Tenacious Car Accident Attorneys In Chicago
Last updated on October 26, 2026
At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers, we understand the significant financial and emotional strain that follows a serious motor vehicle collision. With tens of thousands of such collisions each year in the Chicago metropolitan area, victims must manage rising medical expenses and confront aggressive insurance adjusters.
When you hire our firm, we assign a senior partner to your case from day one — never a junior associate or a paralegal. Our personal injury lawyers are seasoned courtroom litigators who never accept reduced, quick settlement payments; instead, they prepare every case for trial and settle only if the insurance company is pressured by the SCB team to pay what’s fair.. If you are looking for an experienced car accident lawyer or an auto accident attorney, our team draws on 100 years of combined trial experience to obtain the full compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After A Car Accident?
The first moments after a collision matter for protecting your physical safety and legal rights; taking systematic action at the scene helps preserve evidence needed for your future claim after a car accident.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, follow these step-by-step actions:
- Call 911 and report the accident so emergency medical personnel and the police can arrive, document the scene and prepare an official police report.
- Take detailed photos of the damage to the vehicle, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks and weather conditions.
- Get the driver’s license numbers, contact information and policy details from all motorists involved.
- If you see injuries, take clear photos of any cuts, bruises, or other visible injuries right after the crash.
- Get emergency medical help: go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
Following these procedures will produce a clear account of the incident. After you have hired our firm, our team of car accident injury lawyers will use this evidence to build a strong case against the negligent driver.
How Do We Prove The Other Driver Was At Fault?
To establish liability, we must prove the other party was careless or violated traffic laws. Whether the collision you were in was due to a driver who was distracted and texting while driving, the result of a sudden rear-end collision at a red light, or the outcome of a serious accident caused by drunk driving, there must be documented evidence.
Our lawyers obtain police reports, inspect the vehicles for physical damage, review traffic-camera footage, and interview any witnesses who saw the incident. In Chicago, many accidents involve uninsured or underinsured drivers. When coverage is limited, we consider all possible ways to recover compensation, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverages that can provide a full recovery.
How Long Do You Have To File A Car Accident Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit arising from a car collision within two years of the date of injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, shorter deadlines may apply to claims against public entities and longer deadlines may apply to property damage or minor victims.
If you do not file within this two-year statutory period, you will forever lose the right to claim financial compensation. Because investigating the accident, gathering medical records, and obtaining expert opinions takes significant preparation, you should contact a car accident lawyer at our firm as soon as possible after the accident so we can protect your rights.
Schedule A Free Car Accident Case Review
If you suffer an injury as a result of a collision, do not take a quick settlement from the insurance company. Our team strives to secure the highest possible compensation after your accident, including reimbursement for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and the loss of normal life, as well as compensation for long-term economic losses due to future medical expenses and lost wages. Our lawyers demonstrate their commitment to your full recovery by working with trusted medical professionals and financial experts to assess the true lifelong impact of your injuries.
You can reach us by calling 312-957-8807 or filling out our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.