After an accident, you’ll come across many attorneys advertising for their services. Unfortunately, not all attorneys are positioned to fight for your rights. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. have discussed the mistakes you should avoid to ensure you have the right professional by your side. See more here.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, and Joliet, IL is the go-to law firm for all your accident case needs in Illinois. You can submit the form on our official website or call (312) 957-4166 for a free case evaluation.
Choosing the right Illinois accident attorney can mean the difference between a disappointing settlement and a full, fair recovery—especially in a city like Chicago, where nearly 26,000 people are injured in car crashes every year. Before trusting your future to anyone with a law degree, learn the most critical mistakes to avoid, the real risks behind hiring the wrong lawyer, and how to spot Chicago’s most qualified representation.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Illinois Accident Attorney
1. Hiring a General Practice or Inexperienced Attorney
Personal injury law is a specialty. Avoid lawyers who “dabble” or lack hands-on courtroom experience—Chicago’s legal scene is competitive, and expertise wins cases. A general practice attorney might not have the expertise to handle accident cases. Therefore you should go for an attorney who concentrates their work in injury law. See here for information about Things to Consider Before Hiring an Accident Attorney.
2. Choosing a Lawyer Who Can’t or Won’t Go to Court
Many attorneys settle claims because they fear (or lack skills for) trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers actually go to court and offer lower settlements to those with weak trial credentials. An attorney who never sees the inside of a courtroom will minimize the chances of winning your case. To maximize your recovery, hire an accident attorney who’s familiar with the courtroom.
3. Hiring an Attorney Who Lacks Resources
Big, complex cases may demand costly accident reconstructions, expert witnesses, and medical reviews. Avoid lawyers or firms unable—or unwilling—to fund your case adequately. An accident attorney should have adequate resources to investigate your claim and match you with the right medical care. This is an attorney who has forged professional relationships with experts who can play significant roles in building your claim.
4. Working With a Lawyer Who Promises Specific Results
Promises of big checks or guaranteed results are a red flag. No ethical lawyer should predict exact outcomes with so many unpredictable factors at play.
5. Not Checking Real Track Records
Look past flashy ads. Ask about real verdicts, settlements for similar cases, and documented results. Demand specifics.
6. Accepting High-Pressure Sales Tactics or Solicitation
Ethical lawyers do not seek out clients after an accident or pressure you to sign quickly. Steer clear of any attorney who solicits you unprompted.
7. Allowing Your Case to Be Handed Off or Outsourced
Large firms sometimes assign your case to inexperienced associates or even outside firms. Ask who will really represent you day-to-day.
8. Failing to Ask About Fee Structures
Chicago personal injury lawyers should operate on a “contingency fee basis”—no win, no fee. Be wary of anyone demanding upfront payment or unable to clearly explain billing.
9. Neglecting to Research Reviews and Reputation
A successful, ethical attorney should have plenty of positive Google reviews, client testimonials, and peer recognition—especially in Chicago’s close-knit legal scene.
10. Prioritizing Price Over Expertise
It’s tempting to choose attorneys based on lower fees, but in personal injury law, you often “get what you pay for.” Inadequate representation can cost you thousands.
11. Ignoring Communication and Accessibility Issues
Great lawyers are responsive and keep you informed. Avoid anyone difficult to reach or unwilling to answer your questions clearly and patiently.
12. Letting Location Trump Quality
Don’t simply pick the lawyer nearest to you. In Chicago, reputation, experience, and results should come first.
13. Falling for Guarantees in Advertising
Avoid lawyers (or firms) who guarantee paydays, play up outrageous expected settlements, or make TV/online promises that sound too good to be true.
14. Overlooking Credentials and Professional Standing
Always check for awards, board certification, standing with the Illinois State Bar, and disciplinary history.
15. Dropping the Ball on Case Management
Be cautious with lawyers who seem overloaded or rushed, or whose staff outnumber actual attorneys handling cases.
16. Hiring Without a Free Consultation
The best accident attorneys offer no-cost, no-obligation evaluations. This is industry standard in Illinois.
17. Failing to Trust Your Gut
If something feels “off” or if you don’t feel comfortable with your attorney’s style, move on. Trust and good rapport matter more than you think.
Chicago FAQ About Hiring Accident Attorneys
Q1: Isn’t any lawyer the same for an accident case?
Absolutely not. Specialists outperform generalists in negotiation and litigation—especially against insurance defense lawyers.
Q2: Will getting a lawyer mean a long, drawn-out court battle?
No. Most Chicago cases are settled—only about 4% go to trial, but lawyers with a trial track record still get higher offers.
Q3: Lawyers are too expensive for “smaller” injury cases, right?
Most work on contingency—no upfront costs. They only get paid if you win, so even for small cases, the risk is low and the reward can be much higher.
Q4: Can’t I just rely on online ads to pick a good lawyer?
Ad spending doesn’t guarantee skill. Always research reviews, case results, and reputation first.
Q5: Is it okay if my lawyer “refers” my case elsewhere?
Not always. You may get lost in the shuffle or assigned to someone with less experience. Insist on clarity about who will actually handle your case.
Why Chicago Trusts Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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25+ Years of Experience: Recognized as “Best of the Best” in Illinois, handling injury and medical malpractice with proven, record-setting verdicts.
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National Honors: Attorney Matt Willens is repeatedly listed on Illinois Super Lawyers® (Top 5% statewide), with verdicts ranked among the top in the U.S..
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Insurance Industry Insights: Founders are former insurance insiders—giving clients a unique edge negotiating settlements or fighting in court.
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Client-First, No-Fee Promise: No win, no fee, ever. Free consultations. All costs advanced by the firm.
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Real-World Results: Millions recovered for clients, from catastrophic crashes to difficult wrongful death cases.
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Fanatical Client Service: Available 24/7, personalized attention, and glowing testimonials from those they’ve helped recover and move forward.
Ready for Real Results? Protect Your Recovery Today
Don’t let a hiring mistake sabotage your Chicago accident claim. For honest, accessible, and results-driven legal help, contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 957-4166 for a free, no-pressure consultation. Let Chicago’s trusted top-rated advocates fight for your future.
