What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer helps protect your rights after a crash by investigating the accident, dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Whether your case settles through negotiations or proceeds to court, an attorney works to build a strong claim while allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If you were injured in a car accident in Chicago, Conboy Law can help you understand your legal options. Call 312-726-9000 today for a free consultation.

When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Not every car accident requires legal representation. However, hiring a lawyer can be beneficial when an accident results in serious injuries, disputed liability, or significant financial losses.

You should consider speaking with a car accident lawyer if:

• You suffered serious or permanent injuries.
• Fault for the accident is disputed.
• The insurance company denied or delayed your claim.
• You received a settlement offer that seems too low.
• Multiple vehicles were involved.
• A commercial vehicle or rideshare driver was involved.
• The accident resulted in a wrongful death.

The sooner you consult an attorney, the sooner they can begin preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

An experienced car accident lawyer handles many aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment while they work to recover the compensation you deserve.

Investigate the Accident

Building a successful claim starts with understanding exactly how the accident occurred.

A lawyer may:

• Review the police report
• Collect photographs and videos
• Interview witnesses
• Obtain surveillance or dashcam footage
• Visit the accident scene
• Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary

A thorough investigation helps establish liability and strengthens your case.

Determine Liability

Determining who is legally responsible is not always straightforward. In some accidents, more than one person or business may share liability.

Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may investigate whether responsibility lies with:

• Another driver
• A commercial trucking company
• An employer
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A government entity responsible for roadway maintenance

Identifying every liable party helps maximize the compensation available.

Handle Insurance Companies

Insurance companies begin investigating claims soon after an accident. Their goal is often to resolve claims as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Your personal injury lawyer can:

• Communicate with insurance adjusters
• Handle paperwork and claim submissions
• Respond to requests for information
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Protect you from unfair settlement tactics

Having an attorney manage these communications can reduce stress and help prevent costly mistakes.

Calculate Your Damages

A lawyer evaluates more than your current medical bills. They consider both your immediate losses and the long-term effects of your injuries.

Your damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Accurately calculating damages helps ensure that settlement negotiations reflect the full impact of the accident.

Gather Medical and Expert Evidence

Strong evidence is essential to proving both liability and the extent of your injuries.

Depending on your case, your attorney may obtain:

• Medical records
• Physician reports
• Diagnostic imaging
• Expert medical opinions
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Economic evaluations of future financial losses

This evidence can strengthen your claim during negotiations or at trial.

Negotiate a Settlement

Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than a trial.

Your lawyer will evaluate settlement offers, negotiate with the insurance company, and advise whether an offer fairly compensates you for your losses. If negotiations are unsuccessful, they can discuss whether filing or continuing a lawsuit is the best course of action.

Represent You at Trial

Although many car accident claims settle before trial, some cases require litigation to achieve a fair outcome.

If your case proceeds to court, your attorney can:

• Present evidence
• Question witnesses
• Cross-examine opposing witnesses
• Make legal arguments before the judge or jury
• Advocate for the compensation you deserve

Preparing every case as though it may go to trial often strengthens a lawyer's negotiating position during settlement discussions.

Immediately After the Accident

• Reviews the facts
• Preserves evidence
• Advises you on next steps

During the Insurance Claim

• Communicates with insurers
• Negotiates settlements
• Calculates damages

If a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary

• Files the lawsuit
• Conducts discovery
• Represents you in court

What Compensation Can a Lawyer Help You Recover?

If another person's negligence caused your accident, a car accident lawyer can pursue compensation for both your financial losses and the impact the injuries have had on your life.

Depending on your case, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages, when applicable

The amount of compensation available depends on the facts of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the evidence supporting your claim.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Every Car Accident?

Not necessarily. Minor accidents involving little property damage and no injuries may be resolved without legal representation.

However, hiring a lawyer is often beneficial when:

• You suffered serious injuries.
• Liability is disputed.
• The insurance company denies or undervalues your claim.
• Multiple parties may be responsible.
• Your injuries require ongoing medical treatment.
• The accident resulted in significant financial losses.

Even if you're unsure whether you need an attorney, an initial consultation can help you understand your rights and available legal options.

Illinois Laws That May Affect Your Claim

Several Illinois laws may affect your ability to recover compensation after a car accident.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are 50% or less at fault, you may still recover compensation, although your recovery will generally be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages from the other at-fault party.

Illinois Insurance Requirements

Under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, Illinois motorists are generally required to carry minimum liability insurance. After a car accident, a lawyer can identify all available insurance policies, determine whether the at-fault driver had adequate coverage, and explore additional sources of compensation, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, when applicable.

Statute of Limitations

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury lawsuits arising from car accidents must generally be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

If you were injured in a Chicago car accident, Conboy Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team can investigate your case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call our law firm today at 312-726-9000 for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer.