driving to run errands or to take kids to extracurricular activities. While few if any of us ever plan for a serious auto accident, a devastating traffic collision can happen in seconds almost anywhere. Indeed, according to a report from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 246,752 crashes on Illinois roads in 2020 alone.  

In many of these motor vehicle crashes, another driver’s negligence caused the accident. Illinois law defines negligence as “the failure to do something which a reasonably careful person would do.” If another party’s careless behavior caused your injuries, you should seek advice from a local auto accident lawyer.

Statute of Limitations for Auto Accident Claims

If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, you should learn more about the statute of limitations for auto accident claims. Under the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/), traffic collision plaintiffs typically have two years from the date of the crash to initiate a civil action. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. 

What happens if more than two years go by before a car accident victim decides to file a claim? In short, that injury victim can lose her right to file a lawsuit. Given the strictness of the statute of limitations, it is extremely important to speak with an auto accident lawyer near you as soon as possible.

Common Types of Injuries in Auto Accident Lawsuits

Car accidents can vary widely in their severity. Whether you sustained more minor injuries from which you can recover physically or catastrophic injuries that have left you with lifelong disabilities, a dedicated auto accident lawyer near you can assist with your claim. At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., we regularly help clients who have suffered some of the following types of injuries: 

• Whiplash;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Other kinds of neck injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Other kinds of head injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Fractures;
• Broken bones;
• Disfigurement and scarring;
• Organ damage; and
• Other internal injuries.

How Comparative Fault Can Affect Car Accident Claims

Can you still recover if you are partially to blame for a car accident? Under the Illinois theory of comparative fault (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), a plaintiff can still recover damages as long as she is not 51 percent or more at fault. If she is 50 percent or less at fault, she can recover damages, but her award will be reduced by her degree of fault.

In other words, if the plaintiff is 30 percent to blame and is awarded $100,000 by a jury, her award will be reduced by 30 percent (or $30,000), and she will recover a total of $70,000. 

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Near You

If you need assistance with your claim, an experienced, local auto accident lawyer can assist you. Contact Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. for more information about the services we provide throughout Chicagoland.