Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can change your life in an instant. From physical and emotional trauma to the financial burden of medical bills and lost wages, your recovery can be a long and arduous journey. If you were injured in a car accident a little to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your losses. Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s Chicago car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Content Written by: Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Quick Links
- When Should You Get a Lawyer for Your Car Accident?
- Why Choose Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers?
- What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
- What Are the Steps To Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
- Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
- Our Car Accident Lawyers in Chicago
- What Damages Can I Recover for a Car Accident in Chicago?
- How Much Does a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
- Our Chicago Office
Nobody prepares you for the aftermath of a car accident. The immediate shock and confusion can quickly give way to the reality of extensive medical treatment, insurance claims, and legal battles. Remember, you do not need to face this alone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, the Chicago car accident lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are here for you. We’ll fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Our experienced team has supported countless car accident victims in the Chicago area. We are ready to do the same for you.
When Should You Get a Lawyer for Your Car Accident?
Car accident insurance claims go one of two ways. Either the insurance company offers you a settlement or denies your claim. To protect their bottom line, they normally try to settle for significantly less than the full and fair value of your claim. In many cases, their initial settlement offer is simply not enough to cover all of your losses resulting from the accident. The insurer may also use a variety of tactics to shift the blame onto you.
Therefore, if you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact a Chicago car accident lawyer right away. An insurance company’s settlement offer may seem like a quick and easy solution at first, but accepting it without consulting with an experienced attorney may result in you leaving money on the table. The sooner you have a skilled car accident lawyer on your side, the better equipped you’ll be to handle these challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers?
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we put people first—not insurers. Why we work tirelessly to build strong claims that maximize compensation for our clients in their hour of need. We prioritize our client’s needs and strive to provide the highest quality legal representation possible each and every time. Our client testimonials speak for themselves.
Our legal team has decades of combined personal injury experience and has recovered over $360 million in settlements and verdicts. When you turn to our Chicago car accident attorneys, you can count on us to handle your case with the utmost care and attention it deserves.
Defendants and their insurers know we mean business and that we won’t back down until our clients have received every penny they are entitled to. Whether during settlement negotiations or at trial, we will do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome for you. We’ll use our extensive resources to gather compelling evidence, consult with experts when necessary, and build a solid case on your behalf.
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Your actions immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Take the following steps where possible to protect your well-being and right to compensation:
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and seeking prompt medical care can help catch them early on before they worsen. Your medical records will also help establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
- Call the police – Always call the police to the scene of a car accident, no matter how minor it may seem. They will create an official report that will serve as important evidence in your case.
- Document the scene – If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses and the other drivers involved.
- Beware of insurers – Let your insurance company know about the accident, as failure to do so before the deadline will compromise your coverage. However, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault before. Further, if the at-fault party’s insurer calls, remember that you have no obligation to speak with them. It is in your best interest to let your attorney handle all communication with insurers.
- Contact an attorney – Protect your rights and increase your chances of securing full and fair compensation by consulting with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer. Our firm offers free consultations, so there’s no downside to letting us review your case and ensure you know your full legal options.
What Are the Steps To Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
Among the first things you should do in pursuing a car accident lawsuit in Chicago is to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. Our attorneys will stand by your side throughout the life of your case. Steps in a car accident lawsuit normally involve some combination of the following:
- Assessment and Consultation – After the accident, the first step is to assess the situation, including the extent of injuries, damages to vehicles, and any other losses. Seeking medical attention for any injuries is crucial. Additionally, consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in car accident cases can provide valuable guidance regarding your legal options and potential outcomes.
- Filing a Complaint – If pursuing legal action is appropriate, the next step is to file a complaint, also known as a petition, with the appropriate court. This document outlines the facts of the case, including the parties involved, the alleged negligence or wrongdoing, and the damages sought.
- Service of Process – Once the complaint is filed, the plaintiff (the injured party) must serve the defendant (the at-fault party) with a copy of the complaint. This officially notifies them of the lawsuit and their legal obligation to respond.
- Discovery – Discovery is the pre-trial phase where both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may include gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation. Depositions, where parties and witnesses are interviewed under oath, may also be conducted during this phase.
- Negotiation and Mediation – Many car accident lawsuits are resolved through negotiation or mediation before going to trial. During this phase, both parties may engage in settlement discussions facilitated by a neutral mediator. If a settlement agreement is reached, the case can be resolved without the need for a trial.
- Trial – If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both parties present their evidence, witnesses testify, and a judge or jury determines liability and damages. Each side has the opportunity to make opening and closing statements, examine witnesses, and present arguments supporting their case.
- Judgment – After considering all the evidence and arguments presented at trial, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. If the defendant is found liable for the plaintiff’s injuries and damages, the court will enter a judgment specifying the amount of compensation awarded to the plaintiff.
- Appeals – Either party may have the right to appeal the judgment if they believe legal errors were made during the trial. The appeals process involves presenting arguments to a higher court requesting a review of the lower court’s decision.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Case in Chicago?
There is a strict time limit set by the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Chicago. Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim and five years from the date of the accident to file a property damage claim. Failure to file within these time frames may bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s essential to act quickly.
Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Anyone whose carelessness or recklessness contributed to your car accident can be held liable for your injuries and losses. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- Another driver who was violating traffic laws or otherwise behaving irresponsibly
- The owner of a vehicle if they negligently allowed the at-fault driver to operate their car
- Manufacturers or mechanics if a defective part contributed to the accident
- Government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads
- The at-fault driver’s employer if they were working at the time of the accident
Our Car Accident Lawyers in Chicago
At Meirowitz & Wasserburg, we are extremely proud of our world-class legal team. Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago include Joseph Trunk and Nathaniel Wallace, both seasoned attorneys dedicated to delivering high-quality services to our clients. When you entrust us with your case, they’ll put their years of experience and knowledge to work for you and fiercely advocate for your rights. With Joseph’s extensive courtroom experience and Nathaniel’s client-focused, empathy-driven approach, you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Car Accident in Chicago?
In a car accident lawsuit, individuals seek compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. These losses are typically categorized into two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages refer to tangible financial losses incurred as a direct result of the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. On the other hand, non-economic damages encompass intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Both types of damages play a crucial role in ensuring that injured parties receive fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident. Our car accident lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case and work hard to maximize your compensation.
How Much Does a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means our fees are calculated as a pre-negotiated percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so there is no up-front cost to have our attorneys start working on your case. We also offer free consultations. This is just another way we put our clients first.
Our Chicago Office
Our personal injury law office in Windy City is a short walk from popular downtown attractions, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower, and the Chicago Cultural Center. We are conveniently located at:
This central location makes it easy to reach us via subway, with Washington, Monroe, and Lake stations located a few blocks away. I-90 or I-290 also offer convenient driving options. Garage parking is available on-site.
If you’re ready to discuss your case and explore your legal options with one of our car accident lawyers in Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free initial consultations to discuss the details of your accident and answer any questions you may have about the legal process.
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Practice Areas
- Chicago Personal Injury
- Chicago Car Accidents
- Chicago Truck Accidents
- Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
- Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
- Chicago Bicycle Accidents
- Chicago Slip and Falls
- Chicago Brain Injuries
- Chicago Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chicago Wrongful Death
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