When I was nine years old, my father was catastrophically injured.
He was a truck driver, a Teamster, still a young man. That injury took everything from him. His neck, back and spine were permanently damaged. He was never the same.
But here's what really gets me angry, even today: His injury lawyer – the guy who was supposed to be fighting FOR him – dragged out his case for 17 years. At the end of those 17 years, that lawyer actually sued my father to get more money out of his settlement.
Can you believe that?
We grew up poor once my father could no longer work. And I watched him get run around by the insurance company, the defense lawyers, and even his own attorney who was supposed to be on his side.
So I became a car accident lawyer with one mission: Make damn sure that never happens to you or your family.
Last week, I got a call from a family in Oak Brook. They'd been rear-ended at the light near Oakbrook Center on Route 83. The dad suffered serious whiplash and couldn't do his sales job anymore. The mom developed anxiety about driving that made her daily commute down I-88 a nightmare. Their teenage daughter in the back seat was physically okay but terrified to ride in cars.
You know what frustrated them most? It wasn't just the crash. It was how State Farm treated them afterward – like they were trying to cheat the system instead of being real people who needed help paying their medical bills.
As a car accident lawyer serving Oak Brook and DuPage County, I've seen this same story play out hundreds of times. Insurance companies count on you not knowing your rights or what your case is worth. They count on you being too scared or too tired to fight back.
That stops when you call me.
I do things differently than other lawyers in Oak Brook. I treat injured people like family. I answer my phone 24/7/365 – call me at 3 AM on a Sunday if you need to. I never use high-pressure sales tactics or chase clients around. We talk like friends, and you decide if you want to hire me. Either way, we end up as friends.
I've spent well over $100,000 studying with the best trial lawyers in America. I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College and "The Edge" program. Not one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have. Insurance companies in Oak Brook and throughout DuPage County know I'm not bluffing when I say I'll take them to court.
Call me right now at 312-500-4500. Any time, day or night. The consultation is completely free, and there's zero pressure.
Oak Brook sits right at the crossroads of some of the busiest roads in the western suburbs – Route 83, I-88, Route 294, 22nd Street, York Road, Butterfield Road. That's a lot of traffic. And unfortunately, that means a lot of car accidents.
Here are the types of crashes I help Oak Brook residents with:
These are hands down the most common car accidents I see in Oak Brook. Whether you were stopped at a red light on 22nd Street, sitting in traffic near Oakbrook Center, or stuck behind someone on Route 83 during rush hour, getting hit from behind can cause serious injuries.
Whiplash, back injuries, neck injuries, and head trauma are common even in "minor" fender benders. And the thing is, in the beginning, a neck injury can seem like it might go away. But weeks later, you're still in pain and the insurance company is telling you it's all in your head.
The insurance company will try to minimize your injuries, claiming rear-end accidents don't cause serious harm. That's garbage, and I prove it wrong every single time.
Oak Brook has some seriously busy intersections, especially around Oakbrook Center, along York Road, near the Drury Lane Theatre, and at the major crossroads throughout town. T-bone collisions, side-impact crashes, and accidents caused by drivers running red lights or failing to yield happen way too often here.
These crashes often result in the most serious injuries because you have minimal protection from a side impact. The door is right there. I've helped Oak Brook residents recover compensation for broken bones, internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities from intersection accidents.
High-speed crashes on the Eisenhower Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway can be absolutely devastating. Multi-car pile-ups, lane-change accidents, and merging collisions at 65 mph often result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
These cases can get complicated fast because they might involve multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, unclear liability, and insurance companies all pointing fingers at each other. I know how to investigate these highway crashes thoroughly, work with accident reconstruction experts, and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Don't think parking lot accidents aren't serious. I've represented Oak Brook clients injured at Oakbrook Center, the mall parking structures, restaurant parking lots, and other shopping areas where distracted drivers backed into pedestrians, side-swiped other vehicles, or caused crashes while texting or not paying attention.
Insurance companies love to claim parking lot accidents are always 50/50 fault. "Both drivers should have been more careful," they say. I fight back hard against that BS assumption and prove who was really at fault.
If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene in Oak Brook, you might think you're completely out of luck. Not necessarily. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries, and I know how to maximize these claims even when we can't find the at-fault driver.
I've also helped Oak Brook clients track down 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 tragedies on Oak Brook roads, especially late at night on weekends near the bars and restaurants in the area. 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, dangerous behavior.
These cases make me angry. Someone made a choice to get behind the wheel drunk, and now your life is changed forever because of their selfishness.
Texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, messing with the GPS – distracted drivers are everywhere in Oak Brook. I see it every single day. These completely preventable crashes happen because someone couldn't put their phone down for five minutes.
I use phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction experts to prove distracted driving and maximize your compensation. The insurance company will fight it, but I've won these cases dozens of times.
Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Oak Brook. If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or if an Uber or Lyft driver hit you, there's good news: these companies have $1 million insurance policies when a driver is actively transporting a passenger.
That means we can actually recover full compensation for your injuries, not just some token amount. But you need a lawyer who knows how to navigate these claims, because Uber and Lyft make it intentionally complicated.
Amazon trucks, FedEx vans, UPS trucks, delivery vehicles – they're all over Oak Brook making deliveries to homes and businesses. When these commercial vehicles cause accidents, the cases are more complex than regular car crashes because they involve commercial insurance policies, company liability, and sometimes even federal regulations.
But that also means there's typically more insurance coverage available, which means better compensation for you.
Look, Oak Brook and the surrounding area have plenty of lawyers. You've probably seen the billboards on I-88 and the TV commercials during the news.
So why should you call me instead of them?
Fair question. Here's my honest answer.
Some lawyers play both sides. They'll represent injured people one day and defend insurance companies the next day. Not me.
I have NEVER represented an insurance company or a big corporation in my entire career. Not once. Not ever.
I only represent injured people in Oak Brook, DuPage 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 talk to a lawyer. Your calls go to voicemail. Your emails don't get answered for days.
That's not how I work.
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 answer. Because I remember what it was like when my father needed help and couldn't get anyone to call him back.
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 lawyers.
I've spent well over $100,000 and countless hours flying all over the country studying with the best legal minds in America. Not one in 10,000 lawyers 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 Oak Brook or anywhere in DuPage 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 lawyers nervous? Other Oak Brook lawyers might tell you it's not worth their time or that you don't have a case.
I'll still take a look. 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 really think about your case – the good and the bad.
And then YOU decide if you want to hire me. Your choice. No pressure.
Hiring a lawyer is your choice, and you should always work with the best car accident lawyer who you like and trust. Never go with the high sales guys. They might be desperate for a case. And if they put pressure on you or act like a jerk, is that really the lawyer 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 a lawyer 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 $25/hour and now you can only earn $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 be a lot of money, and it can really ease the financial strain. Obviously, this is complicated 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 Route 83 or I-88 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, coaching their soccer team, going to the gym, traveling, gardening, whatever brought you joy – you can recover damages for that lost quality of life.
I've helped Oak Brook clients recover compensation for not being able to play golf, not being able to go to their daughter's wedding, not being able to attend White Sox games with their buddies. 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 Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook 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 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 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 Oak Brook car accident lawyer 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 Oak Brook or anywhere in DuPage 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 Oak Brook car accident victims:
This is the most common tactic, and it works way too often.
Within days of your car accident in Oak Brook, 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 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 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.
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 Oak Brook 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.
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.
If you ever complained of back pain before the car accident in Oak Brook – 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.
They'll hire private investigators to follow you around Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook Jewel? They'll claim you're not really injured. Posted a photo smiling at your kid's birthday party at Oakbrook Center? They'll say you're not really suffering. Checked in at LA Fitness? 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 Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital or Edward-Elmhurst Health. 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.
I didn't become a car accident lawyer to get rich or see my face on a billboard on I-88. I became one because of what happened to my father and because I saw how injured people get treated by insurance companies, defense lawyers, and even their own attorneys.
So I represent injured people in Oak Brook and throughout DuPage County differently. Here are my Three Principles that guide everything I do:
People hurt in car accidents in Oak Brook 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 goal. Not moving on to the next case. Not maximizing our profits. Helping YOU.
To get every dollar my Oak Brook clients deserve, whether at settlement or trial, I've spent the last two decades of my career studying with the best trial lawyers in America.
I've spent well over $100,000 on advanced settlement and trial training that most other lawyers never even consider doing. I've flown 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. Not one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I have.
And I did it for one reason: so Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook 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 faster case settlements for all of my car accident clients in Oak Brook, no matter how they got hurt or what kind of injuries they suffered.
I regularly serve car accident victims throughout Oak Brook and the surrounding DuPage County communities.
You are going to want a lawyer who the insurance companies know can afford the expensive rent downtown. A lawyer who is ready, willing and able to fight and go to Court on your car accident case if there are any problems getting fair compensation.
Of course, I visit my clients all over Oak Brook, DuPage County, and the suburbs. We can meet at your home, at your office, at a coffee shop near Oakbrook Center – 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 Oak Brook and nearby communities including:
And throughout all of DuPage County and the western Chicago suburbs.
Based on my experience handling car accident cases in Oak Brook over the past two decades, here are the most common causes of crashes I see:
Texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, messing with the GPS or radio – distracted driving causes more car accidents in Oak Brook than anything else.
I see it every single day on Route 83. Drivers staring down at their phones instead of watching the road. It's infuriating because these crashes are 100% preventable.
Drivers going 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on 22nd Street. Weaving in and out of traffic on I-88. Running red lights. Tailgating. Aggressive driving behavior causes serious car accidents in Oak Brook all the time.
Drivers pulling out from parking lots without looking. Making left turns without checking for oncoming traffic. Not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks near Oakbrook Center. 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 Route 83 during rush hour. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you need enough space to react and stop safely.
Despite all the warnings and harsh penalties, drunk drivers still get behind the wheel in Oak Brook. Late-night crashes near bars and restaurants in the area often involve alcohol or drugs.
Ice, snow, rain, and fog make Oak Brook 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 hurry who blow through red lights at Oak Brook intersections cause devastating T-bone collisions. These are some of the most dangerous car accidents because side-impact crashes offer minimal protection.
Changing lanes without checking blind spots. Merging onto I-88 or Route 294 without yielding. These mistakes cause sideswipe accidents and worse.
Car accidents in Oak Brook can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Here are the most common injuries I see:
These can range from temporary whiplash all the way up to the need for serious neck injections, surgery, and can even result in permanent injury and paralysis. And the thing is, in the beginning, a neck injury can seem like it might go away. 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 pros at convincing a jury that your back injury is no big deal. You deserve an expert 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 have.
The brain is truly the seat of our souls. 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 very little evidence on MRI, and sometimes, a blow to the head can result in a subdural hematoma or a skull fracture. No matter the kind of brain injury your doctor has diagnosed after your Oak Brook 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 hands 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 nagging sprains to broken bones, shoulder injuries from seatbelt forces and airbag impacts are common in Oak Brook 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 car.
While such injuries have become more accepted, handling cases with these injuries are delicate. The lawyer must balance protecting the client from further harm with having to prove the case. Early preparation is key, and only a car accident lawyer with compassion and experience can give you your best shot. Some jurors are sure to 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 after you were hurt.
There are many exceptions to this, and I encourage you to at least consult with me about this because if you blow this deadline, chances are, your case is over for good. Call me at 312-500-4500 for a free consultation.
Nothing upfront. Not a penny.
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 getting 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 good deal, 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'd better 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 Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook 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 inflate your percentage of fault to pay you less. That's why you need a good 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 fast, which is why you need an experienced Oak Brook car accident lawyer handling it.
Of course you can! A word of warning, 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 cheesy 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 cut a deal with the old lawyer, and if we cannot work out a deal, then the Court cuts 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 them 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 Oak Brook car accident case, I'll be in a better situation to give you a time estimate.
When you have no insurance, a doctor can file a lien (pronounced "lean") which is a legal piece of paper 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 awfully complicated. I have a lot of experience working these things out, and it can get very complicated, 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 pretty good deal.
Not a problem at all. But we must be 100% up front 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 exacerbation 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 Oak Brook 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 the gospel, but it's a pretty good 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 go away. 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 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 Oak Brook 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 agreement 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 Oak Brook police report. I interview witnesses. I visit the accident scene on Route 83 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 Oak Brook or DuPage 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 Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook and throughout DuPage 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 bad idea:
Without years of experience handling car accident cases in Oak Brook and DuPage 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 eaten alive trying to negotiate with them yourself.
One wrong statement to an insurance adjuster can ruin 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've seen too many good car accident cases get ruined because injured people made preventable mistakes. Here are the biggest ones:
If you wait days or weeks after your Oak Brook car accident to seek medical treatment, the insurance company will argue you weren't really hurt.
"If his back was really injured, why didn't he 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 four physical therapy sessions.
I get it – 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 orders. 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 Oak Brook 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 at Oakbrook Center 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 is resolved. 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 Oak Brook car accident case. Save the attorney fee. Negotiate directly with State Farm or Allstate themselves.
Bad idea. Really bad 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.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
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.
Get Your Free Copy of...
A Complete Guide To What Injured People Need To Know If They've Been Injured In A Car (Or Any Motor Vehicle) Accident.
No matter how you got hurt in a car accident in Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, or anywhere in DuPage 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 goes:
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 Oak Brook and throughout DuPage County, and I've recovered millions for my clients. I can probably help you too.
Are you ready to talk about your Oak Brook 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 a Sunday, 9 PM on a Saturday, Christmas morning, doesn't matter.
The consultation is 100% free. Zero obligation. We'll talk like friends about what happened in your Oak Brook 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 creeping in.)
But seriously – if you've been hurt in a car accident in Oak Brook or anywhere in DuPage 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
