Car Accident Attorney in Cook County, Illinois
A car accident changes things quickly — medical bills, missed work, an insurance company pushing for a fast resolution. Understanding what your claim is actually worth, and how Illinois law affects your right to recover, is the starting point.
10-Day Window to Challenge Your License Suspension
Former Cook County DUI Prosecutor
Misdemeanor and Felony DUI Defense
Free Consultation, Available 24/7
What Illinois Law Says About Fault and Recovery
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still recover as long as your share of fault is below 50 percent.
Insurance companies understand this rule and use it. A common tactic is to assign you a higher percentage of fault early in the process, which reduces what they owe. We evaluate fault distribution as part of every case review and push back when that assignment does not reflect what the evidence shows.
The Injuries That Warrant Early Legal Intervention
Not every car accident produces obvious injuries at the scene. Soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries can develop or worsen in the days following a crash. Early medical evaluation matters — both for your health and for the documentation that supports your claim.
Cook County's major traffic corridors see serious accident volume. I-294, I-57, and I-80 running through the south and southwest suburbs are among the heaviest-traveled roads in the region, and the accidents that happen on them frequently produce the kinds of injuries that require sustained medical care and full case representation.
The longer a serious injury case goes without legal involvement, the more opportunity the insurance company has to shape the narrative before your position is established.
What to Do Before You Call an Attorney
Evidence in a car accident case begins at the scene and deteriorates over time. Before contacting an attorney, gather and preserve what you can.
- Photographs of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries
- The police report number and the responding officer's name
- Contact and insurance information from all parties involved
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Records of all medical treatment, including emergency care, follow-up visits, and any prescribed medications
- Documentation of missed work and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
If you have already been contacted by the other driver's insurance company, do not give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
How We Handle Car Accident Cases
We represent car accident clients in Cook County on a contingency fee basis — no legal fee is charged unless a recovery is made. That structure covers the full case process: insurance negotiations, demand letters, and litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County if a fair settlement is not reached.
A car accident claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Initial insurance offers frequently do not account for the full scope of those damages. We evaluate what the claim is actually worth before advising any client on whether to accept an offer.
Illinois law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That window is fixed, and missing it generally ends the claim entirely.
Car accident representation on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee
Full litigation representation through the Circuit Court of Cook County when required
Fault distribution analysis and pushback on inflated comparative fault assignments
All insurance communications handled on your behalf
Direct representation from Steven on every case
Free consultation with no time limit
Illinois Firearms Law Is More Complex Than It Appears
A significant number of people facing weapons charges did not believe they were doing anything illegal. Illinois has specific rules about where you can carry, how a firearm must be transported, and what documentation you are required to have — and those rules change depending on proximity to schools, parks, and other restricted zones.
Your intent matters. What you understood about the law at the time matters. These are legitimate legal defenses, not technicalities, and we have raised them in Cook County courts.
Testimonials
I can’t thank Steve enough for the work he did on my criminal case. From day one, he was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and straightforward about everything. He responded quickly whenever I had questions and always kept me informed about what was going on. Most importantly, he got my case dismissed.
David Cortez
5 stars across the board! Mr. Skinner was a great help, very professional and knowledgeable. He did what he said he would! I would highly recommend him for all of your legal needs!
Jim Marino
Attorney Skinner handled my daughter’s traffic matter wonderfully! He was very professional and helpful throughout the process.
Keri Moritz
Quick and concise service. Applying for law enforcement, needed to clean up my past ASAP, Mr Skinner ensured the job got done in time for the next hiring cycle. A blessing no doubt!! Knowledgeable and professional, well mannered, I recommended highly.
Steven Quiroz
Common Questions About Car Accident Claims in Illinois
What should I do after a car accident in Illinois if I want to contact a lawyer?
Preserve the evidence you have — photos, the police report, witness information, and all medical records. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before consulting an attorney. Contact a personal injury attorney as early as possible so the case can be evaluated while the evidence is fresh and before the insurance company has shaped the narrative around the claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Illinois?
Illinois imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, measured from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline generally bars the claim. Some limited exceptions exist, but the safest approach is to have the case evaluated well before the deadline approaches.
Can I still make a car accident claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Illinois comparative fault law, you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is below 50 percent. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — so if you were found 20 percent at fault, your damages are reduced by 20 percent. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate the plaintiff's fault percentage to reduce their exposure. That number is worth examining carefully.
The insurance company already made me an offer. Should I accept it?
Not before speaking with an attorney. Initial settlement offers frequently do not account for the full value of medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once you accept and sign a release, the claim is closed. A free consultation costs nothing and gives you a basis for evaluating whether the offer reflects what the case is actually worth.
What damages can be recovered in a car accident case in Illinois?
A car accident claim in Illinois can include medical expenses, future medical costs if ongoing treatment is required, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. The full scope of recoverable damages depends on the severity of the injuries, the length of recovery, and the impact on the client's daily life and employment.
Steven Skinner is a personal injury attorney licensed in Illinois with 20 years of experience representing clients in Cook County courts. Skinner Law Firm, P.C. handles car accident claims throughout Cook County on a contingency fee basis, including cases arising from accidents on I-294, I-57, and I-80. The firm holds a 4.9-star Google rating (28 reviews) and a 5.0 Avvo rating (18 reviews). Learn more on the About page.
Before You Accept an Offer or Sign Anything, Get a Free Consultation
Initial insurance offers are starting points, not final numbers. A consultation gives you a clear picture of what your claim may be worth and what your options are — before you make a decision that closes the case.
Call or text 312-852-9937. Consultations are free with no time limit. We are available after hours and on weekends.