Injured in Bedford Park car accident? Lawyer Scott DeSalvo fights insurance companies for you. No upfront fees. Call 312-500-4500 anytime. We talk straight.
My dad drove a truck for a living. Teamster. Good man. Hard worker.
When I was nine, everything changed. He got hurt on the job – catastrophic injuries to his neck, back, and spine that ended his career and changed our lives forever.
But the real kick in the teeth? His own lawyer – the person supposedly fighting for him – let his case drag on for seventeen long years. And at the end? That same lawyer had the nerve to sue my father to grab more money from his settlement.
I watched my family struggle financially because my dad couldn't work. I watched him get jerked around by insurance companies, defense attorneys, and worst of all, the lawyer who should have been in his corner.
That's why I do what I do. I became a car accident lawyer to make absolutely certain that what happened to my father never happens to you.
Just yesterday, I talked to a woman from Bedford Park. She'd been hit by a semi-truck on Cicero Avenue near the warehouses. Serious back injuries. Can't lift anything anymore, which ended her warehouse job. Her husband is stressed about money. Their kids don't understand why mom can't play with them like she used to.
The insurance company? Offered her $8,000 and told her it was "more than fair." They treated her like she was trying to scam them instead of a real person whose life got turned upside down through no fault of her own.
As a car accident lawyer who serves Bedford Park and Cook County, I've watched this same scenario repeat itself over and over. Insurance companies bank on you not knowing what your case is really worth. They count on you being overwhelmed, scared, and ready to just take whatever they offer.
That ends the moment you call me.
I operate differently than most attorneys around Bedford Park. I treat injured people with respect – like they're family. You can call me at 3 AM on a Tuesday if you need to talk – I actually pick up the phone. I never pressure you or use sleazy sales tactics. We have a real conversation, and then you decide if you want to hire me. No pressure. Either way, we'll be friends when it's over.
I've invested over $100,000 of my own money studying with the absolute best trial lawyers in America. I graduated from Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College and "The Edge" program. Less than one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have. When insurance companies in Bedford Park and throughout Cook County see my name on a case, they know I mean business.
Call me right now at 312-500-4500. Day or night, doesn't matter. The consultation costs you nothing, and I won't pressure you about anything.
Bedford Park sits in a uniquely dangerous spot – surrounded by major trucking routes, industrial zones, and some of the busiest roads in the southwest suburbs. Cicero Avenue, 65th Street, Harlem Avenue, the Stevenson Expressway (I-55), South Central Avenue – all that heavy traffic means accidents happen constantly.
Here's what I handle for Bedford Park residents:
Bedford Park is basically truck central. The warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial facilities mean 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are everywhere – Cicero Avenue, 65th Street, Harlem, you name it.
Getting hit by a semi or commercial truck is nothing like a regular car accident. The injuries are usually catastrophic. The trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working the scene before you even get to the hospital.
These cases get complicated fast – federal trucking regulations, driver log books, black box data, company safety records. Insurance companies for trucking firms are ruthless. They'll try every trick to deny your claim or blame you for the accident.
I know how to fight back. I get the truck's electronic logs, maintenance records, driver history, and company safety violations. I hire accident reconstruction experts who specialize in commercial vehicle crashes. I take on the trucking companies and their insurance carriers and make them pay what you deserve.
These happen constantly in Bedford Park, especially during rush hour when traffic backs up near the industrial parks. You're stopped at a red light on Cicero or waiting in traffic on 65th Street, and boom – someone plows into you from behind.
Even "minor" rear-end accidents cause serious injuries. Whiplash, herniated discs, neck trauma, back problems, concussions. The pain might not hit you immediately, but a week later you can barely move.
Insurance companies act like rear-end collisions are no big deal. "You'll be fine in a few weeks," they say. That's complete nonsense, and I prove it wrong in case after case.
Bedford Park has dangerous intersections all over – especially around the industrial areas where trucks are constantly turning, near the Metra station, and at major crossroads like Cicero and 65th. T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions, and crashes from drivers running red lights happen all the time.
Side-impact crashes are particularly deadly because your car door provides almost no protection. I've helped Bedford Park residents get compensation for broken ribs, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities from intersection accidents.
High-speed crashes on the Stevenson and the Tri-State Tollway can be absolutely catastrophic. Multi-vehicle pile-ups, chain-reaction collisions, and accidents at highway speeds often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.
These cases get messy because multiple vehicles are involved, liability isn't clear, and every insurance company points fingers at everyone else. I know how to cut through the chaos, investigate thoroughly with reconstruction experts, and hold every responsible party accountable.
Don't think parking lot accidents are minor. I've represented Bedford Park clients injured in parking lots at shopping centers, outside restaurants, and at industrial facilities where distracted drivers backed over pedestrians, crashed into other vehicles, or caused collisions while texting.
Insurance companies love claiming parking lot accidents are always split fault. "Everyone shares the blame," they say. I fight that assumption hard and prove who actually caused the crash.
If a driver hit you and took off in Bedford Park, you might think you have no options. Wrong. Your uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation even when we can't locate the at-fault driver, and I know exactly how to maximize these claims.
I've also helped Bedford Park clients identify hit-and-run drivers using security footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and witness interviews. Sometimes we find them, sometimes we don't. But either way, I make sure you get compensated.
Drunk drivers cause senseless tragedies on Bedford Park roads, especially late nights and weekends. If a drunk driver hit you, you may be entitled to punitive damages on top of your regular compensation – money specifically meant to punish the drunk driver for their inexcusable, reckless choices.
These cases infuriate me. Someone chose to drive drunk, and now your life is permanently altered because of their selfishness.
Texting, talking on phones, eating, messing with the radio, checking GPS – distracted drivers are everywhere in Bedford Park. These entirely preventable crashes happen because someone couldn't wait two minutes to check their phone.
I use phone records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction to prove distracted driving and get you maximum compensation. The insurance company will fight it tooth and nail, but I've won these cases many times.
Rideshare drivers are all over Bedford Park, especially near the Metra station and along Cicero Avenue. If you were injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, or if a rideshare driver hit you, here's good news: these companies carry $1 million insurance policies when drivers are actively transporting passengers.
That means real compensation for your injuries, not some insulting token payment. But you need a lawyer who understands how to navigate these claims, because Uber and Lyft intentionally make the process complicated.
Amazon vans, FedEx trucks, UPS vehicles, delivery drivers – they're constantly racing through Bedford Park delivering packages to homes, warehouses, and businesses. When commercial vehicles cause accidents, cases become more complex than regular crashes because of commercial insurance policies, company liability, and federal regulations.
But complexity also means more insurance coverage, which translates to better compensation for you.
Bedford Park and the surrounding area have no shortage of lawyers. You've probably seen the billboards along I-55 and the TV ads during the evening news.
So why call me instead of them?
Valid question. Here's the truth.
Some attorneys work both sides of the fence. They'll represent injured people on Monday and defend insurance companies on Tuesday. Not me.
I have NEVER – not once, not ever – represented an insurance company or corporate defendant in my entire career.
I exclusively represent injured people in Bedford Park, Cook County, and throughout the Chicago area. Your fight is my fight. I'm 100% on your side. Period.
When you call those massive corporate law firms, you get bounced to a paralegal or case manager. You might never actually speak with an attorney. Your calls go straight to voicemail. Your emails sit unanswered for days.
That's not how I operate.
When you're my client, you get my direct cell phone number. You can call me anytime – 3 AM on Sunday, doesn't matter. And I actually answer. Because I remember watching my father desperately need help and not being able to reach anyone who cared.
I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College – arguably the most prestigious trial advocacy program in the country. I've also completed "The Edge," another elite training program for trial attorneys.
I've spent over $100,000 and countless hours traveling nationwide studying with the best legal minds in America. Fewer than one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have.
Why should you care?
Because insurance companies know who the serious trial lawyers are. When they see my name on a Bedford Park case or anywhere in Cook County, they know I'm not bluffing. They know I have the skills and determination to take them to trial if they won't offer fair compensation.
That translates directly into better settlement offers for you. Simple as that.
Got a smaller case? Some complications? Some challenges that make other attorneys nervous? Other Bedford Park lawyers might tell you it's not worth their time or that you don't have a case.
I'll still evaluate it. Because I remember growing up poor after my father's injury. I remember what it feels like to need help and have doors slammed in your face.
Every law firm wants big, slam-dunk cases. But large or small, I handle them all. That's been my promise from the beginning, and it's not changing.
I never chase clients. I never hustle or harass people. I never use high-pressure sales tactics or make inflated promises about your case value just to get you to sign.
We have a real conversation. I explain your options honestly. I answer your questions. I tell you what I genuinely think about your case – both the strengths and the weaknesses.
Then YOU decide if you want to hire me. Your choice. Zero pressure.
Hiring a lawyer is your decision, and you should work with the best car accident attorney you like and trust. Never go with the high-pressure sales types. They might be desperate for cases. And if they pressure you or act like a jerk, is that really who you want representing you?
If we work together, great. If not, that's fine too. Either way, we'll be friends. That's how I do business.
You don't pay me a single penny upfront.
No retainer. No hourly fees. No out-of-pocket costs for filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses, depositions, court reporters – nothing.
I advance all case costs myself. Every dollar.
I only get paid if you get paid first. My fee is 33 1/3% in most car accident cases (or 40% if we file a lawsuit and go to trial). These are standard rates established by law.
If I don't win your case? You owe me nothing. Not one cent. I absorb the costs I've advanced, and you walk away owing me zero.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Car accidents don't happen on a convenient schedule. You might need to talk to a lawyer at 10 PM on Saturday or 5 AM on Sunday morning after a crash.
That's fine. Call me.
I answer my phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Christmas Day? Yep. Thanksgiving evening? Sure. 2 AM on a Wednesday? Call me. When you're dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you shouldn't have to wait until Monday morning for answers.
Many people don't realize the full extent of compensation available under Illinois law after a car accident. Here's what you can potentially recover:
Every penny of your past medical bills and all future medical costs related to the car accident – emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, medications, medical devices, home health care, and any ongoing treatment you'll need for years to come.
If the car accident caused you to miss work, you can recover those lost wages. If your injuries are permanent and impact your ability to earn income in the future, you can recover compensation for that lost earning capacity as well.
We might be able to secure what's called a "wage differential" – meaning if you used to earn $25/hour and now you can only make $15/hour due to your injuries, we might be able to get you that extra $10 per hour for the remainder of your working life. That can add up to substantial money and really ease the financial burden. Obviously, this is complex stuff, so this isn't a guarantee without knowing more about your situation.
The physical pain you've experienced and will continue to experience. The chronic back pain that makes it difficult to get out of bed. The persistent headaches. The burning sensation in your shoulder every time you try to lift something.
Insurance companies despise paying for pain and suffering because there's no invoice. But Illinois law recognizes it's real and compensable, and I make sure you get every dollar you deserve.
Anxiety about driving after the crash, especially on Cicero Avenue or I-55 where the accident occurred. Depression from being unable to work or enjoy activities. PTSD from the trauma of the collision. Fear and panic attacks every time you get in a vehicle.
These psychological injuries are just as legitimate as broken bones, and they deserve compensation.
If your injuries prevent you from activities you loved before the car accident – playing with your children, working on cars in your garage, going fishing, traveling, whatever brought you happiness – you can recover damages for that lost quality of life.
I've helped Bedford Park clients recover compensation for not being able to work on their hobbies, not being able to attend their son's graduation, not being able to go to Cubs games with friends. These things are important.
Permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face, neck, and arms, can cause ongoing emotional distress and impact your self-confidence, your relationships, and even your employment. These are compensable damages under Illinois law.
The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other property damaged in the crash. This one's straightforward, but insurance companies will still try to lowball you.
Your spouse can file a separate claim for loss of companionship, intimacy, affection, and the support you used to provide your family due to your injuries. It's a separate claim with separate compensation.
The actions you take in the next few hours and days after a car accident will dramatically impact your case value and your ability to recover compensation. Here's what I tell every Bedford Park client:
Even if you feel "fine," call the police and get evaluated by paramedics or go to the emergency room. Some injuries like concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage don't show symptoms immediately.
Insurance companies will argue that if you didn't seek immediate medical attention, you weren't actually hurt. Don't give them that weapon. Get checked out right away.
Take photos of all vehicles involved, the entire accident scene, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses. Get the other driver's insurance information.
Don't rely solely on the Bedford Park police report to capture everything. Police might not see what you see, and they might get important details wrong.
Don't say "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" or "This is my fault." Insurance companies will twist any statement you make into an admission of fault, even if you were just being polite.
Just exchange information and let the evidence speak for itself. Be polite, but don't apologize.
They'll call you within hours of the accident, acting friendly and helpful. They'll say they just need your statement to "process the claim quickly" or "get this resolved for you."
It's a trap. Everything you say will be recorded and used against you to minimize or deny your claim.
Politely refuse to give them any statement. Tell them you'll have your lawyer contact them. Then call me at 312-500-4500.
The insurance company might send you documents to sign, especially medical authorization forms that give them access to your medical records.
DO NOT SIGN without having me review them first. These forms often give them access to your ENTIRE medical history going back decades, which they'll use to find anything – and I mean anything – to deny your claim.
Anything you post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, whatever – it can all be used against you in your car accident case.
A simple photo of you smiling at a cookout? The insurance company will claim you're not actually injured or suffering. Posted at the gym? They'll say you're not really hurt and your injuries aren't severe.
Just stay completely off social media until your case resolves. Trust me on this. I've seen solid cases get destroyed because someone posted an innocent photo that the insurance company twisted into "evidence" they were faking their injuries.
Get a complete medical evaluation within 24-48 hours of the car accident, even if you feel okay. Then attend every single appointment, complete all physical therapy sessions, and follow every treatment recommendation your doctor gives you.
Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. They'll say "Well, if he was really in that much pain, why did he skip three physical therapy appointments?"
I understand – life happens. You have to work. You have kids to care for. Medical appointments are expensive. But do everything possible to follow your doctor's orders, because your case depends on it.
Medical records, bills, prescriptions, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, pay stubs showing lost income – keep absolutely everything. Don't discard anything.
Create a dedicated folder just for your car accident case and put everything in there. You'll thank me later when we're building your claim.
The sooner you have a Bedford Park car accident lawyer on your side, the better. I can guide you through the entire process, handle all communications with insurance companies, protect your rights, and make sure you don't make any mistakes that damage your case.
Call 312-500-4500 anytime, day or night. The consultation is completely free, and there's zero obligation.
Let me pull back the curtain and show you exactly what happens when you file a car accident claim in Bedford Park or anywhere in Cook County, so you understand what you're facing.
The insurance company – whether it's State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, Farmers, or any of the others – has ONE objective: Pay as little as possible.
They're not villains. They're not evil. They're just a business trying to maximize profits. And every dollar they pay YOU is a dollar less for their shareholders.
So here are the games they play with Bedford Park car accident victims:
This is the most common tactic, and it works far too often.
Within days of your car accident in Bedford Park, the insurance adjuster will call with a settlement offer. It'll usually cover your current medical bills and maybe a tiny bit extra – like $5,000 or $10,000.
They'll say things like "This is a fair offer" or "This is the maximum we can do" or my personal favorite: "If you hire a lawyer, they'll just take a third of the settlement anyway, so you might as well settle with us now and keep all the money."
It's all lies. Don't believe it.
Once you sign that settlement release, it's finished. Done. Over. You can't come back three months later when you realize your neck pain isn't improving. You can't ask for more money when you discover you need surgery. You're stuck with whatever they gave you.
Illinois follows what's called "modified comparative negligence." If you're 50% or more at fault for the car accident, you recover nothing. Zero. If you're 30% at fault, your compensation gets reduced by 30%.
So insurance companies LOVE to exaggerate your percentage of fault for the Bedford Park car accident. They'll claim you were speeding, you were distracted, you were following too closely, you failed to avoid the accident – even when their driver clearly caused the crash by running a red light or rear-ending you.
I fight back aggressively against these blame-the-victim tactics.
They'll say whiplash isn't a real injury. That your back pain is just muscle strain that'll heal in a few weeks. That you're exaggerating your symptoms to get more money.
They'll hire their own doctors – doctors who work for insurance companies and get paid to minimize injuries – to examine you for 15 minutes and write a report saying you're completely fine.
Meanwhile, your own doctor who's been treating you for months says you have permanent injuries and chronic pain. But the insurance company will believe their hired gun doctor over yours every single time.
If you ever complained of back pain before the car accident in Bedford Park – even if it was 10 years ago and completely resolved – they'll claim ALL your current pain is pre-existing and not their responsibility.
Even though Illinois law clearly allows you to recover for aggravating a pre-existing condition, they'll fight relentlessly to deny your claim based on old injuries.
We must be 100% upfront and honest about your medical condition before your car accident. The insurance company is going to discover your prior injuries anyway, and honesty is the best approach. But I know how to prove that this accident made things worse, not that you're just complaining about old problems.
They'll hire private investigators to follow you around Bedford Park and video you. They'll comb through your Facebook, Instagram, and every other social media account looking for anything to use against you.
Picked up a bag of groceries at the local store? They'll claim you're not really injured. Posted a photo smiling at your kid's birthday party? They'll say you're not really suffering. Checked in at a gym? They'll argue your injuries can't be that serious.
It doesn't matter that picking up that bag of groceries put you in bed for three days afterward. They don't show that part in their surveillance video.
They know you need money. You have medical bills piling up from local hospitals. You're missing work and can't pay your mortgage. You're desperate.
So they delay. They "need more information." They're "still investigating." They're "waiting for approval from the supervisor."
It's all deliberate. They're hoping you'll get so desperate that you'll accept whatever lowball offer they eventually make just to get SOMETHING to pay your bills.
That's exactly why you need me fighting for you from day one. I know all these tactics, and I counter them at every turn.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
I didn't become a car accident lawyer to get wealthy or see my face on billboards along I-55. I became one because of what happened to my father and because I witnessed how injured people get treated by insurance companies, defense lawyers, and even their own attorneys.
So I represent injured people in Bedford Park and throughout Cook County differently. Here are my Three Core Principles that guide everything I do:
People hurt in car accidents in Bedford Park deserve to have their phone calls answered. They deserve a car accident lawyer they like, trust, and respect. They deserve to know where their case stands and have their questions answered honestly.
I make sure everyone on my team understands that winning your case while helping you and being there for you is our #1 priority. Not moving on to the next case. Not maximizing our profits. Helping YOU.
To get every dollar my Bedford Park clients deserve, whether at settlement or trial, I've spent the last two decades studying with the best trial lawyers in America.
I've spent over $100,000 on advanced settlement and trial training that most other lawyers never even consider. I've traveled all over the country (and continue to do so) to study with the top legal minds.
I'm a graduate of the world-renowned "Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College" as well as a graduate of the prestigious "The Edge" program. Fewer than one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have.
And I did it for one reason: so Bedford Park car accident victims get the very best, most cutting-edge and effective representation possible.
From my one-of-a-kind, in-house developed automated case management software to my proprietary pre-suit case process, my firm discovers more about your Bedford Park car accident case earlier than other lawyers.
We beat the insurance company to the punch. We get evidence they don't even know exists. We build your case faster and stronger.
And that means better results and quicker case settlements for all of my car accident clients in Bedford Park, no matter how they got hurt or what kind of injuries they suffered.
While my office is located at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204 Oak Brook, IL 60523, I regularly serve car accident victims throughout Bedford Park and the surrounding Cook County communities.
You want a lawyer who is ready, willing and able to fight and go to Court on your car accident case if there are any issues getting fair compensation.
Of course, I visit my clients all over Bedford Park, Cook County, and the suburbs. We can meet at your home, at your workplace, at a coffee shop near you – really, anywhere you're comfortable.
Or we can handle everything by phone, email, or Zoom if that's easier for you. You don't need to be tech-savvy to work with me. I accommodate whatever works best for you.
I serve car accident victims throughout Bedford Park and nearby communities including:
Bedford Park, Burbank, Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, Summit, Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn, Worth, Evergreen Park, Alsip, Palos Hills, etc.
And throughout all of Cook County and the southwest Chicago suburbs.
Based on my experience handling car accident cases in Bedford Park over the past two decades, here are the most common causes of crashes I encounter:
Texting while driving, talking on phones, eating, putting on makeup, messing with GPS or radio – distracted driving causes more car accidents in Bedford Park than anything else.
I witness it every single day on Cicero Avenue. Drivers staring down at their phones instead of watching the road. It's maddening because these crashes are 100% preventable.
Drivers going 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on 65th Street. Weaving through traffic on I-55. Running red lights. Tailgating. Aggressive driving behavior causes serious car accidents in Bedford Park constantly.
Drivers pulling out from warehouse parking lots without looking. Making left turns without checking for oncoming traffic. Not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. These violations cause T-bone collisions and serious injuries.
Not leaving enough space between vehicles leads to rear-end collisions, especially in stop-and-go traffic on Cicero Avenue during rush hour. If the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly, you need adequate space to react and stop safely.
Despite all the warnings and harsh penalties, drunk drivers still get behind the wheel in Bedford Park. Late-night crashes often involve alcohol or drugs.
Ice, snow, rain, and fog make Bedford Park roads dangerous, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers who don't adjust their speed for weather conditions cause multi-car pile-ups.
Drivers in a rush who blow through red lights at Bedford Park intersections cause devastating T-bone collisions. These are among the most dangerous car accidents because side-impact crashes offer minimal protection.
Changing lanes without checking blind spots. Merging onto I-55 or I-294 without yielding. These mistakes cause sideswipe accidents and worse.
With all the commercial trucks in Bedford Park, truck driver errors are a major cause of accidents. Fatigued drivers, improperly loaded cargo, failure to maintain trucks, speeding, and violation of federal trucking regulations lead to catastrophic crashes.
Car accidents in Bedford Park can cause a wide spectrum of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Here are the most common injuries I see:
These can range from temporary whiplash all the way to serious neck injections, surgery, and can even result in permanent injury and paralysis. And the thing is, initially, a neck injury can seem like it might resolve. But weeks or months later, you're still in constant pain.
Chronic back pain affects everything you do, from sitting, standing, walking, and even sleeping. It truly changes how you do everything in your life.
But insurance companies are experts at convincing a jury that your back injury is trivial. You deserve an advocate on your side to make sure that neither the insurance company nor the jury takes YOUR back injury lightly. After all, chronic back injury is one of the most common permanent injuries Americans suffer.
The brain is truly the seat of our consciousness. A blow to the head, or even a violent movement of the body in a car crash, can cause brain trauma in what's called a 'coup-counter-coup' injury.
Sometimes, there's minimal evidence on MRI, and sometimes, a blow to the head can result in a subdural hematoma or a skull fracture. No matter what kind of brain injury your doctor has diagnosed after your Bedford Park car accident, you need a lawyer who will take it seriously and do the work to prove it.
Arms, legs, ribs, collar bones, wrists, ankles – broken bones from car accidents can require surgery, pins, plates, and months of recovery. Even "simple" fractures can lead to permanent limitations and chronic pain.
The force of a car crash can cause internal injuries that aren't immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and internal injuries can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.
Broken glass, twisted metal, and the violent forces in a car crash cause deep cuts and permanent scarring, especially to the face, head, neck, and hands. These visible scars can cause lasting emotional trauma.
You never realize how much you use both arms until you have a shoulder injury. Not being able to lift your arm or use your hand while dressing, working or caring for children introduces you to a new world of frustration.
From torn rotator cuffs to persistent sprains to broken bones, shoulder injuries from seatbelt forces and airbag impacts are common in Bedford Park car accidents.
Anxiety about driving, especially on the roads where the accident happened. Depression from being unable to work or enjoy life. PTSD that causes nightmares and flashbacks. Panic attacks every time you get in a vehicle.
While such injuries have become more recognized, handling cases with these injuries requires sensitivity. The lawyer must balance protecting the client from further harm with having to prove the case. Early preparation is critical, and only a car accident lawyer with compassion and experience can give you your best chance. Some jurors will be skeptical, so you need to put your best foot forward.
Most cases have a Statute of Limitations. For most car accident cases in Illinois, the deadline is 2 years from the date you were injured.
There are numerous exceptions to this, and I encourage you to at least consult with me about this because if you miss this deadline, chances are, your case is finished for good. Call me at 312-500-4500 for a free consultation.
Nothing upfront. Not a dime.
I work on a contingency fee on car accident cases – no fee unless I get you a settlement or verdict. It is industry standard (and set by law) one third (33 1/3%) up to 40% for car accident cases, depending on whether we have to go to Court or trial.
I even advance all case costs. In other words, the cost of obtaining your medical records, the cost of filing a lawsuit, paying your doctors for their depositions, hiring expert witnesses. Things like that. All of that is advanced by me.
This way, you never have any out of pocket costs to work with me. In fact, you never pay out of pocket. I only get paid if you get paid first.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Very common question, but there is no way for me to tell you that without A LOT of information about your case.
Even then, there's a range of value depending on you as the client, the facts of the case, the severity of your injuries, your doctor, and your medical outcome once you have recovered as much as you can from your injuries.
This may be a disappointing answer, but it's the truth. And you should think twice before hiring someone who tells you that you have a million dollar case before knowing any of the details.
The best thing to do is call me at 312-500-4500 and we'll talk about your specific Bedford Park car accident and what it might be worth.
You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Illinois uses what's called "modified comparative negligence."
This means if you're 20% at fault for the Bedford Park car accident, you recover 80% of your damages. If you're 49% at fault, you recover 51% of your damages. But if you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
The insurance company will try to exaggerate your percentage of fault to pay you less. That's why you need a strong car accident lawyer fighting for you. Even if you think you might share some blame for the crash, call me. Let me evaluate the situation.
Your own uninsured motorist coverage should provide compensation for your injuries. I know how to maximize these claims and fight with your own insurance company to get you what you deserve.
If the other driver has insurance but not enough to cover your injuries (underinsured motorist), your own policy may also provide additional coverage. These claims can get complicated quickly, which is why you need an experienced Bedford Park car accident lawyer handling it.
Absolutely! A word of caution, however. Lawyers are not supposed to chase after other lawyers' clients. The only way I will represent you is if you have already decided to fire your lawyer and are going to hire a different one anyway.
Beware of unprofessional lawyers who bad-mouth one another. It is unethical, and it tells you a lot about a lawyer if the only way they can get clients is to spread rumors about others.
If you do switch to me, I negotiate a deal with the old lawyer, and if we cannot work out a deal, then the Court divides my attorney fee and gives some of it to your old lawyer. Nothing for you to worry about – you pay the same as if you only ever hired me. I take the hit, but those are the breaks.
I once settled a case in 30 minutes. I have settled several in several months. Most car accident cases that settle can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. If a case goes into suit and we have to file a lawsuit, it can be 2 years until we get a trial date.
I always push my cases forward, because you do not get paid waiting, and neither do I. I do not get paid anything out of your pocket on contingency fee cases, just when I win your case by settlement or verdict.
Once I know some more details of your Bedford Park car accident case, I'll be in a better position to give you a time estimate.
When you have no insurance, a doctor can file a lien (pronounced "lean") which is a legal document saying that if you get money out of your lawsuit, the doctor has to be paid a portion of it for his bill.
The doctor does not have a "stake" in your case, because you still owe the doctor for the bills whether you win your case or not. The law limits how much they can get out of your settlement.
From here, it gets quite complicated. I have extensive experience working these things out, and it can get very complex, beyond what I can answer in a brief FAQ.
If you have health insurance, use it for treatment after your car accident. Many times, my client's health insurers never contact them about being paid back for the medical care covered by the health insurance. When they DO contact my office or you, then yes, we do have to work out a deal with them. I handle that, and I can usually get you a favorable deal.
Not a problem at all. But we must be 100% upfront and honest about your medical condition before your car accident.
Even if you had the same or similar problem before, the law allows us to make a claim for the aggravation of a pre-existing injury – for a problem becoming worse. The insurance company is going to find out about your prior injury anyway, and honesty is the best policy.
I know how to prove that the Bedford Park car accident made your condition worse and that you deserve compensation for it.
Hard to say, but maybe 2-3 times before the trial, and then you have to be present for the entire trial, start to finish. This is not gospel, but it's a reasonable estimate.
That said, most cases settle. About 90% of my car accident cases settle without going to trial. But the reason they settle is because the insurance company knows I'm not afraid to go to court if they won't make a fair offer.
I represent people all the time who hire me AFTER they sign insurance papers and give a recorded statement on the telephone. Usually I can fix it. When I cannot fix it, we have to live with it and do the best we can.
It may not be a big deal at all – but it can be a case-killer depending on what you said. It is one of the first things I investigate once I take over a case.
That's why it's so important to call a car accident lawyer BEFORE you talk to any insurance adjuster. But if you already talked to them, don't panic. Call me and let's see what we can do.
NO. Call me first at 312-500-4500 before you accept anything.
Insurance companies make lowball offers hoping you'll take the money and disappear. Once you sign that settlement release, it's finished. You can't come back later for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be much worse than you thought.
Let me review any settlement offer before you accept it. The consultation is free. What do you have to lose?
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
You might be wondering: What does a car accident lawyer actually DO? Good question. Here's the honest answer:
You provide me the basics of how your Bedford Park car accident occurred, who the witnesses are, what doctors you're seeing. You sign my initial paperwork, like information releases so I can get your medical records.
I always have clients sign a written agreement outlining our arrangement in plain English. No tricks, no fine print, just a straightforward agreement.
Your job is to tell me if you change jobs or addresses or phone numbers, keep me updated as to your medical treatment, send me anything you get in the mail related to your injuries or the accident, and cooperate with my office as we collect your medical records, bills, and other information necessary to push your case forward.
If we file a case, you might have to come downtown to my office or the courthouse a few times, but the day-to-day heavy lifting is all done by my office.
Once you hire me, the insurance adjusters call ME, not you. You don't have to deal with their tricks and games anymore. You don't have to stress about saying the wrong thing or getting recorded saying something they'll use against you.
I become the buffer between you and the insurance companies. That's my job.
I get the Bedford Park police report. I interview witnesses. I visit the accident scene on Cicero Avenue or wherever your crash happened. I review any surveillance footage from nearby businesses. I gather all available evidence.
Sometimes I hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the crash happened and who was at fault. I don't just take your word for what happened – I build a comprehensive case with solid evidence that proves your version of events.
If you're having trouble finding doctors in the Bedford Park or Cook County area who will treat you on a lien, I can help. If your health insurance is giving you problems, I can help with that too.
Going to a company doctor in a work injury case is usually a mistake, because company doctors are out to protect the company. In car accident cases, if you have health insurance, have your family doctor refer you to the appropriate specialist.
If you have been injured in a car accident and want to get compensation for your injuries, you have to get treatment or there is no way to prove your case.
I work with medical experts, economic experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners to determine exactly what your Bedford Park car accident case is worth – not just your current bills, but your future medical needs, your future lost earnings, your pain and suffering, everything.
Insurance companies will only look at what you've spent so far. I look at what you'll need for the rest of your life.
I don't settle cheap just to close the case and move on to the next one. I fight for every single dollar you deserve.
And insurance companies in Bedford Park and throughout Cook County know that I'm willing to go to trial if they won't make a fair offer. That gives us serious leverage in negotiations.
Even though most car accident cases settle, I prepare every single case as if it's going to trial. That means developing a trial strategy, identifying and preparing witnesses, working with experts, creating demonstrative exhibits, and building the strongest possible case.
When insurance companies see that level of preparation, they usually make reasonable settlement offers rather than risk going to trial against me.
Some people think they can handle their own car accident case and save the attorney fee. Let me explain why that's usually a terrible idea:
Without years of experience handling car accident cases in Bedford Park and Cook County, how would you know if a settlement offer is fair or not?
The insurance company does this every single day. You don't. It's not a fair fight.
I've been fighting insurance companies for over two decades. I know every trick, every tactic, every game they play to minimize or deny car accident claims.
You don't. And you'll get destroyed trying to negotiate with them yourself.
One wrong statement to an insurance adjuster can destroy your entire case. They're trained to get you to say things that hurt your claim, and you won't even realize you're doing it.
Car accident cases often require accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, economic experts, and other professionals to prove your case and maximize your compensation.
You don't have relationships with these experts. I do. And I know which ones are credible and which ones are full of it.
Research consistently shows that people represented by lawyers recover significantly more money – even after paying attorney fees – than people who try to handle car accident cases themselves.
Why would you leave money on the table just to avoid hiring a lawyer, especially when it costs you nothing upfront and I only get paid if you get paid?
I have been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998. I had my first jury trial in a personal injury case after one month of practice.
After about 1 1/2 years, I went to a large defense firm and worked for insurance companies and saw how they operate from the inside. (Terrible!) My sympathies were always with the middle class, working class, regular people over big companies, so I returned to doing injury work for injured people.
I quickly realized that there are many injury firms out there that treat their clients terribly, but their Associates even worse. So I started building a practice mainly on word of mouth and excellent, respectful service. That is the foundation of my firm, and it is my promise to all of my Bedford Park clients.
Sure, I have had more than 30 jury trials, and probably 100 arbitrations, hundreds of depositions. I have more trial experience than lawyers twice my age, because I am not afraid to go to trial when my client's case merits it.
In fact, MOST lawyers retire without ever even having HALF the trials I have had.
Insurance companies in Bedford Park and throughout Cook County know this. They know I'm not bluffing when I say I'll take them to court. And that's why they make better settlement offers when they see my name on a case.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
I've witnessed too many solid car accident cases get ruined because injured people made preventable mistakes. Here are the biggest ones:
If you wait days or weeks after your Bedford Park car accident to seek medical treatment, the insurance company will argue you weren't really hurt.
"If her neck was really injured, why didn't she go to the emergency room that day?" they'll say.
See a doctor within 24-48 hours of your car accident, even if you think you're fine. Some injuries don't show symptoms right away.
Every appointment you miss is ammunition for the insurance company. They'll claim that if you were really in pain, you wouldn't have missed five physical therapy sessions.
I understand – life happens. You have to work. Appointments are expensive. But do everything in your power to attend every single medical appointment.
If your doctor tells you to do physical therapy and you don't do it, the insurance company will claim you're not really trying to get better.
If your doctor tells you not to lift anything over 20 pounds and you ignore that advice, they'll argue your injuries aren't serious.
Follow your doctor's instructions. Period.
The insurance adjuster is NOT your friend, even if they act friendly and helpful. They are trained to get you to say things that hurt your Bedford Park car accident case.
Everything you say will be recorded and used against you. Politely decline to give them any statement. Tell them to contact your lawyer. Then call me.
Insurance companies will send you forms asking for permission to access your medical records. DO NOT SIGN THEM without having me review them first.
These forms often give them access to your ENTIRE medical history going back decades, including psychiatric records, substance abuse treatment, everything. They'll dig up anything they can use against you.
This is the biggest mistake people make in 2025. Anything you post on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, anywhere – it can all be used against you.
You post a photo of yourself shopping? Insurance company claims you're not really injured. You check in at a restaurant? They say you're not really suffering.
Just stay completely off social media until your case resolves. I'm not kidding.
Look, I'm on your side. But I need you to be 100% honest with me and with your doctors about your symptoms and limitations.
If you exaggerate or lie about your pain, it WILL come out at trial. And once you lose credibility on one thing, the jury won't believe ANYTHING you say. Then your case is worth nothing.
Be honest. Tell me the good days and the bad days. Tell me what you CAN do and what you CAN'T do.
Never settle a car accident case until you've reached maximum medical improvement – meaning your doctors say you're as good as you're going to get.
Once you sign that settlement release, it's OVER. You can't come back later for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be permanent.
Call me before you even consider any settlement offer from the insurance company.
Some people think they can handle their own Bedford Park car accident case. Save the attorney fee. Negotiate directly with State Farm or Allstate themselves.
Terrible idea. Really terrible idea.
Studies show that people represented by lawyers recover MORE money – even after paying attorney fees – than people who try to handle cases themselves.
Insurance adjusters negotiate car accident claims every single day. You don't. It's not a fair fight without a lawyer on your side.
No matter how you got hurt in a car accident in Bedford Park, Burbank, Bridgeview, Justice, or anywhere in Cook County, I truly hope to hear from you to see how I can help.
You can call my office any time, night or day.
Why not get a free consultation?
Here's how it works:
You call for free (or I can call you).
I listen to your story about the Bedford Park car accident.
I answer your questions & concerns.
I tell you my plan for your case.
You can hire me or not hire me, your choice.
Either way, we end up as friends.
Sound good?
The call and consultation are always 100% free and no obligation.
Please realize that I am here to help, whether you have a viable car accident case or not. Feel free to call.
I have handled thousands of car accident cases of all types in Bedford Park and throughout Cook County, and I've recovered millions for my clients. I can probably help you too.
Are you ready to talk about your Bedford Park car accident?
Give me a call or tell me about your case and I'll call you.
Call me right now at 312-500-4500.
I answer my phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call any time – 3 AM on Sunday, 9 PM on Saturday, Christmas morning, doesn't matter.
The consultation is 100% free. Zero obligation. We'll talk like friends about what happened in your Bedford Park car accident and whether I can help you.
You have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain.
There is one particular car accident lawyer I'd like you to call. I'll let you guess who that is. (Yes, that's my sense of humor showing.)
But seriously – if you've been hurt in a car accident in Bedford Park or anywhere in Cook County, don't wait. Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Don't try to handle this alone.
Call me. Let me fight for you.
Your fight is my fight.
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
