CAR ACCIDENTS

Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Every time you sit behind the wheel of a car, you are exposed to a churning sea of fast-moving vehicles of various sizes and shapes, all racing to their destinations. Car and truck accidents are by far the most prevalent and common cause of personal injury. You are at the mercy of the skill and focus of every single driver on the road, and with the myriad of distractions, such as mobile phones, even a morning commute can become dangerous. In Illinois alone, there are over 13 million registered vehicles.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that in 2021 there were 295,604 crashes, resulting in 85,398 injuries, including 1,341 deaths. Not every car accident results in injury, as only 20% of reported crashes produced injuries. However, all it takes is one accident, one vehicle, or one distracted driver to change your life forever.

Injuries to the neck and back are most common in rear-end auto accidents, ranging from sprains of the ligaments and muscles to more serious injuries such as annular tears and spinal disc herniations. Serious car accidents often result in broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, paralysis, or even loss of life. You may be entitled to recover damages if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver.

Medical bills from even a single emergency room visit following an auto accident can be financially overwhelming and often result in bills being sent to collection agencies, potentially damaging your credit score. Jacobson & Tchernev can help keep those collectors at bay while working to obtain the best possible outcome for your injury claim.

As with any other personal injury case, the Law Offices of Jacobson & Tchernev are happy to provide a free consultation regarding your claim.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Chicago?

Car accidents in Chicago happen for many reasons, but most are the result of driver negligence. With heavy traffic on roads such as I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive, even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious crash.

Understanding the cause of your accident is key to building a strong claim and determining who is responsible.

viber_image_2026-05-14_12-41-09-483
automobile crash accident on street, damaged cars after collision in city

Car Accident Statistics in Chicago

Car accidents are a daily reality in Chicago, especially on busy highways and crowded city streets. With constant traffic and a high population density, the risk of collisions is significantly higher than in smaller cities.

Each year, Chicago and the surrounding areas report thousands of car accidents, many of which result in serious injuries or fatalities.

What Types of Car Accident Cases Do We Handle in Chicago?

Our Chicago car accident lawyers represent clients injured in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents. No matter how your accident happened, we are ready to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

We handle cases involving:

  • Distracted driving accidents, including texting while driving
  • DUI/drunk driving accidents involving impaired drivers
  • Hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver leaves the scene
  • Rear-end collisions caused by heavy Chicago traffic
  • High-speed accidents on highways such as I-90 and I-94
  • Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents
  • Commercial vehicle and truck accidents
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims

Chicago’s busy streets and highways create unique risks for drivers every day. Regardless of the type of accident, our legal team provides personalized representation and aggressive advocacy to help you move forward.

Common Injuries

Common Injuries in Chicago Car Accidents

Car accidents in Chicago can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor discomfort to life-altering conditions. Even low-speed crashes in heavy city traffic can lead to serious physical consequences.

Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Back injuries and herniated discs
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding

Many injuries are not immediately noticeable after an accident. Symptoms can appear hours or even days later, making it critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you’ve been injured in a Chicago car accident, documenting your injuries early can make a significant difference in your case and the compensation you may receive.

Liability & Negligence

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Chicago?

Illinois follows an at-fault system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for the resulting damages.

In Chicago car accident cases, liability may fall on:

  • Another negligent driver
  • A commercial truck or delivery company
  • A rideshare driver (Uber or Lyft)
  • A vehicle manufacturer (in cases involving defective vehicles)

Determining fault is not always straightforward — especially in complex or multi-vehicle accidents. That is why a thorough investigation is critical.

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Car Accident Case?

To recover compensation, you must prove that another party acted negligently. This typically involves demonstrating:

  • The driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely
  • They breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior
  • Their actions directly caused the accident
  • You suffered injuries and damages as a result

Proving negligence requires strong evidence and legal experience. Our team works to build a clear and compelling case that establishes liability and protects your right to compensation.

Evidence

What Evidence Can Strengthen Your Car Accident Case?

Building a strong car accident claim in Chicago depends on the quality of the evidence. The more proof you have, the stronger your case — and the greater your chances of receiving full compensation.

Important evidence may include:

  • Police reports documenting the accident
  • Medical records and injury evaluations
  • Photos and videos from the accident scene
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic camera or surveillance footage
  • Vehicle damage reports and repair estimates
  • Expert testimony (when necessary)

In a busy city like Chicago, evidence can disappear quickly. Traffic footage may be deleted, and witness memories can fade over time.

That is why acting quickly is critical. Our legal team moves fast to gather and preserve key evidence, ensuring your case is built on a solid foundation.

Compensation

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Chicago?

If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

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

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, future treatment)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care costs

Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how the accident has impacted your life.

Our goal is simple — to maximize your compensation and ensure that you are not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

Insurance Companies

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident in Chicago

After a car accident in Chicago, you may expect insurance companies to help you — but their primary goal is to protect their profits, not your best interests.

Insurance companies often try to:

  • Offer quick, low settlements
  • Delay or deny valid claims
  • Minimize the severity of your injuries
  • Shift partial blame onto you
  • Use your statements against you

In a busy city like Chicago, where accidents happen frequently, insurers handle claims every day — and they are highly experienced in reducing payouts.

That is why having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is critical.

At Jacobson & Tchernev, we handle all communication with insurance companies, protect you from unfair tactics, and fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Illinois Laws

Understanding Illinois car accident laws is essential if you have been injured in a Chicago car accident. These laws determine who is responsible and how much compensation you may be able to recover.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault — as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.

However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

viber_image_2026-05-14_12-41-10-968

Statute of Limitations

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Chicago?

If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation — permanently.

However, certain exceptions may apply depending on the specifics of your case, which is why it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right lawyer after a car accident in Chicago can make all the difference in your case.

At Jacobson & Tchernev, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover the maximum compensation available.

Expert Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
We have extensive experience handling car accident and personal injury cases throughout Chicago. Our attorneys understand local laws, court procedures, and insurance company tactics, allowing us to build strong and effective cases for our clients.
Proven Results & Strong Representation
Our firm has successfully helped injured clients recover compensation after serious car accidents. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes through strategic negotiation and, when necessary, aggressive courtroom representation.
No Fees Unless We Win
You do not pay anything unless we win your case. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.

Our Proven Case Results

Our firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including serious car accidents in Chicago. We have helped injured clients recover significant compensation through both settlements and verdicts.

When you hire us to handle your case, we pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement for your injuries and losses, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.


Our Awards and Recognitions

Over the years, our attorneys have earned recognition for their dedication to personal injury law and their commitment to helping accident victims. These recognitions reflect the trust our clients place in us and the respect we have earned within the legal community.

Some of these recognitions include:

  • Recognition for excellence in personal injury representation
  • Positive ratings from legal directories and client review platforms
  • Strong reputation among Chicago personal injury law professionals
  • Consistently high client satisfaction ratings

What Our Clients Say About Us

While we can explain the benefits of working with our law firm, one of the best ways to understand the experience is to hear directly from our clients.

We are proud that many of our clients have had positive experiences working with our attorneys and regularly share their feedback through reviews and testimonials.

“Working with this law firm after my accident was the best decision I made. They were professional, responsive, and truly cared about my case. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs a car accident lawyer.”


How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help You Every Step of the Way

Our personal injury attorneys manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. From the moment you contact us, we begin building a strong case on your behalf.

Our legal team will gather evidence, review accident reports, communicate with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and guide you through every step of the legal process. We provide clear guidance and dedicated support to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t Wait — Protect Your Rights Today

Contact Our Trusted Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Today

Meet Your Attorneys

Our law firm is led by experienced attorneys who are committed to helping accident victims throughout Chicago.

Attorney Ivo Tchernev has extensive experience handling personal injury claims and works closely with clients to build strong cases and pursue fair compensation after serious accidents.

Attorney Steven Jacobson is dedicated to representing injury victims and helping them navigate complex legal situations following car accidents and other personal injury matters.

Together, they focus on providing personalized attention and strong legal representation for every client.

Recovering from a car accident can be a long and difficult road — but you do not have to face it alone. Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys are ready to stand by your side, providing dedicated legal support and strong advocacy. Here is how we can help:

  • Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
  • Investigate your accident and gather evidence to strengthen your case
  • Provide personalized, one-on-one attention from start to finish
  • Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Ivo Tchernev & Steven Jacobson | Chicago Car Accident Attorneys

Don’t wait another day to protect your rights. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer. 

Client Testimonials

CHICAGO OFFICE

Jacobson & Tchernev Injury Lawyers welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your personal injury case. Our attorneys proudly serve clients throughout Chicago and are committed to helping injured individuals pursue the compensation they deserve.
Toll Free: 877.825.8542