Highway Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago

For many people, driving on the highway is part of a daily commute or a routine errand. While all auto accidents are scary, highway accidents are among some of the most dangerous kinds of crashes, and they often result in horrific injuries or even death for some victims.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a highway accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Chicago highway car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options.

We have over 75 years of combined legal experience, and we understand what you’re going through. Contact us now and learn more about how our Chicago car accident lawyers can assist with all of your legal needs.

Why Choose Our Highway Car Accident Lawyers in Chicago, IL?

Choosing our Chicago personal injury lawyers after a crash on a highway can give you a stronger chance of securing maximum compensation for your losses after a collision. Our team understands what it takes to help injury victims in your situation, and we’re ready to adjust our services to better accommodate your needs.

Depending on your circumstances, we may focus on:

Giving You Fast Answers to Legal Questions

An experienced car accident attorney in Chicago can quickly answer any questions you have about your legal claim. We’ll take the time to really listen to you and your concerns. Our clients matter to us, and we’re ready to prove it.

Guiding You Through the Legal Process

Our personal injury team knows what it takes to successfully help injury victims after motor vehicle collisions. We can explain each step you need to take while developing a personalized strategy to meet your needs.

We help you make informed decisions every step of the way so you can feel confident throughout the legal process.

Handling All Legal Communications

We believe in handling all communications with the insurance company, the at-fault driver, and other lawyers. Allowing us to handle these communications can strengthen your claim and provide you with peace of mind after a crash.

We’re here and ready to take charge on your behalf, so you can focus all of your energy on healing.

Assisting with Insurance Settlement Negotiations

We can handle negotiations with representatives from the insurance company after a collision. We review every offer the insurance company makes and compare them against your losses, rejecting subpar deals to protect your financial future.

We have experience fiercely negotiating on behalf of our clients, and we’re ready to take charge for you.

Helping with a Personal Injury Lawsuit

You can rely on a Chicago car accident lawyer from our team to aggressively represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer. We know what it takes to stand up for injury victims, and we’re not afraid to litigate on your behalf.

You can discuss all the options available to handle your claim and secure fair compensation by reaching out to us now for a risk-free initial consultation.

Compensation Available After Your Auto Accident

You can recover a wide range of damages from the liable party with help from our Chicago car accident attorneys. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for funds to pay for your:

Medical Bills

We understand the high cost of medical expenses after an accident. You may need surgery, physical therapy, and expensive medications. We believe the at-fault driver should have to cover all of your medical bills, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Lost Income

We know how to help you get the funds you need to cover your lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working after a crash. Some of our clients get additional compensation for their reduced earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

You may qualify for funds to cover the non-economic damages associated with your collision. These damages can cover your emotional distress, mental suffering, and even the pain caused by the crash.

Our personal injury attorneys can work with you to determine a fair value for these losses. We refuse to let insurance companies and other lawyers push our clients around.

Property Damage

A crash on the highway can severely damage your vehicle and other personal property. We believe that the liable party should have to cover the costs of property repairs. We can give you more information about the funds you could qualify to receive when you contact us for help.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, the court may award injury victims punitive damages. These damages punish the party responsible for your accident. They do not directly correlate to losses you sustained in a collision, and the court does not award them in all cases.

Each case is unique, and the amount and types of damages that you qualify to receive will vary. We’re here and ready to go over all the forms of compensation you could qualify to receive when you reach out to us for assistance.

We’ve helped our clients secure over $100 million in compensation, and we’re ready to take charge of determining an accurate value for your claim. We’ll then work relentlessly to help you secure the funds you need through an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit. 

What Causes Highway Accidents in Chicago?

There are a number of possible causes for highway accidents, including:

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in Illinois. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these laws and endanger others by getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

You deserve help from an experienced auto accident attorney after a crash caused by drunk driving. We’re here to help with your claim right now.

Distracted Driving

A responsive attorney from our team can help you seek financial relief after a collision caused by distracted driving. Drivers can get distracted by their mobile devices, passengers, the radio, and even food and drink.

In many cases, visitors to the area end up causing distracted driving accidents because they’re busy looking at their GPS or trying to figure out where to go, instead of keeping their eyes and attention on the road. 

Looking away from the road for even a few seconds can result in catastrophic accidents.

Reckless Driving

We’re here to establish legal fault for collisions caused by reckless driving. On highways, drivers may exhibit reckless behavior by speeding, making unsafe lane changes, or tailgating other motorists.

Our highway accident injury lawyers are ready to investigate the specific causes of your crash.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigued driving causes many accidents every year. Our highway accident law firm can help you build a claim if a tired driver strikes your vehicle. You can contact us now to learn more about how we can help with every aspect of your case.

Negligence and Auto Accidents

If you have been hurt in a highway accident that was not your fault, you will likely be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Negligence is the legal basis for most personal injury claims. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to use the level of care that a reasonably prudent driver would use in the same circumstances.

A person who loses control of their vehicle and causes a collision on the highway due to excessive speeding, for example, would likely be liable for any resulting harm.

We Know How to Prove Negligence After an Auto Accident

To prove negligence, a highway car accident attorney in Chicago must establish certain points.

We must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, the defendant breached the duty of care owed to the plaintiff, and the defendant’s breach was a direct cause of the highway accident and the victim’s resulting harm.

In order to establish fault, our team focuses on thoroughly investigating accident claims. In order to build a strong injury claim, our investigation may require us to:

• Visit the scene of your crash
• Get a copy of the police accident report
• Take statements from all eyewitnesses
• Work with expert witnesses
• Gather dashcam or surveillance footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts

We vary the strategies we use when investigating highway accident claims based on the unique needs of each client. You can contact us now to learn more about the services we can provide to assist with your legal needs as we handle your auto accident injury case.

Comparative Negligence and Your Car Crash

It is important to note that Illinois follows the modified comparative negligence doctrine, in which fault is relatively apportioned to each party involved. Under this doctrine, a plaintiff’s recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a plaintiff is deemed to be 30 percent liable, they will take home 70 percent of the total damages award. However, if a plaintiff is 50 percent or more to blame for the accident, they will be barred from recovering anything at all.

We look for strong evidence to show that someone else holds 100% of the fault for your collision so we can help you get maximum compensation for your losses.

We Know How to Help After a Fatal Crash

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal highway accident, a Chicago highway car accident attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim against the at–fault party. Under state law, a wrongful death occurs when an individual dies due to a wrongful act or neglect by another person or entity.

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act permits certain surviving family members of these victims to recover damages through a civil lawsuit. These damages include items like funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and more.

You can learn more about filing this type of claim by reaching out to our compassionate Chicago fatal car accident lawyers. We’re here to handle all legal matters for your family during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Highway Accidents

Our team at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can provide fast answers to any questions you have after your collision. For example, you can reach out to us if you need answers to questions like:

What Should I do After a Highway Accident in Chicago?

After a highway collision, you should:

• Notify the Police: You need to immediately contact the police after any auto accident resulting in property damage or injuries. The police can create an official report about the collision, detailing when, where, and how it happened. Our team can use this information when building your claim.
• Get Medical Treatment: Do not wait to seek medical care for any injuries caused by a highway collision. Getting medical treatment right away creates a direct link between your collision and your injuries, making it easier to get the money you need to cover all of your medical bills, including ambulance fees.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, you should collect evidence from the scene of your highway crash. For example, you may need to get contact information from eyewitnesses and take pictures of all of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. We also recommend that you write down what happened.
• Contact a Chicago Highway Car Accident Lawyer: You can get professional help on your side from a skilled legal professional after a crash. Our team is ready to take charge and provide the personalized assistance you deserve.

You can contact us now to learn more about the steps you should take after a collision through a risk-free initial consultation.

How Much Compensation will I Get After a Highway Crash?

The amount of compensation you get after a collision will depend on several factors, including the overall extent of your losses. Your degree of liability for the crash will also influence the value of your claim.

We work with you to track all of your losses so we can calculate how much money you should receive from the liable party.

How Much will My Chicago Highway Car Accident Lawyer Charge?

Our team handles highway crash claims on a contingency fee basis, so each client pays a different amount. We receive a percentage of your final financial award as payment for our legal fees, and only get this payment after we fully resolve your claim.

We never want to add to the financial pressures you experience after a crash. Find out more by contacting us for a risk-free initial consultation.

How Can I Find the Right Personal Injury Law Firm?

Finding the right law firm means carefully considering all of your options and then making the best choice for your situation. You may get suggestions for possible Chicago highway car accident lawyers from friends, family members, or even coworkers. You can also look online for local attorneys who can provide the dedicated support you deserve.

Once you’ve identified attorneys who can help with your claim, you can question them about their experience, how they’d handle your claim, and how much they think you can get from the liable party.

Our team is ready to use our experience, resources, and legal know-how to offer the support you deserve throughout all stages of the legal process.

What are Common Injuries Caused by Highway Accidents?

Some of the most common injuries associated with highway crashes include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Injuries to internal organs
• Amputations
• Paralysis

We believe that the at-fault driver should have to cover all of your medical expenses after a crash. Allow us to track your losses so we can include them in your claim against the driver responsible for your highway crash.

What Happens if an Uninsured Driver Hits Me on the Highway?

If an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you, you may still receive compensation through your insurance company. You could qualify for compensation if you have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.

A highway car accident attorney in Chicago can step in to handle your claim with the insurance company after this kind of crash. We use our experience and training to work tirelessly to help you get the funds you deserve.

Where do Highway Accidents Happen in Chicago?

Highway accidents can happen on any major roadway in Chicago. We see many collisions on:

• I–90: Interstate 90 sees heavy traffic throughout the city. The interstate is split into four sections, each with its own dangers. These sections include the Chicago Skyway, the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Kennedy Expressway, and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
• I–290: Interstate 290 (also called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway, or “Ike,” or “the Eisenhower”) runs east-west through the city. The interstate stretches from the suburbs to the west to Chicago’s Loop.
• I–94: I-94 enters our state from Wisconsin and then goes right through downtown Chicago. Parts of this highway have tolls. Heavy traffic makes the road dangerous for motorists.
• I–294: I-294, the Tri-State Tollway, serves Chicago’s suburbs and connects with several major interstate routes.
• I–55: I-55, or the Adlai E. Stevenson Expressway, is a north-south road heavily used by commuters in Illinois, especially those who live in suburbs close to Chicago like Springfield, Joliet, and Bloomington.
• I–190: I-90 passes through the Chicago region and includes major segments such as the Kennedy Expressway and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, while also connecting with other major expressways and routes.
• I–88: I-88 is an important part of the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, with speeds of up to 70 miles per hour outside of Chicago. This transportation corridor sees heavy usage by commercial vehicles, increasing the odds of collisions.
• I–355: I-355, or the Veterans Memorial Tollway, goes through the southwestern and western suburbs of Chicago. The toll road provides crucial transportation to commuters and other drivers.

We’re here and ready to help after a crash on any of Chicago’s major highways.

How Long do I Have to File My Claim After a Crash?

You need to move forward with your legal claim before the personal injury statute of limitations expires. Generally, Illinois gives you two years from the date of your accident to seek compensation from the liable party, though this deadline can vary based on your specific circumstances.

Our Chicago highway car accident attorneys can review your situation and then give you more precise information about the deadlines on your claim.

How Long will My Highway Car Crash Claim Take?

The time it takes to fully resolve your personal injury claim will vary. We do everything possible to minimize the time you spend navigating the legal process, but you may still experience delays in the legal process.

We’ll stand by you every step of the way.

What Kinds of Accidents Occur on Highways in Chicago?

The most common types of accidents we see on highways in our area include:

• Rear–End Collisions: Rear-end accidents happen on highways when drivers fail to pay attention to changes in speed ahead of them. Tailgating makes rear-end crashes more likely because it reduces stopping distance. Exceeding the speed limit can also increase the odds of this kind of collision.
• Lane Departure Crashes: Drivers sometimes leave their lanes without adequately signaling or checking their blind spots. This behavior can result in a lane departure crash or sideswipe collision.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents can happen when drivers operate their vehicles too fast, especially if they then take turns at high speeds. Rollover accidents often cause considerable property damage and injuries.
• Head–On Collisions: Head-on accidents are not as common on highways, but can occur if a vehicle crosses the center line and veers into oncoming traffic. Our skilled team is ready to help after this kind of crash.
• Construction Zone Accidents: Construction on highways often feels like a fact of life in our area. Construction zones have their own hazards, with unusual traffic patterns, changes in speed, and, in many cases, reduced lanes. We can help after a collision in a work zone.
• Weather–Related Accidents: Poor weather can increase the odds of a crash on a highway in Chicago. Drivers have a responsibility to slow down and adjust their driving when dealing with rain, snow, high winds, and other environmental hazards. Failure to do so can result in a crash.
• Hit and Run Accidents: Some drivers cause accidents and then flee the scene in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. You may have a chance to get compensation after this kind of crash through your uninsured motorist policy. We can also help if the police find the driver who hit you.

We’re ready to review the facts about your crash so we can get to work on your claim.

Contact a Highway Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago

If you have been injured or a loved one has died in a highway accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can help. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we will try to make the legal process as seamless as possible for you so that you and your family can focus on dealing with your injuries.

We’re ready to take charge of legal challenges on your behalf. You can rely on us to stand by you every step of the way as we focus on helping you make a full financial recovery.