Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Helping You Move Forward After A Crash

The moments, hours and days following an accident are often filled with uncertainty as you begin to adjust to life with your injury and without a vehicle. By hiring a skilled attorney, you will have a dedicated team to help investigate the accident, compile important and helpful documents and work hard to ensure that all-important deadlines are met.

Trying to do this on your own can be a mistake. Handling the paperwork, police reports, medical care and vehicle damage can be overwhelming. When someone else’s negligence harms, injures or bereaves you, you should not have to suffer the consequences alone.

That is where our car accident lawyers can assist you. We have handled thousands of car and other vehicle accidents during our careers. We know how to investigate the accident, obtain and examine the evidence, consult with experts and build a strong case. If your injuries are severe, you will need considerable financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Did you lose a loved one to wrongful death in an accident? Those cases are even more complex and require an experienced, caring attorney to seek damages on your behalf.

What Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents Do You Handle?

Motor vehicle accidents, or MVAs, are the most common type of personal injury claim. We classify them based on the type of motor vehicle that was involved. At Pavich Law Group, P.C., we handle:

• Car accident claims
• Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accident cases involving solo accidents and collisions
• Pedestrian injury cases
• Bicycle accidents

Even a relatively minor crash can cause serious injuries and property damage. We will help you seek compensation for both.

How Is Liability Determined After An Accident?

After any kind of motor vehicle accident, make sure to check yourself and any passengers for injuries first. If someone is seriously hurt, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Do not, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an accident.

No matter how minor a crash may seem, you should contact local authorities. If there are no serious injuries, you can call the nearest police station or highway patrol and gather evidence while you wait. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles and the scene of the collision, and document any injuries you may have. If possible, exchange contact information with the other driver and check to see if anyone witnessed the crash. Once the police arrive, tell them what happened. Avoid speculation and speak in terms of fact.

Request a copy of your police report – this will be a valuable tool for determining liability.

Once you have seen your doctor, received a copy of the police report and compiled any information you have about the accident, contact our attorneys. Even if you don’t want to pursue legal action, our car accident lawyers can help you deal with insurance companies so that you get a fair settlement.

If I Am Partially At Fault In A Car Accident, Can I Still Get Compensation?

All states handle this issue differently. Illinois and Indiana are both “comparative fault” states in auto accident cases. Comparative fault means that a plaintiff’s compensation will be reduced by the amount he or she is deemed to have contributed to the accident. This means that even if you were partially at fault, you can still obtain compensation.

These are difficult determinations to make, requiring the experience and knowledge of a trusted team of attorneys.

What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident In Illinois

After an accident, consider the following:

• Check for injuries: Prioritize safety. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Move to safety: If the vehicles can be moved, pull over to avoid further danger.
• Call law enforcement: Illinois requires a police report for crashes involving injury, death or property damage over $1,500.
• Exchange information: Get names, contact details, insurance and license numbers from all involved drivers.
• Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, the crash site, road conditions and visible injuries.
• Speak carefully: Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements to others or to insurers.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked. Some injuries may appear hours or days later.
• Notify your insurer: Report the accident immediately to start your claim.
• Consult an attorney: A lawyer can guide you on your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Each of these steps helps protect your health and preserve your legal options.

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements And How They Affect Your Claim

Every Illinois driver is required by law to carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits might not fully cover serious accidents. In Illinois, the minimum coverage includes:

• $25,000 for injury or death of one person
• $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
• $20,000 for damage to property

While these are the legal minimums, many serious crashes involve damages that exceed these amounts. If the at-fault driver has only the minimum coverage, it may not be enough to compensate you fully.

Common Car Accident Injuries And Their Long-Term Impact

Here are some common car accident injuries and the long-term challenges they can bring:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: These may lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
• Back and spinal injuries: Damage to the spine can result in long-term mobility issues, nerve pain or paralysis in severe cases.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even mild TBIs can cause memory loss, mood changes and difficulty concentrating.
• Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments or tendons can make everyday tasks painful or difficult.
• Emotional trauma: Many survivors deal with anxiety, PTSD or depression after a serious crash.

Long-term recovery includes physical therapy, ongoing medication and mental health counseling. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming. We work with you as we understand how to include both present and future damages in your claim.