.svg)
Motor Vehicle Accidents 
Get a FREE Consultation
We want to earn your business.
Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
Get maximum compensation for your car accident injuries.
If you were hurt in a car accident involving DUI, distracted driving, or an otherwise negligent motorist, our car accident lawyers at Strom Yen Injury Attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation. We understand that Illinois car accident victims often face serious injuries that lead to high medical bills and lost time at work. This creates a financial burden for victims already struggling with the aftermath of a crash.
Initial offers made by insurance companies do not usually cover all the expenses of your injury that may be recoverable. We will help you negotiate with the insurance company to help you achieve a fair settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, our attorneys will bring a lawsuit to recover damages.
Since 1977, our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of crash victims.
“I had a great experience working with Atty.Kevin Yen after my accident. From the very beginning, they were attentive, professional, and truly had my best interests at heart. They kept me informed throughout the entire process, explained everything in a way I could understand, and handled all the tough negotiations with the insurance company.
If you’re looking for an accident claim attorney who actually cares and gets results, I highly recommend Atty.Kevin Yen of Strom Yen Law Firm.”
Edith Egar
GET HELP NOWWhy hire Strom Yen for your Car Accident claim?
Insurance companies will make excuses to drag out the claim process or deny your claim entirely. A car accident lawyer at our law firm will help keep the insurance adjusters on track and prevent you from falling victim to bad faith insurance tactics. Our attorneys take on some of the most complicated accident cases in Illinois, and win.
Chicago car accident victims turn to Strom Yen Injury Attorneys because we offer:
-
No Upfront Fees
Our Chicago car accident attorneys will accept your personal injury case on a contingency fee basis, so you aren’t burdened by out-ofpocket costs when you file a claim. To ensure you have access to some of the best accident lawyers in the state, we won’t charge you any attorney fees until your claim is settled, and you receive compensation.
-
Personalized Service
Our car accident lawyers take the time to discuss the details of your collision, your subsequent injuries, and how the crash has impacted your financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Whether your case involves minor or catastrophic injuries, or even a wrongful death, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to help you recover.
-
Superior Results
Our attorneys are accomplished litigators with strong negotiation skills. Our passion, knowledge, and persistence are key to our success. From the moment you retain our law firm to handle your case, we set in motion proven methods to ensure your settlement or jury award is maximized.
“I am so glad that I had the assistance of such a patient and talented lawyer like Lindsey Strom. She made the process much easier than it could have been. She was never too busy to answer questions and take my calls. I highly recommend her and her law firm. She was my husband’s lawyer before she became my lawyer. We are both grateful for the work she has done in my behalf.”
Jesus Acosta
What to Do After a Car Accident
Experiencing a car accident is a stressful and often traumatic event. Knowing what steps to take immediately following an accident can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your legal and financial interests. Here are five essential steps to take after a car accident:
-
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention:
Your first priority is safety. Check for injuries, and if anyone is hurt, call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Move to a safe location if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. If you’re uninjured, and it’s safe to do so, check on the well-being of others involved in the accident.
-
Contact Law Enforcement:
Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. An accident report can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies and legal claims. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate and factual information about the accident, but don’t offer any opinions, apologies, or unnecessary statements.
-
Exchange Information:
Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. Get their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses. Document the accident scene with photos, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
-
Notify Your Insurance Company:
While you should promptly notify your insurance company about the accident, you should not provide any statements without getting legal advice first. Provide your insurer with the important details you’ve collected, and answer their questions about your identity, but keep responses short and to the point. Keep a record of all conversations with your insurer.
-
Consult an Attorney:
If you’ve been injured, get in touch with a car accident attorney at our law firm. We can help you understand your rights and navigate any insurance claims. We will answer your questions, and assist you in preserving evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition to these five steps, it’s essential to be cautious about discussing the accident with others, especially on social media. Statements you make can be used against you in legal proceedings. After an accident, emotions can run high. Remain calm, respectful, and focus on gathering necessary information and ensuring your wellbeing. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to protect your interests and work towards a resolution after a car accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Illinois?
To determine who is at fault for an accident, Illinois follows the comparative fault rule. This rule allows for the victim to file for damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, the amount of damages that can be received will decrease based on the victim’s percentage of responsibility for the accident
Evidence gathered at the scene can help to determine which driver is the responsible party, or the more responsible party. This might include photos of injuries and property damage, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony. You should also take notes on any details that might be needed for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A police report should be filed, even if an officer is not required to appear at the scene. The police report can be used to prove who is at fault in a lawsuit. After the report is filed with the reporting officer or at a local police station, a copy should be requested.
To prove who is liable in a lawsuit, four elements will have to be demonstrated through the use of evidence and testimony. The first element to prove is that the driver owed a duty of care to the victim. Second, victims must show that the duty of care was breached due to the actions of the negligent driver. Next, this breach of care must have caused the victim’s injuries. Finally, the victim’s injuries must have resulted in damages that can be recovered by the victim.
Determining fault is easier in some types of accidents than others. For example, it is usually the fault of a driver who is backing up when a collision occurs. If more than two vehicles are involved in an accident, it can be much harder to identify who is at fault.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Against a Business
Determining which parties to include in a lawsuit will help the victim recover as much compensation as possible. A negligent driver may not always be liable for the damages they cause, especially if he or she is on the clock for a company. If the accident was caused due to improper vehicle maintenance, then it is the company that is responsible for the accident.
If you have questions regarding who might be at fault for your accident, it is best to consult a lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can review your case to see which party should be included in the lawsuit. An attorney might also find that multiple parties are at fault and should all be listed so that fair compensation can be recovered for the client.
Recovering Compensation After Hit-and-Run Accidents
Chicago has seen an alarming spike in the number of hit-andrun accidents in the city in recent years. On average, the city sees approximately 100 car accidents each day involving drivers who leave the scene. These crashes frequently cause incapacitating injuries. Oftentimes, they are deadly. When the at-fault driver cannot be found, pursuing compensation for medical bills and other losses may seem like a lost cause. Fortunately, these crashes are classified as uninsured motorist accidents. Our Chicago hit-and-run accident attorneys can help victims file claims against their own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy to recover damages.
How much compensation can you expect to receive from your Car Accident Settlement?
The average car accident settlements in Illinois range from a few thousand dollars up to hundreds of thousands. For minor car accidents, the settlement will amount will be reduced due to less property damage and less severe injuries. Major accidents will have a higher calculated value due to more serious injuries, which might have impacted the victim’s ability to work. Fatal car accidents typically have the highest settlement amounts, which will also include funeral and burial costs.
The types of damages included in calculating the settlement amount are:
-
Economic damages, which are the direct costs that arise from the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages.
-
Non-economic damages. These are the intangible costs associated with an accident, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement
-
Wrongful death damages, which can include funeral and burial costs and lost wages if the decedent was the main financial provider.
“I had a great experience working with Kevin Yen. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. He kept me informed every step of the way and made the entire legal process much less stressful. Kevin fought hard to make sure I got the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his support and dedication. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and experienced injury lawyer, I highly recommend Kevin Yen!”
Marsha Ingram
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Typically, a victim has up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an auto accident in Illinois. The legal term for this timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. The day of the accident is when the statute of limitations begins to run. If a case is filed passed this timeframe, it is usually dismissed.
Some car accident cases might be eligible for an extension to the statute of limitations. Our car accident lawyers can advise if these exceptions apply to your case. It is best to start consulting with us as soon as possible after the accident. This gives our law firm time to attempt settlement negotiations prior to filing a lawsuit.
If the accident involved a fatality, then a family member might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death case begins on the day of the decedent’s death. This may not always be the same day of the accident.
FAQ About Car Accidents in Illinois:
How much is my car accident case claim worth?
No personal injury lawyer can guarantee how much you will receive from a car accident settlement. However, experienced car accident lawyers can provide you with an accurate estimate by calculating your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys Typically Charge in Chicago?
Most auto accident lawyers work on what is known as a contingency basis. This means the law firm will get paid out of your settlement or awarded amount. This is usually capped between 33%-40% of the awarded amount. Some costs may have to be paid upfront, which might include fees to obtain copies of police and medical reports. Some of these expenses can also be taken out of the awarded amount or settlement on top of the attorney fees.
Will I have to go to court if I file a car accident lawsuit in Illinois?
Although your case could go to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, most car accident cases in Illinois are settled out of court.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police in Illinois?
Illinois drivers should call the police to report an accident and see if an officer will need to come to the scene of the crash. If there were no major injuries or property damage over a certain amount, police presence might not be required. The driver will have ten days to file a report with the closest police station. If a driver does not notify the police or file a report, it may be considered a hit-and-run.
Should I give a statement to the insurance company after a car accident?
You should not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident until you have gotten advice from your lawyer. We recommend against making a statement to your own insurance company prior to seeking legal advice as well. Insurance companies are notorious for twisting victims’ words around to avoid paying injury claims.
Plan for tomorrow, get your free consultation today.
Related Blog Posts
READ MORE FROM THE BLOG
Knowing what questions to ask a car accident lawyer can help you find the right fit for your case. If you’ve been in a car accident in Chicago, Illinois, there...
If you have been in a crash in Chicago, you need to know how to determine liability in a car accident. After a motor vehicle collision, it can be difficult...
Driving a car without insurance in Chicago, Illinois, is often a sign of a lack of financial accountability or responsibility for damages in the event of a car accident. You...