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Des Plaines Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in or around Des Plaines, you already know how fast life can change. One moment you’re driving along Mannheim Road or heading home from O’Hare International Airport, and the next, you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and a damaged vehicle. The road to recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents in Des Plaines: What You Need to Know
Illinois Laws That Protect Car Accident Victims
What Damages Can You Recover After a Des Plaines Car Accident?
The Car Accident Lawsuit Process in Illinois
Why Time Matters: Illinois Deadlines for Car Accident Claims
FAQs About Des Plaines Car Accident Lawyers

Car Accidents in Des Plaines: What You Need to Know

Des Plaines sits in the heart of Cook County, bordered by major roadways like Interstate 90, Interstate 294, and U.S. Route 12. With O’Hare Airport right next door and heavy commercial traffic moving through the area daily, the roads in Des Plaines see a constant flow of vehicles. That volume creates real risk for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

In 2024, there were 303,913 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois. Injury crashes accounted for 20.8% of these crashes, while fatal crashes accounted for less than 1% of the total. Those numbers reflect a serious public safety problem across the state, and the Des Plaines area is no exception. Busy intersections near the Oakton Street corridor and the River Road stretch see frequent rear-end collisions, sideswipe crashes, and accidents involving distracted drivers.

The total estimated cost of crashes in Illinois for 2024 was $8.3 billion. That figure covers medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and more. For individual crash victims, the financial toll can be devastating. Whether your crash happened near the Des Plaines Metra station or on a surface street near Rand Road, your losses are real and you have legal options.

Illinois is a fault-based state when it comes to car accidents. Illinois is a traditional fault-based state. Under Illinois law, the person who is at fault for a car accident is legally responsible for all resulting injuries, property damage, and other losses. When you’re injured in an Illinois car wreck, you can bring an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the responsible driver. Knowing this is the first step toward protecting your financial future after a crash.

Illinois Laws That Protect Car Accident Victims

Illinois has several laws in place that directly affect your car accident claim. Understanding them gives you a better picture of what to expect when you pursue compensation. A few key statutes are especially relevant to crashes in the Des Plaines area.

First, Illinois law requires every driver to carry liability insurance. Under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, no person may operate or register a motor vehicle in Illinois unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy that meets the minimum amounts set by state law. That means the driver who hit you should have coverage in place. If they don’t, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply.

Second, Illinois law governs how fault is shared among multiple parties. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable in a negligence case are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses. A defendant whose fault is 25% or greater of the total fault is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This matters when multiple drivers or even a third party, such as a negligent road contractor, contributed to your crash.

Third, if you were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted or reckless driver, Illinois law also requires that driver to stay at the scene. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in personal injury or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene until all legal requirements are fulfilled. Leaving the scene is a felony offense in Illinois, which can strengthen your civil case significantly.

Our team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows these laws inside and out. We put them to work for our clients every day, whether they were hurt near the Des Plaines River Trail or on a busy stretch of Lee Street. Contact us to learn how these statutes apply to your specific situation.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Des Plaines Car Accident?

One of the most common questions we hear from car accident victims is simple: what can I actually recover? The answer depends on the facts of your case, but Illinois law allows injured victims to pursue a wide range of damages after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

Economic damages cover your out-of-pocket losses. These include medical bills, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription costs, and any future medical care you may need. They also include lost wages if your injuries kept you out of work, and lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Vehicle repair or replacement costs fall into this category too.

Non-economic damages cover the human side of your losses. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for your spouse or family members are all recoverable under Illinois law. These damages don’t come with a receipt, but they are very real, and a skilled attorney can help document and present them effectively.

Illinois also follows a modified comparative fault rule. If your share of the fault is more than 50% of the total, you can’t recover any damages at all. If the jury decides that you were 40% responsible for the accident, under Illinois’ comparative fault rule, you’re entitled to 60% of your total damages. This is why having an attorney who can build a strong case on your behalf, and push back on any attempt to shift blame onto you, matters so much.

If a loved one was killed in a crash near Des Plaines, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. Our team handles these deeply painful cases with care and dedication. We also serve clients in neighboring communities, including as a Schaumburg car accident lawyer and as a Waukegan car accident lawyer.

The Car Accident Lawsuit Process in Illinois

Most people don’t know what happens after they hire an attorney for a car accident claim. The process has several stages, and each one matters. Understanding the basics can help you stay informed and feel confident as your case moves forward.

The first step is the investigation. Your attorney will gather the police report, review any available surveillance footage, collect witness statements, and document your injuries and property damage. Near Des Plaines, this might involve pulling footage from traffic cameras near Touhy Avenue or reviewing records from the Des Plaines Police Department. Strong evidence from the start builds a stronger case later.

Next comes the demand phase. Your attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company outlining your injuries, your damages, and the compensation you’re seeking. Insurance companies often respond with a low offer. This is where negotiation skills matter. Our attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are experienced negotiators who know when to push back and when to take the fight to court.

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit. Cases involving Des Plaines residents are typically filed in the Cook County Circuit Court, located at the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago or at one of the suburban district courthouses. The litigation process includes discovery, depositions, and possibly a trial.

You can learn more about each step by visiting our dedicated page on the proceso de demanda por accidente de tráfico. We also handle cases throughout the region, including as an Orland Park car accident lawyer. No matter where your crash happened, we’re ready to help.

Why Time Matters: Illinois Deadlines for Car Accident Claims

After a crash, it’s easy to focus on healing and assume the legal side can wait. The truth is, waiting too long can cost you your right to recover anything at all. Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing car accident claims, and missing them has serious consequences.

For personal injury claims, Illinois gives plaintiffs two years to initiate legal action, according to 735 ILCS 5/13-202. That clock generally starts on the date of your accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to pursue compensation, even if you have a strong case.

For property damage claims, the deadline is longer. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-205, actions to recover damages for injury to property must be commenced within five years after the cause of action accrued. So if your vehicle was totaled in a crash near the Des Plaines River but you weren’t physically injured, you still have time to pursue your property damage claim, though acting sooner is always better.

There are some exceptions to these deadlines. If the accident victim is under 18, the two-year statute of limitations clock starts on their 18th birthday. If the accident victim is legally disabled, the clock begins when a doctor states that the mental health issue has been resolved. If the accident victim becomes disabled within two years, the clock pauses until they are declared mentally competent.

Even with these exceptions, don’t assume you have more time than you think. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and insurance companies become harder to deal with as time passes. Evidence like eyewitness testimony, accident photos, and surveillance footage can quickly disappear or become unreliable as time passes. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after your crash. We serve clients across the Chicago area as a trusted Chicago abogado accidente coche, and we’re ready to put our resources to work for you. You can also reach our team through our main page as a Chicago abogado de lesiones personales.

FAQs About Des Plaines Car Accident Lawyers

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Des Plaines?

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t recover anything, you owe us nothing. This arrangement allows anyone to get legal help regardless of their financial situation.

What should I do right after a car accident in Des Plaines?

Call 911 and stay at the scene. Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/11-401 requires drivers involved in a crash with injuries to stop and remain at the scene. Get medical attention even if you feel fine, because some injuries show up hours or days later. Document the scene with photos, exchange information with the other driver, and contact an attorney before speaking to any insurance company.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the crash?

Yes, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If you are found to be 30% at fault, for example, your total compensation is reduced by 30%. Only if you are found more than 50% at fault are you barred from recovering damages entirely. An attorney can help present the facts in a way that fairly reflects what happened.

How long will my Des Plaines car accident case take to resolve?

Every case is different. Some cases settle within a few months once medical treatment is complete and damages are clear. Others take longer, especially if the insurance company disputes liability or if serious injuries require ongoing treatment. Cases that go to trial at the Cook County Circuit Court can take a year or more. Your attorney will keep you informed at every stage and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

What if the other driver had no insurance?

Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, but not everyone follows the law. If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. If they had coverage but it wasn’t enough to cover your losses, underinsured motorist coverage may apply. An attorney can review your policy and identify every available source of compensation.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

La experiencia general que tuve con Briskman Briskman & Greenberg fue del tipo que todo el mundo debería recibir de cualquier empresa.

El personal se mantuvo en contacto conmigo por teléfono y correo electrónico, estaban muy bien informados, se aseguraron de que entendiera lo que estaba pasando en todo momento, respondieron a todas mis preguntas, fueron transparentes, y definitivamente superaron mis expectativas. Los recomiendo encarecidamente.

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El nivel de cuidado, atención, empatía y preocupación en relación con mi caso al tratar con Briskman Briskman y Greenberg superó mis expectativas.

Eran extremadamente informados y justos en todos los asuntos relacionados. Dieron ejemplo de excelente servicio y atención al cliente. Me mantuvieron informado y actualizado en todo momento y respondieron a todas mis preguntas. Recomiendo encarecidamente usarlos como lo haría de nuevo.

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Me sentí a gusto con la profesionalidad de Briskman y Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especialmente poner mi mente para descansar y en un plazo de un año he resuelto mi caso y estoy muy satisfecho con el resultado. Mi lesión fue devastador, pero trabajar con este bufete de abogados ha puesto un montón de noches estresantes para descansar.

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Necesitaba un abogado de lesiones personales y Gavin y su equipo fueron más allá.

Hicieron que el proceso fuera sencillo y me ayudaron en cada paso del camino. Lo que realmente aprecio es que son directos y responden rápidamente a mis preguntas y a cualquier problema con un mensaje de texto o una llamada telefónica. Además, me controlaron continuamente. ¡Estoy contento con la forma en que manejaron mi caso y recomendaría darles una llamada!

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Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

Llevaron mi caso de manera profesional, sensible y muy competente. El personal muestra experiencia en el ámbito jurídico y proporcionó un excelente apoyo y atención al cliente. Gracias BBG por su ayuda con la navegación de un caso muy sensible y difícil para mi familia.

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Si ha sufrido un accidente y necesita un abogado excelente, ¡¡¡hable con Paul!!!

Muy agradable y profesional abogado que extremadamente se preocupa por sus clientes. Crucemos los dedos para que nunca vuelva a tener un accidente, pero si es así, ¡sin duda, 10/10 volvería a utilizar Paul!

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Estoy muy satisfecha con la representación de BB&G.

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Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con este bufete me trataron como de la familia.

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I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

Fueron extremadamente receptivos, profesionales y compasivos durante todo el proceso. Sus habilidades de negociación fueron excepcionales, y fueron capaces de asegurar un acuerdo que superó con creces mis expectativas. Estoy agradecido de haber tenido un equipo tan dedicado".