Car Injury Lawyer in Chicago, IL: Guiding Your Claim

November 25, 2025
Crashed toy cars with gavel and justice scales on lawyer’s desk.


If you have been hurt in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Ltd., we understand how stressful this time can be. Our experienced car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, is here to guide you through every step of your claim. Call us today at 312-263-3443 to get the help you need.


Why Immediate Action Matters After a Car Accident

The moments after a crash are critical. What you do right away can affect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.


Taking the right steps ensures that you:

  • Protect your health: Getting medical care right away documents your injuries.
  • Preserve evidence: Photos, witness statements, and reports are strongest when collected early.
  • Strengthen your claim: Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment or missing details.


A skilled car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, can help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights from the start.


Step-By-Step Guide After a Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a crash can make a big difference in your recovery and your claim. Consulting a car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, early can help protect your health and your legal rights.


Follow these steps:


Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later. A doctor’s report is also key evidence for your case.


Step 2: Call the Police

A police report provides an official record of the accident. This document is often required by insurance companies and courts.


Step 3: Document the Scene

If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact details of witnesses.


Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid giving recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to reduce your claim.


Step 5: Contact a Car Injury Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Legal guidance is essential. An attorney can explain your rights, handle communication with insurers, and build a strong case for compensation.


How a Lawyer Strengthens Your Claim

Hiring a car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, provides more than just legal advice. It gives you an advocate who knows how to fight for your best outcome.


Key ways a lawyer helps include:

  • Evidence collection: Ensuring medical records, photos, and witness statements are preserved.
  • Claim filing: Meeting strict deadlines and filing the correct documents.
  • Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies that often try to settle for less.
  • Court representation: Standing by your side if your case goes to trial.


If you want to understand how an attorney can guide you through the process, visit this page on car accident injury lawyer services in Chicago.


Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Ltd., has decades of experience handling complex car accident claims in Illinois.


Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Crash

Many people hurt their own claims without realizing it. A car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, helps prevent these errors.


Mistakes to avoid include:

  • Delaying medical care: Waiting too long can weaken your case.
  • Admitting fault: Even casual comments at the scene can be used against you.
  • Accepting quick settlements: Early offers are often far below what you deserve.
  • Not contacting a lawyer: Without guidance, you may miss deadlines or key evidence


Male driver with whiplash after a crash and deployed airbag.


Why Choose Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Ltd.?

Our firm has built a reputation for protecting accident victims in Chicago. We know how to handle tough cases and fight for fair results.


What sets us apart:

  • Local knowledge: We understand Illinois traffic laws and court systems.
  • Proven results: Our attorneys have secured compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Personal attention: Every client gets direct support from our legal team.


Whether you need a car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, or a car accident lawyer in Chicago, IL, our firm is ready to help.


Protecting Your Rights With Legal Guidance

Accidents can leave you with medical bills, missed work, and long-term pain. You should not face these challenges alone.


A car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, ensures that:

  • Your injuries are fully documented.
  • Your claim is filed on time.
  • Insurance companies treat you fairly.
  • You have a strong case for maximum compensation.


Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims


How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.


What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. A car injury lawyer in Chicago, IL, can evaluate your case and pursue the maximum recovery.


Do I Need a Lawyer if the Accident Was Minor?

Even minor accidents can lead to hidden injuries or disputes with insurance companies. Having legal guidance ensures your rights are protected and that you do not settle for less than you deserve.


Get the Help You Deserve Today

Do not wait to protect your rights after a car accident. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Call Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Ltd., at 312-263-3443, or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation today.


Injured man after car crash holding neck near two wrecked vehicles on roadside accident scene.

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Injury Lawyer

September 16, 2025
Need a car accident injury lawyer in Chicago, IL? Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger helps you get the compensation you deserve. Visit our website today!

New Bicycling Law Treats Bikes the Same as Cars

By websitebuilder • August 17, 2016
For years, Illinois state law has said that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as people in automobiles. But a new law recently signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner (House Bill 5912) amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to state that every bicyclist on the road is enititled to all of the rights “including but not limited to” the ones dealing with right of way. The effect of this new law is to clarify that bicyclysts have the same right of way as a car or truck would have. While bicyclists do their best to be safe on the road, accidents still happen. The sad reality is that most bicycle accidents are not the fault of bicyclists, but are the result of other drivers who do not see or fail to yield to bicyclists. We’ve obtained record breaking verdicts that have gained us the reputation as one of the best accident law firms in Chicago. At Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd., we are serious bicycle accident attorneys, not afraid to take on large corporations and insurance companies.

Motorcycle Accidents

By websitebuilder • June 12, 2015

Lawmakers Approve Police Body Cameras

By websitebuilder • June 2, 2015
Illinois Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a set of rules last week for police body cameras. The legislation was passed in response to national controversies over use of force after the deaths of unarmed black citizens in New York, Ferguson, Missouri and elsewhere. Under the law, police in participating departments would have to keep body cameras on at all times while on a call and the recordings would be maintained for 90 days. The law would also require independent investigations of officer-involved deaths. Proponents of the law hope it will serve to reduce police misconduct and unlawful use of force. The bill now goes to Governor Rauner for consideration. If you or someone you know has been the victim of police misconduct, contact the experienced police misconduct attorneys at Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. today to discuss your legal rights.

Illinois Ranks Second in Dog Bite Claims

By websitebuilder • June 1, 2015
A recent study conducted by State Farm and the Insurance Information Institute found Illinois to be second among all states in the frequency of dog bite claims. In 2014 there were 309 such claims in Illinois with $8.9 million in claims paid. Children are most likely to be the victims of dog bites. If you or someone you know is the victim of a dog bite, contact one of the attorneys at Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. today to discuss your legal rights.

Governor Quinn Signs 6-Person Juries Into Law

By websitebuilder • December 23, 2014
On Friday, December 19, Governor Pat Quinn signed SB 3075 into law.  The law amends the Code and the Code of Civil Procedure regarding jury service in Illinois.  Specifically, the bill does the following: Cuts the number of jurors in civil cases from 12 to 6.  The amendment also requires the parties to pay for alternate jurors. Increases the minimum payment for jury service to $25 for the first day and $50 for subsequent days. Mirrors federal law and that of many states by reducing the size of civil juries from 12 to 6 in Illinois.  The requirement of unanimous decision is unchanged. SB 3075 was sponsored in the Senate by Senator John Mulroe. Representative Kelly Burke sponsored the bill in the House. The effective date for both bills is June 1, 2015. If you or a loved one have been injured, call Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. to discuss your right to a civil jury trial.

Cook County Courts to Allow Video Cameras

By websitebuilder • December 17, 2014
Video cameras and audio recording devices will be allowed in some Cook County courtrooms beginning January, 2015 month, Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans announced this week. Cook County joins about 40 other Illinois Counties which allow video of court proceedings. The pilot program will apply to some felony courtrooms at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, at 26th St. and California St. in Chicago. The Illinois Supreme Court previously approved the use of cameras in trial courtrooms as a way of making legal proceedings more transparent. Under the program, video coverage will be prohibited in juvenile, divorce, adoption, child custody, evidence suppression and trade secret cases. Additionally, in the case of a sexual abuse prosecution, coverage of the accuser’s testimony is prohibited without his or her consent. Judge Evans welcomed the pilot program, saying in a prepared statement “I am extremely pleased that the public will now hear and see through extended media coverage, exactly what is taking place in Cook County courtrooms.”

Proposal to Cut Illinois Civil Juries from 12 to 6 Passes Illinois House

By websitebuilder • December 8, 2014
A proposal to trim the number of jurors from twelve to six in civil trials in Illinois circuit courts passed the Illinois House of Representatives on December 2, 2014.  Senate Bill 3075 would cut by half the size of civil juries while boosting juror pay to $25 for the first day of service and $50 per day thereafter.  The measure now moves to the Illinois Senate for debate.  If the bill passes the Senate, it would move on to Governor Quinn for consideration. Supporters of the bill point out that the federal courts and a majority of state courts already use civil juries of this size.  Additionally, advocates of the measure state that reducing the number of jurors in civil cases would mean less citizens being called for jury duty, thereby disrupting fewer families and businesses.  The change would also shorten the voir dire process in trials, during which attorneys and the court question jurors to ensure those selected for jury service can be fair and impartial. Should you have questions about your right to a civil jury trial, call one of the injury lawyers at Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. today for a free consultation.

Prosecuting or Defending a Civil Lawsuit Under a Fictitious Name

By websitebuilder • October 16, 2014
Last month, the Illinois Appellate Court issued a rare opinion interpreting section 2-401(e) of the Code of Civil Procedure, which allows a litigant to appear under a fictitious name upon a showing of “good cause.” In Doe v Northwestern Memorial Hospital , 2014 IL App (1st) 140212, a group of plaintiffs filed complaints against Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation alleging that the defendants negligently allowed a cryogenic tank to fail causing damage to semen and testicular tissue stored in the tank. Most plaintiffs suffered from cancers which were likely to significantly interfere with their ability to engage in ordinary reproductive activities. In affirming the trial court’s order allowing the use of pseudonyms, the court recognized that the use of pseudonyms is disfavored and reserved for “exceptional circumstances” involving “highly personal” matters such as abortion, adoption, sexual orientation, and religion. Applying a balancing test, the court found that plaintiffs’ reproductive health and medical treatments were “extremely private and sensitive topics” and that individual privacy concerns outweighed the public’s interest in open court proceedings.

Steering Defect Leads to New Ford Recall

By websitebuilder • October 16, 2014
The New York Times reports that the National Highway Transportation Administration is investigating a power steering issue that could affect 938,000 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans, noting the company has already recalled 1.1 million other vehicles due to the defect. The Times reports that NHTSA “has received 508 complaints from owners, including four reports of accidents that occurred when the power steering assist suddenly failed, requiring ‘increased steering efforts that contributed to a loss of control and crash.’” If you or a loved one has been injured due to mechanical problem with a vehicle, contact Shapiro, Cohen and Basinger, Ltd. today to discuss your legal rights.