If you've been in a car crash in Chicago, you've probably already gotten a stack of mail from lawyers offering to represent you. That's because in Cook County, there's no shortage of attorneys who handle car accident cases. But not all car crash lawyers are the same, and choosing the wrong one can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in settlement value.
Here's what to look for. First, ask how many car accident cases the attorney has actually tried in court. Settlement negotiations are important, but the willingness and ability to go to trial is what separates good lawyers from mediocre ones. Insurance companies track which lawyers settle cheap and which ones take cases to verdict. If your lawyer has never seen the inside of a courtroom, the insurance company knows they can lowball you because there's no real threat behind the demand.
Second, ask about the attorney's caseload. Some high-volume firms sign up hundreds of cases and assign them to paralegals or junior associates who barely know your name. Your case becomes a number on a spreadsheet. When the insurance company makes an offer, they push you to take it because they need to close files and move on. You deserve a lawyer who knows the facts of your case, has reviewed your medical records personally, and can have an intelligent conversation with you about your injuries and your options.
Third, ask about the fee structure. Most car accident lawyers in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis — they take a percentage of your settlement. That percentage is usually around one-third, but some firms charge more. Make sure you understand what percentage the firm takes and what costs you'll be responsible for on top of that. Get it in writing before you sign anything.
Finally, trust your gut. If a lawyer promises you a specific dollar amount before even reviewing your medical records, that's a red flag. If they can't explain the process in plain language, that's a red flag. If they pressure you to sign a retainer agreement on the spot, that's a red flag. A good attorney will take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment.
Call us at 312-500-4500 for a free consultation. No pressure, no gimmicks.
The day of the crash if possible — certainly before you speak to any insurance company. The first 24 to 48 hours after an accident are the most critical for evidence preservation. Insurance adjusters are already documenting the scene and building their case. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Witnesses forget. Getting an attorney involved immediately means I can send preservation letters, advise you on what to say and not say, and make sure you get proper medical care without gaps that hurt your claim later.
Yes — for two reasons. First, car accident injuries often seem minor initially and worsen significantly over 24-72 hours as inflammation builds. What feels like a stiff neck today can be a herniated disc requiring surgery next week. Second, even if your injuries are genuinely minor, insurance companies still try to minimize claims. A free consultation costs you nothing and gives you the information you need to make a smart decision about your case. Call 312-500-4500 any time.
I know what your case is worth and how to prove it. I know the tactics Chicago-area insurance adjusters use and how to counter them. I build a complete evidence file — not just medical bills but lost wages, future damages, and the full human cost of your injuries. And I create credible trial pressure through genuine trial readiness that produces better settlements. Most importantly, I've done this for almost 30 years. The difference in recovery between represented and unrepresented car accident victims is consistently significant.
Nothing unless we win. My fee is one-third of the recovery on a contingency basis — no upfront costs, no hourly billing, no fees if we don't win. Studies consistently show that represented injury victims recover more than unrepresented ones even after attorney fees. There is no financial risk to calling me. Free consultation 24/7 at 312-500-4500.
Two years from the date of the crash for most cases. That's the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations and it's strict - miss it and your case is gone, no matter how serious your injuries. If a government vehicle was involved - a CTA bus, a police car, a city or county vehicle - the deadline is different. You may have as little as one year to file a written notice. Evidence disappears fast and the insurance company is already documenting the scene to use against you. Don't wait. Call me at 312-500-4500 the day of the crash if possible.
You can still recover. Illinois requires every auto policy to include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage - that's your own insurance, paying for injuries caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. Most people don't realize they have this coverage until they need it. I review every car crash client's auto policy to find every dollar of available coverage, including UM, UIM, and stacking if you have multiple vehicles on the policy. Call me at 312-500-4500 to talk about your specific coverage.
No. They will call you within days of the crash, sound friendly, and ask for a recorded statement. Decline. The adjuster is a trained professional whose job is to elicit answers that reduce or deny your claim. They'll ask leading questions about your speed, how you feel, your prior medical history - and use your answers against you. You are not legally required to give them a statement. Tell them to contact your attorney instead, then call me at 312-500-4500.
You can still recover under Illinois law. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence - as long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can collect damages. Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. If you are 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce what they pay. I fight that allocation in every case. Don't accept the insurance company's version of who's at fault. Call me first at 312-500-4500.
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If you or a loved one is dealing with a situation like this, give us a call any time, day or night. We are here to help. 312-500-4500
Scott DeSalvo founded DeSalvo Law to help injured people throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998, IARDC #6244452, Scott has represented over 3,000 clients in personal injury, workers compensation, and accident cases.
No Fee Unless You Win | Free Consultation | 24/7 Availability Call or Text: (312) 500-4500
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