Elmwood Park car accident attorney Scott DeSalvo fights for injured victims. Free consultation 24/7. No fees unless we win. Call 312-500-4500 now.
I was just a kid – nine years old – when my world changed forever.
My father drove a truck. He was a Teamster, a working man who provided for our family. Then came the injury that destroyed everything. His neck, back, and spine were permanently damaged in a crash. His career was over. He was never the same person after that.
But here's what still makes my blood boil decades later: The lawyer who was supposed to fight for him dragged his case out for seventeen years. Seventeen years. And when it finally ended, that same attorney actually sued my father to squeeze even more money out of his settlement.
Can you imagine that?
I watched our family slip into poverty when my father couldn't work anymore. I watched insurance companies jerk him around. I watched defense lawyers play games. And worst of all, I watched his own attorney – the one person who should have been protecting him – treat him like garbage.
That's why I became a car accident attorney. To make absolutely sure that never happens to you or anyone in your family.
Last month, I got a call from an Elmwood Park family. They'd been T-boned at the intersection of North Avenue and Harlem by a driver who ran a red light. The father suffered a serious shoulder injury that ended his construction career. The mother developed debilitating anxiety every time she had to drive down North Avenue to work. Their son in the backseat was physically unharmed but now refuses to get in a car.
What bothered them most wasn't even the accident itself. It was how Allstate treated them afterwards – like they were criminals trying to commit fraud instead of honest people who just needed help with their medical bills.
As a car accident attorney serving Elmwood Park and Cook County, I see this exact pattern constantly. Insurance companies bet on you not understanding your rights or knowing what your case is truly worth. They bet on you being too intimidated or exhausted to push back.
That stops the second you call me.
I handle cases differently than other attorneys in Elmwood Park. I treat injured people with dignity – like they're my own family. I answer my phone 24/7/365 – call me at 2 AM on Christmas if you need to. I don't use aggressive sales tactics or hound potential clients. We talk like regular people, and you make the decision whether you want to hire me. No matter what, we'll be friends at the end.
I've invested well over $100,000 studying with the best trial attorneys in the country. I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College and "The Edge" program. Fewer than one in 10,000 attorneys has completed the training I have. Insurance companies in Elmwood Park and throughout Cook County know I'm deadly serious when I say I'll take them to trial.
Call me right now at 312-500-4500. Any time, day or night. The consultation is absolutely free, and there's zero pressure.
Elmwood Park sits at the intersection of some incredibly busy roads in the western suburbs – North Avenue, Harlem Avenue, Grand Avenue, Fullerton Avenue, Belmont Avenue, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94). That's an enormous amount of traffic. And unfortunately, that traffic means constant car accidents.
Here are the types of crashes I handle for Elmwood Park residents:
Elmwood Park has notoriously dangerous intersections, especially where North Avenue crosses Harlem, at Grand and Harlem, near Elmwood Park High School, and throughout the residential areas. T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions, and crashes from drivers blowing through red lights or failing to yield happen regularly.
Side-impact crashes often result in the most devastating injuries because your car door provides virtually no protection. I've helped Elmwood Park residents recover compensation for fractured bones, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and life-altering disabilities from intersection accidents.
These are absolutely the most common car accidents I encounter in Elmwood Park. Whether you were stopped at a traffic light on North Avenue, stuck in congestion near downtown Elmwood Park, or waiting behind someone on Harlem Avenue during rush hour, getting rear-ended can cause devastating injuries.
Whiplash, spinal injuries, neck trauma, and head injuries are typical even in supposedly "minor" collisions. And here's the problem – at first, a neck injury might seem temporary. But months later, you're still suffering and the insurance company is claiming it's psychosomatic.
Insurance companies will try to downplay your injuries, insisting rear-end accidents don't cause real harm. That's complete nonsense, and I disprove it in case after case.
High-speed crashes on I-90/94 can be absolutely catastrophic. Multi-car chain reactions, lane-change collisions, and merging accidents at 70 mph often result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
These cases get complicated immediately because they might involve numerous drivers, commercial vehicles, disputed liability, and insurance companies all pointing fingers at everyone else. I know how to investigate these highway crashes comprehensively, work with accident reconstruction specialists, and hold all negligent parties accountable.
Don't assume parking lot accidents are trivial. I've represented Elmwood Park clients injured at local shopping centers, the Jewel parking lot, restaurant parking areas, and other commercial zones where careless drivers backed into pedestrians, sideswiped other vehicles, or caused crashes while texting or not paying attention.
Insurance companies love claiming parking lot accidents are always mutual fault. "Both parties should have been more careful," they insist. I fight back aggressively against that convenient assumption and prove who was genuinely at fault.
If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene in Elmwood Park, you might assume you're completely out of luck. Not true. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries, and I know how to maximize these claims even when we can't locate the at-fault driver.
I've also helped Elmwood Park clients identify hit-and-run drivers using surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and witness statements. Sometimes we find them, sometimes we don't. Either way, I make sure you get compensated.
Drunk drivers cause preventable disasters on Elmwood Park roads, especially late at night on weekends near the bars and restaurants along North Avenue and Grand Avenue. If a drunk driver hit you, you may be entitled to punitive damages on top of regular compensation – money specifically designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless, inexcusable behavior.
These cases infuriate me. Someone made a conscious choice to drive drunk, and now your life is permanently changed because of their selfishness.
Texting while driving, being on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, fiddling with the GPS – distracted drivers are everywhere in Elmwood Park. I witness it constantly. These completely avoidable crashes happen because someone couldn't put their phone down for five minutes.
I use cell phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove distracted driving and maximize your compensation. The insurance company will fight it hard, but I've won these cases repeatedly.
Uber and Lyft drivers are all over Elmwood Park. If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or if an Uber or Lyft driver hit you, here's the good news: these companies have $1 million insurance policies when a driver is actively transporting a passenger.
That means we can potentially recover full compensation for your injuries, not just some inadequate amount. But you need an attorney who understands how to navigate these claims, because Uber and Lyft intentionally make it complicated.
Amazon delivery vans, FedEx vehicles, UPS trucks, delivery drivers – they're constantly racing through Elmwood Park making deliveries to homes and businesses. When these commercial vehicles cause accidents, the cases are more complex than typical car crashes because they involve commercial insurance policies, company liability, and sometimes federal regulations.
But complexity also means there's typically more insurance coverage available, which means better compensation for you.
Look, Elmwood Park and the surrounding area have plenty of attorneys. You've probably seen the billboards on the Kennedy and the TV commercials during the news.
So why should you call me instead of them?
Legitimate question. Here's my straight answer.
Some attorneys work both sides. They'll represent injured people one week and defend insurance companies the next week. Not me.
I have NEVER represented an insurance company or a big corporation in my entire career. Not once. Not ever.
I exclusively represent injured people in Elmwood Park, Cook County, and throughout the Chicago area. Your fight is my fight, and I'm 100% on your side. Always.
When you call those big corporate law firms, you get shuffled to a paralegal or a case manager. You might never actually speak with an attorney. Your calls go to voicemail. Your emails don't get answered for days.
That's not how I operate.
When you're my client, you get my cell phone number. You can call me directly, any time – 3 AM on a Sunday, doesn't matter. And I actually pick up. Because I remember what it was like when my father needed help and couldn't get anyone to return his calls.
I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College – arguably the most prestigious trial advocacy program in America. I've also completed "The Edge," another elite training program for trial attorneys.
I've spent well over $100,000 and countless hours traveling across the country studying with the best legal minds in America. Fewer than one in 10,000 attorneys has completed the training I have.
Why does this matter to you?
Because insurance companies know who the serious trial lawyers are. When they see my name on a case in Elmwood Park or anywhere in Cook County, they know I'm not bluffing. They know I have the skills and willingness to take them to court if they won't offer fair compensation.
That translates directly into better settlement offers for you. It's that simple.
Got a smaller case? Some complications? Some challenges that make other attorneys nervous? Other Elmwood Park attorneys 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's like to need help and get the door slammed in your face.
All law firms want large, easy-to-win cases. But large or small, I handle them all. That's been my commitment from day one, and it's not changing.
I never chase clients. I never hustle and harass people. I never use high-pressure sales tactics or make inflated promises about what your case is worth just to get you to sign.
We talk like friends. I explain your options honestly. I answer your questions. I tell you what I genuinely think about your case – the good and the bad.
And then YOU decide if you want to hire me. Your choice. No pressure.
Hiring an attorney is your decision, and you should always work with the best car accident lawyer who you like and trust. Never go with the high-pressure sales guys. They might be desperate for cases. And if they put pressure on you or act like a jerk, is that really the attorney you want representing you?
If we end up working together, great. If not, that's fine too. Either way, we'll end up as friends. That's how I do business.
You don't pay me anything upfront. Not a dime.
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 penny.
I only get paid if you get paid first. My fee is 33 1/3% in most car accident cases (or 40% if we have to file a lawsuit and go to court). These are standard rates set by law.
If I don't win your case? You don't owe me anything. Not one penny. I eat the costs I've advanced, and you walk away owing me nothing.
Pretty good deal, right?
Car accidents don't happen on a convenient schedule. You might need to talk to an attorney at 9 PM on a Saturday or 6 AM on a 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 morning? Yep. Thanksgiving night? Sure. 2 AM on a Tuesday? Call me. When you're dealing with the stress of a car accident, you shouldn't have to wait until Monday morning for answers.
Many people don't realize the full scope of compensation they're entitled to under Illinois law after a car accident. Here's what you can potentially recover:
Every dime of your past medical expenses and all future medical costs related to the car accident – emergency room visits, ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, medical equipment, home health care, and any ongoing treatment you'll need for the rest of your life.
If the car accident caused you to miss work, you can recover those lost wages. If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to earn income in the future, you can recover compensation for that lost earning capacity too.
We might be able to get you what's called a "wage differential" – which means that if you used to make $30/hour and now you can only earn $18/hour due to your injuries, we might be able to get you that extra $12 per hour for the remainder of your working life. That can be substantial money, and it can really ease the financial strain. Obviously, this is complex stuff, so this is not a promise without knowing more about your case.
The physical pain you've endured and will continue to endure. The chronic back pain that makes it hard to get out of bed. The headaches that won't go away. The burning sensation in your shoulder every time you try to lift something.
Insurance companies hate paying for pain and suffering because there's no receipt or invoice. But Illinois law recognizes it's real and compensable, and I make sure you get every dollar you deserve for it.
Anxiety about driving after the crash, especially on North Avenue or Harlem where the accident happened. Depression from being unable to work or enjoy life. PTSD from the trauma of the collision. Fear and panic attacks every time you get in a car.
These psychological injuries are just as real as broken bones, and they deserve compensation.
If your injuries prevent you from activities you loved before the car accident – playing with your kids, going to the fitness center, attending church, traveling, working in your garden, whatever brought you joy – you can recover damages for that lost quality of life.
I've helped Elmwood Park clients recover compensation for not being able to coach their kid's baseball team, not being able to attend their daughter's wedding, not being able to go to Blackhawks games with their friends. These things matter.
Permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face, neck, and hands, can cause ongoing emotional distress and affect your self-confidence, your relationships, and even your career. 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 pretty straightforward, but insurance companies will still try to lowball you on it.
Your spouse can make 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 steps you take in the next few hours and days after a car accident will dramatically affect your case value and your ability to recover compensation. Here's what I tell every Elmwood Park client:
Even if you feel "okay," call the police and get checked by paramedics or go to the emergency room. Some injuries like concussions, whiplash, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage don't show symptoms right away.
Insurance companies will argue that if you didn't seek immediate medical attention, you weren't really hurt. Don't give them that ammunition. 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 on the Elmwood Park police report to capture everything. The police might not see what you see, and they might get 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 all 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 decline to give them any statement. Tell them you'll have your attorney 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 family barbecue? The insurance company will claim you're not really injured or suffering. Checked in at the gym? They'll say you're not really hurt and your injuries aren't serious.
Just stay completely off social media until your case is resolved. Trust me on this. I've seen good cases get ruined because someone posted an innocent photo that the insurance company twisted into "proof" they were faking their injuries.
Get a full 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 she was really in that much pain, why did she miss four physical therapy appointments?"
I get it – life happens. You have to work. You have kids to take care of. Medical appointments are expensive. But do everything in your power 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 wages – keep absolutely everything. Don't throw anything away.
Create a file folder just for your car accident case and put everything in there. You'll thank me later when we're putting together your claim.
The sooner you have an Elmwood Park car accident attorney on your side, the better. I can guide you through the entire process, handle all communications with the insurance companies, protect your rights, and make sure you don't make any mistakes that hurt your case.
Call 312-500-4500 any time, day or night. The consultation is completely free, and there's zero obligation.
Let me pull back the curtain and tell you exactly what happens when you file a car accident claim in Elmwood Park or anywhere in Cook County, so you know what you're up against.
The insurance company – whether it's State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, Farmers, or any of the others – has ONE goal: Pay as little as possible.
They're not evil. They're not monsters. They're just a business trying to maximize profit. And every dollar they pay YOU is a dollar less in their shareholders' pockets.
So here are the games they play with Elmwood Park car accident victims:
H3: The Quick Lowball Settlement Offer
This is the most common tactic, and it works way too often.
Within days of your car accident in Elmwood 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 best we can do" or my personal favorite: "If you hire an attorney, 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 fall for it.
Once you sign that settlement release, it's over. Done. Finished. You can't come back three months later when you realize your neck pain isn't going away. You can't ask for more money when you find out you need surgery. You're stuck with whatever they gave you.
H3: Blaming You for the Car Accident
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 inflate your percentage of fault for the Elmwood 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 hard against these blame-the-victim tactics.
H3: Claiming Your Injuries Aren't Serious
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 perfectly 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.
H3: Digging Up Pre-Existing Conditions
If you ever complained of back pain before the car accident in Elmwood Park – even if it was 10 years ago and completely healed – they'll claim ALL your current pain is pre-existing and not their responsibility.
Even though Illinois law clearly allows you to recover for making a pre-existing condition worse, they'll fight tooth and nail to deny your claim based on old injuries.
We must be 100% up front and honest about your medical condition before your car accident. The insurance company is going to find out about your prior injuries anyway, and honesty is the best policy. But I know how to prove that this accident made things worse, not that you're just complaining about old problems.
H3: Using Surveillance and Social Media Against You
They'll hire private investigators to follow you around Elmwood Park and video you. They'll scour 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 Jewel? 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 your fitness center? 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.
H3: Delaying and Dragging Out Your Claim
They know you need money. You have medical bills piling up from Loyola or Elmhurst Hospital. You're missing work and can't pay your mortgage. You're desperate.
So they drag their feet. 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.
Minimum Insurance Requirements (And Why They're Not Enough)
Illinois requires drivers to carry minimum insurance of:
That might sound like a lot, but it's not. A serious auto accident can easily result in medical bills, lost wages, and damages far exceeding $25,000. If the driver who hit you only has minimum coverage, we'll explore every option to get you the compensation you deserve—including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Illinois law requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage at the same minimum limits as liability coverage. This protection is crucial because roughly 12% of Illinois drivers are uninsured.
What UM/UIM coverage does:
The minutes and hours after an auto accident can determine the outcome of your case. I've seen too many good cases ruined because people didn't know what to do—or because they trusted the insurance company when they shouldn't have. Here's what you need to do.
Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don't show symptoms for hours or days. Plus, if you don't seek medical treatment right away, the insurance company will claim you weren't really hurt.
Call the police. Always get a police report, even for "minor" accidents. The report documents what happened and who was at fault. Without it, the insurance company will try to twist the facts. Illinois law requires reporting any accident with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,500.
Take photos and videos. Use your phone to photograph everything—vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, your injuries, everything. Take videos too. This evidence disappears quickly once cars are towed and roads are cleared.
Get witness information. If anyone saw the accident, get their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can be crucial if the other driver lies about what happened or if liability is disputed.
Exchange information. Get the other driver's:
DO NOT talk to the other driver's insurance company. This is critical. They'll call you fast, acting friendly, asking for a recorded statement. DO NOT give them one. Everything you say will be used against you. Tell them to contact your lawyer—me.
DO NOT admit fault. Don't apologize or say things like "I didn't see you" or "I'm sorry." These statements can be used against you, even if you weren't at fault. Stick to the facts when talking to police.
See a doctor within 24-48 hours. Go to your doctor, an urgent care, or the ER. Don't wait. Delayed treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries may not be obvious immediately.
Keep records of everything. Medical bills. Prescriptions. Time off work. Pain levels. How your injuries affect your daily life. Document it all. Keep a journal of your recovery, symptoms, doctor visits, and how the injuries impact your ability to work and enjoy life.
Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment. If you miss appointments or don't follow medical advice, they'll claim you weren't really injured or that you made your injuries worse by not following treatment.
Don't post on social media. Insurance companies are watching. That photo of you smiling at a family gathering? They'll use it to claim you're not really injured. Stay off Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, all of it until your case is resolved. Insurance adjusters will scour your profiles looking for anything to use against you.
Don't sign anything from the insurance company. Medical release forms, settlement offers, recorded statement authorizations—don't sign ANYTHING without talking to me first. These documents can waive your rights and give insurance companies access to your entire medical history to find unrelated conditions to blame for your injuries.
Call me before you do anything else. The insurance company will pressure you to give a statement, sign a release, or accept a settlement. Don't do any of it without talking to me first. My consultation is free, and I'm available 24/7 at (312)-500-4500.
To win your auto accident case and recover compensation, we need to prove four elements of negligence. I've done this thousands of times, and I know exactly what evidence to gather and how to build a compelling case.
1. Duty of Care Every driver on Chicago's roads owes a duty of care to others—other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists. This duty includes obeying traffic laws, maintaining control of the vehicle, and operating the vehicle safely. Establishing duty is straightforward in auto accident cases.
2. Breach of Duty The at-fault driver breached their duty of care through negligent behavior. Common breaches include:
3. Causation We must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This requires showing a clear link between the negligent behavior and the accident, and between the accident and your specific injuries. Medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction may be necessary.
4. Damages Finally, we must prove you suffered actual damages—medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent disability, etc. We document everything with medical bills, wage statements, repair estimates, and expert testimony about future costs.
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.
Police Reports: The official accident report from Chicago Police or Illinois State Police contains crucial information about the crash, including the officer's determination of fault, witness statements, and whether any citations were issued.
Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses provide independent accounts of how the accident occurred. I interview witnesses promptly before memories fade and obtain written or recorded statements.
Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence from the scene, traffic cameras, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, dashcam footage, and photos of vehicle damage and injuries.
Medical Records: Complete documentation of all injuries, treatments, diagnoses, and prognoses from emergency rooms, hospitals, doctors, physical therapists, and specialists.
Accident Reconstruction: For complex cases, I work with accident reconstruction experts who use physics, engineering, and computer modeling to recreate the accident and prove how it happened.
Electronic Data: Black box data from vehicles, cell phone records showing texting or calls at the time of the crash, GPS data, and electronic logging device data from commercial trucks.
Expert Testimony: Medical experts, economic experts to calculate lost earning capacity, life care planners for catastrophic injuries, and vocational rehabilitation experts.
Over almost 30 years, I've helped hundreds of Chicago families recover millions of dollars in compensation after auto accidents. Every case is different, but here are examples of results I've achieved for clients:
These results are not guarantees of future outcomes, but they show what's possible when you have an experienced Chicago auto accident attorney fighting for you. Insurance companies know I'm willing to take cases to trial, and they take my clients' claims seriously.
When I was nine years old, my father was catastrophically injured. His case dragged on for 17 years, and at the end, his own lawyer sued him for more fees. That experience shaped everything about how I practice law. I promised myself that what happened to my father would NEVER happen to anyone I represent.
I've been a licensed attorney since 1998, and I've dedicated my entire career to representing injured people—never insurance companies, never big corporations. Just regular people like you who got hurt and need someone to fight for them.
I've had dozens of jury trials and probably 100 arbitrations. I've taken on every major insurance company operating in Illinois—State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, all of them. And they know I'm not afraid to go to trial when they refuse to offer a fair settlement.
Most lawyers retire without ever having HALF the trials I've had. Why does that matter to you? Because insurance companies settle cases for more money when they know your lawyer will actually take them to court. They can smell a bluff from a mile away. I don't bluff.
My trial record includes:
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I've spent over $100,000 on advanced trial training that most lawyers never even consider:
Not one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have. I did it for one reason: so YOU get the very best representation possible.
My Chicago office is on "Lawyer's Row." I'm right down the street from the Daley Center courthouse and the Workers Compensation Commission. I know the judges. I know how Cook County juries think. I've been practicing in these courts for almost 30 years.
But I also come to you. I meet clients at their homes, at hospitals, at coffee shops in their neighborhoods—wherever you're comfortable. I've represented auto accident victims from every part of Chicago and throughout Cook County.
I Treat Every Client Like Family My father was treated like garbage by his lawyers. That will NEVER happen with me. When you call my office, you get personal attention. Your calls get answered. Your questions get answered. You're not just a case number to me.
Proprietary Case Processing Systems I've developed systems and software that help me discover more about your case, earlier than other lawyers. I beat the insurance company to the punch. That means better results and faster settlements.
Only Paid When You Win I've handled thousands of auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means no money out of pocket for you. Zero. I advance all costs—medical records, police reports, filing fees, expert witnesses, court costs, everything. If we don't win, you don't pay me a penny.
Available 24/7/365 Auto accidents don't happen on a schedule. That middle-of-the-night car wreck. The weekend intersection collision. The holiday drunk driving accident. That's why I offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call me at (312)-500-4500 anytime.
Richard Lange - Cab Driver, Car Accident on Lake Shore Drive "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."
Geannine Rowe - Hair Stylist, Rear-End Car Crash "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."
Lisa Hibbard - Pedestrian Struck by Car "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 auto accident case."
Michael Torres - Motorcycle Accident Victim "After my motorcycle was hit by a car that turned left in front of me, I didn't know where to turn. Scott fought for me every step of the way. The insurance company didn't want to pay anything at first, but Scott took them on and got me a settlement that covered all my medical bills and then some."
Jennifer Martinez - T-Bone Accident at Intersection "The other driver ran a red light and hit me broadside. I had back surgery and couldn't work for months. Scott handled everything while I focused on recovery. He kept me updated throughout and got me more than I ever expected. I'm grateful I found him."
These are real testimonials, written in my clients' own words, on file at my office for anyone to see. I like to have a good relationship with my clients. I want a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. My clients always send me referrals of their family and friends. That, in my book, is the true test of the job I am doing for people.
Many people have never dealt with an insurance claim or lawsuit before. Let me walk you through exactly what happens from start to finish, so you know what to expect.
You call me at (312)-500-4500, and we talk. I listen to what happened. I ask questions. I explain your rights under Illinois law. I tell you honestly whether you have a case and what I think it's worth. There's no pressure, no obligation, and no cost for this consultation.
If you decide to hire me, we sign a written agreement. I start working on your case immediately.
I immediately begin investigating your case:
Your health is the priority. I help you:
I track your treatment from start to finish. Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—meaning you've recovered as much as you're going to—we can fully evaluate your case.
Once your treatment is complete, I prepare a comprehensive settlement demand letter to the insurance company. This letter includes:
Insurance companies rarely accept the first demand. They counter with a lower offer. I negotiate back and forth, fighting for every dollar you deserve. This can take weeks or months.
Most cases settle during this phase. If we reach a fair settlement, you receive your money, usually within 30-60 days after signing the settlement agreement.
If the insurance company won't offer fair compensation, I file a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court. Filing a lawsuit doesn't mean we're going to trial—it means we're forcing the insurance company to take your claim seriously.
The lawsuit process includes:
Many cases settle during the lawsuit phase once the insurance company realizes we're serious.
If we can't reach a settlement, we go to trial. I prepare your case thoroughly:
I've tried dozens of cases to verdict. I'm not afraid of trial, and insurance companies know it.
I always push cases forward as quickly as possible because you don't get paid waiting, and neither do I. But I never rush you to settle for less than you deserve.
Illinois law allows auto accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Let me break down what you're entitled to.
Economic Damages (Tangible Financial Losses)
Medical Expenses:
Lost Wages:
Property Damage:
Other Economic Losses:
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your injuries, both past and future. This includes:
Emotional Distress:
Loss of Consortium: If you're married, your spouse may have a claim for loss of consortium—the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy due to your injuries.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement:
The value depends on many factors:
I've recovered settlements ranging from tens of thousands to over a million dollars for auto accident victims. Every case is different. During your free consultation, I'll give you an honest assessment of what your case is worth—not inflated promises, just the truth based on almost 30 years of experience.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
1. How much does it cost to hire you as my auto accident lawyer?
Zero out of pocket. Nothing. I work on a contingency fee—no fee unless I win your case. For auto accident cases, my fee is 33 1/3%, or 40% if we have to file a lawsuit and go to trial. These are standard industry rates.
If we don't win your case, you don't pay me any attorney fee at all. Period. I also advance all case costs—police reports, medical records, court filing fees, expert witnesses, all of it. If we lose, I eat those costs. You don't pay me back.
2. What's the difference between an auto accident lawyer and a car accident lawyer?
There's no legal difference. "Auto accident lawyer" and "car accident lawyer" are different terms for the same thing. I handle all types of motor vehicle accidents—cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, buses, rideshare vehicles, everything. The important thing is finding an experienced lawyer who knows Illinois auto accident law and how to fight insurance companies.
3. How long do I have to file a claim after my auto accident?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For property damage claims, it's 5 years. BUT—if the at-fault driver is a government employee (like a CTA bus driver), you may have as little as 1 year to file and you must provide notice within a shorter time frame.
Don't wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies use delays against you. Call me today at (312)-500-4500.
4. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover damages in Illinois as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example: If your damages are $100,000 and you were 20% at fault, you recover $80,000.
Insurance companies will try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce what they pay. That's why you need an experienced lawyer to fight for you.
5. How long does an auto accident case take?
It varies. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries can settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed liability can take 18-36 months, especially if we file a lawsuit.
I always push cases forward as fast as possible because you don't get paid waiting, and neither do I. But I never rush you to settle for less than you deserve.
6. Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Almost never. Insurance companies always lowball the first offer, hoping you'll take quick money before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. They count on people being desperate for money.
DO NOT accept any settlement without talking to me first. My consultation is free. Let me review the offer and tell you if it's fair. Most first offers are 10-30% of what cases are actually worth.
7. What if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance?
You're not out of luck. Illinois law requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same minimum limits as liability coverage. You file a claim against your own insurance company under your UM coverage.
I handle uninsured motorist claims all the time. Your own insurance company will fight you just like the at-fault driver's insurer would. You need a lawyer.
8. What if the at-fault driver's insurance isn't enough to cover my damages?
This is called an underinsured motorist claim. You file a claim under your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for the difference between the at-fault driver's policy limits and your actual damages.
Example: Your damages are $150,000. The at-fault driver only has $25,000 in coverage. If you have $100,000 in UIM coverage, you can recover $25,000 from their policy plus $75,000 from your UIM coverage (for a total of $100,000).
9. Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?
Generally not if you were not at fault. Illinois law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates or canceling your policy solely because you filed an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist claim when you were not at fault.
However, if you were partially at fault, your rates may increase. But don't let fear of higher rates stop you from getting the compensation you deserve. The settlement will far exceed any rate increase.
10. Do I have to use the insurance company's recommended repair shop?
No. You have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose. Don't let the insurance company pressure you to use their "preferred" shops. These shops often cut corners to save the insurance company money.
11. What if my injuries didn't show up until days or weeks after the accident?
This is common. Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, concussions, and even some internal injuries may not produce symptoms immediately. Adrenaline masks pain. That's why you should ALWAYS see a doctor within 24-48 hours after an accident, even if you feel fine.
If symptoms appear later, document them immediately. See a doctor right away. Tell the doctor about the accident. Late diagnosis doesn't mean you don't have a case—but delayed treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.
12. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
You may need to cooperate with your own insurance company to some extent (check your policy). But you should NEVER give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to get you to say things they can use against you. They'll twist your words, take statements out of context, and use your own words to deny or minimize your claim.
Call me at (312)-500-4500 BEFORE talking to any insurance company.
13. Can I handle my auto accident claim myself without a lawyer?
You can, but you shouldn't. Studies show that auto accident victims who hire lawyers recover 3-4 times more compensation than those who try to handle claims themselves—even after paying attorney fees.
Insurance companies take claims more seriously when you have a lawyer. They know I understand the law, know the value of cases, and am willing to go to trial. Without a lawyer, they'll push you around.
My consultation is free. What do you have to lose by at least talking to me?
14. What if the insurance company denies my claim?
This happens all the time, especially with legitimate claims. Insurance companies routinely deny valid claims hoping you'll give up. Don't.
When an insurance company denies your claim, I can:
Many cases that start with a denial end with six-figure settlements after I get involved.
15. How is pain and suffering calculated?
There's no exact formula. Factors include:
Generally, pain and suffering is calculated as a multiple of your medical expenses (2x to 5x depending on severity), but every case is different. I've recovered substantial pain and suffering damages for my clients based on decades of experience knowing what cases are worth.
16. What if I was injured while working—is this a workers' comp case or an auto accident case?
It might be both. If you were injured in an auto accident while working (for example, driving a delivery truck), you may have:
These are called "third-party claims," and they can result in substantially more compensation than workers' comp alone. I handle both types of cases and can maximize your recovery.
17. Can I sue if a family member was killed in an auto accident?
Yes. Under Illinois' Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit when someone is killed due to another's negligence. Eligible plaintiffs include:
Wrongful death damages include funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death.
18. What if the at-fault driver was drunk?
Drunk driving cases often result in higher settlements because:
I've handled many drunk driving accident cases and know how to pursue all available sources of compensation.
19. How do I pay my medical bills while my case is pending?
Several options:
I help coordinate payment for medical treatment so you can focus on recovery, not bills.
20. What happens if the insurance company makes a settlement offer during my treatment?
DO NOT accept it. Any settlement you accept while still treating closes your case permanently. You can never reopen it if you discover additional injuries or need more treatment.
Wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—when your doctor says you've recovered as much as you're going to. Only then can we properly value your case including all future medical expenses and permanent limitations.
I proudly represent auto accident victims throughout Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. No matter where in the area your accident occurred, I'm here to help.
Chicago Neighborhoods:
Chicago Expressways and Major Roads:
Cook County Suburbs:
Other Counties:
I also represent clients in DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and throughout Northern Illinois.
Illinois law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit after an auto accident (sometimes even less...). Miss that deadline, and your case is gone forever. Plus:
The sooner you call me, the sooner I can start fighting for you.
Remember My Promise:
No money out of pocket. No fee until we win. Available 24/7/365.
Contact Auto Accident Attorney Scott DeSalvo today at (312)-500-4500.
I look forward to hearing from you and learning about your accident and what I can do to help.
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
