Chicago IL Car Accidents Lawyers

Skilled Car Accidents Attorneys Serving Illinois and Throughout the Country

Each year, thousands of auto accidents with serious injuries occur on Illinois roadways. Many of these accidents are the result of carelessness or negligence, and should never have happened. Unfortunately, because of texting while driving and other forms of distraction, there is a strong likelihood such accidents will occur with an even greater frequency in the future. If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney so you understand your rights and options.

Since 1997, Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC has successfully represented clients injured in car accidents in Illinois and throughout the nation. Our award-winning lawyers have in-depth experience with auto accident cases, and we put that experience to work to fight hard for full compensation for our clients. Our firm has personally experienced the devastating effects a needless accident can have, and our mission is to ensure that those who drive recklessly or carelessly pay a heavy price, so others do not have to go through what we and so many others have.

Proving Fault in an Auto Accident

When involved in a car accident, it is important to retain as much evidence as possible; e.g., taking photos, gathering witnesses, filing police reports, etc. This makes it much easier to prove the case. It is also important to get in touch with a skilled attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we are involved, the easier it will be to preserve evidence, build a strong case, and secure a favorable outcome. To qualify for damages, you must generally prove the following:

• The other driver was driving carelessly, recklessly, or was otherwise negligent;
• The actions of the other driver resulted in the accident; or
• You (or a loved one) suffered injury or death as a result of the accident.

Car accident cases are not always clear-cut. There are instances when both drivers share part of the fault for the incident. Even in such cases, you are still allowed to file a claim as long as you are not at least 50 percent at fault for the accident.

Damages Available for Car Accident Injuries

If you are involved in an auto accident in which the other driver was mostly at fault, you may seek several forms of compensation, including:

• Property Damage: Damage to your vehicle, personal property, rental car, etc.
• Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and future medical care/rehabilitation from the injury.
• Loss of Income: Lost income both now and in the future due to your injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and serious discomfort resulting from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Mental anguish such as fear, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and other psychological issues resulting from the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Loss of the ability to participate in activities you normally enjoy, such as playing sports.
• Loss of Consortium: Loss of companionship and everything that goes along with that. This is typically applied in wrongful death cases.

After an auto accident, insurance companies typically try to settle the case quickly and for a lower settlement. Keep in mind that the insurer for the other driver is not acting in your best interests, and will likely not take into account every area in which you may qualify for compensation.

If you are approached by an insurance company, do not agree to a settlement. Instead, get in touch with us. At Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC, we put our clients first. We offer extended evening and weekend hours, and we are willing to meet you at your home, office, hospital, or wherever is most convenient. In addition, we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingency basis, so you only pay legal fees if we win the case. For a free consultation with one of our seasoned Illinois car accidents attorneys, contact our office today at 312-236-6324. We provide skilled representation for victims of car accidents in Chicago, communities throughout Illinois, and across the country.