Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago Car Accident Facts and Statistics 

Most Common Car Accident Injuries In Chicago

To a great extent, the type of injuries suffered by motorists and their passengers or pedestrians rests heavily on the type of accident they were involved in. How vehicles collide also bears on the resulting injuries.

Injuries to a vehicle’s occupants can be mitigated by safety features such as seat belts, airbags and crumple zones, and the weight and construction of the vehicle. But injuries – and fatalities – are more likely to occur at high speed despite safety precautions.

Head-on collisions

Often fatal, head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles smashing into each other, or a single vehicle colliding with a static object such as a tree or telephone pole. The immense impact of two speeding vehicles ramming into each other will often negate any protection provided by crumple zones and seat belts. Hence, the often-fatal outcomes of these horrific collisions. On the other hand, single-car collisions might cause driver and passenger injuries, pedestrian injuries, and extensive property damage. Head-on collisions can also involve bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other innocent bystanders, with often fatal results for these victims.Learn more about Head on Collisions

Vehicle rollover

The deadliest type of crash is a rollover in which a vehicle is flipped over onto its side or roof as a result of faulty driving or by a collision with another vehicle. Often caused by sharp turns at high speed, rollovers can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and fractured limbs. The risk of death is higher in a vehicle rollover because of its potential to break the necks of the driver and any passengers. Learn more about Vehicle Rollover Accidents

Multiple vehicle collisions

Pile-ups” or chain reaction crashes can cause numerous casualties due to the sheer number of vehicles involved. Up to 100 or more vehicles can be involved in a pile-up, which is more likely to occur on wet or iced-over roads.

Pile-ups can result in a single vehicle hit multiple times, thereby increasing the danger of injuries or death among the vehicle’s occupants. The aftermath of a multiple vehicle collision is also dangerous since crumpled vehicles smashed into or piled atop one another make escaping from these wrecks a difficult task, especially for the injured.

Pile-ups generally occur in low-visibility conditions along freeways. A direct cause is a vehicle driving too close to the vehicle in front and not adjusting to road conditions. Chain reaction crashes are the result of this unsafe type of driving. Learn More About Multiple Vehicle Collisions

Rear-end collisions or rear-ending” 

This type of accident can be caused either by the car in front suddenly slowing down or braking, or by the following car accelerating more rapidly than the vehicle in front of it. In many cases, injuries to the occupants of the impacted vehicle are usually much worse. The driver of the car that rear-ends the other car is usually considered at fault.

A common and severe injury is whiplash or injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck associated with an extension. Whiplash is an ever-present danger in rear-impact collisions, even when the crash occurs at moderate speeds. Learn More About Rear-End Collisions

Side-impact collisions or T-bone

Being broadsided occurs when the side of a vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle or a fixed object. Damage to the impacted vehicle and injuries to the vehicle’s occupants are more likely to be severe in T-bone hits.

Passengers on the side of a vehicle struck usually sustain far worse injuries than they would in a front or rear-end collision. It’s for this reason that more and more vehicles are being equipped with side airbags, and designed with crumple zones.

Negligence And The Law

Automobile insurance protects against the financial and physical consequences of whatever type of vehicle accident. This type of insurance is mandatory in Illinois, where the liability against a negligent driver is normally based on negligence. In most cases, the likely source of compensation for an injured pedestrian is automobile insurance.

Illinois requires that insurance companies provide uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance. Even if the negligence of the at-fault driver is upheld, however, the ability of an injured pedestrian to obtain financial compensation will depend on the extent of the driver’s insurance coverage.

Illinois is not a “no-fault insurance” state. No lawsuit against the defendant is allowed in a no-fault state. In a no-fault state, the plaintiff’s insurance will pay the plaintiff’s claim if the injury or damage caused by the accident is below a certain limit, and there are no serious injuries.

In Illinois, however, liability and compensation are determined by the state’s modified comparative fault doctrine. This means a person injured in a pedestrian or auto accident is generally entitled to financial damages up to the percentage of fault attributed to the negligent driver.

This also means a plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by the degree of fault assigned to him or her. Any recovery is barred if the judge or jury decides the plaintiff is 51% responsible for causing his or her injuries.

If the driver causes the accident, the driver’s insurance will provide compensation. If the driver is uninsured, then UIM or no-fault coverage will compensate the pedestrian for their losses.

In Illinois, the minimum liability coverage drivers must carry amounts to a mere $20,000 per injury victim and $40,000 per accident. These sums are patently inadequate, especially when an injured victim suffers a serious injury, and more so when there are multiple victims in an accident.

A good Chicago auto accident lawyer will tell you that a workable option is to look at the liability and insurance coverage of all potential defendants, apart from the negligent driver. Among those that can be held liable are the negligent driver’s employer; the motor vehicle maker (based on defects in the vehicle involved in the accident); local governments because of unsafe roads, and a claim for UM/UIM benefits.

The negligent driver’s insurance company will always attempt to shift blame to the plaintiff to get their client off the hook. The Illinois statute of limitations (or the deadline for a lawsuit to be initiated after the accident) stipulates that a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident. That’s why it’s so important to contact a Chicago auto accident attorney as soon as possible if you’ve been injured.

My deepest and most heartfelt sincere thank you for all of your efforts. You went above and beyond. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. You are always in our prayers.

– P.M. a former client

Chicago Motor vehicle accidents

The Ever-Present Danger From Distracted Drivers And Mobile Phones

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving. Among these potentially dangerous activities are talking or texting on a mobile phone; eating and drinking; talking to people in the vehicle, and fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.

Distracted driving is lethal. NHTSA data shows that distracted driving took the lives of 3,477 persons (drivers and other victims) in the U.S. in 2015 alone. NHTSA reveals that 80% of accidents and 16% of highway deaths are the results of distracted drivers.

It’s also alarming to learn that 1.6 million, or one-fourth of all crashes annually in the U.S., are due to drivers talking on a mobile phone (also called smartphones). Another 1 million, or 18% of traffic accidents, are due to text messaging while driving.

These numbers mean that distracted driving when using a mobile phone causes one accident every 24 seconds. Studies by NHTSA and other road safety groups continue to affirm that texting while driving is a “most alarming distraction” that can lead to deadly consequences. They’ve shown that sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds.

At a driving speed of 55 miles per hour, that distraction is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

NHTSA stands firm in its conviction a driver can’t drive safely unless the task of driving has their full attention. Any non-driving activity – especially talking on a mobile phone or texting – is a distraction that increases a driver’s risk of crashing.

Texting while driving is the most widely reported form of distracted driving. It creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted. Despite the flood of information warning against distracted driving, more than 37% of U.S. drivers admit to sending or receiving text messages while driving. Another 18% admit doing so regularly.

Consequences of reckless driving

The consequences of distracted driving and other forms of reckless behaviors is sickening. These behaviors include drunk driving, speeding, and driving while impaired by drugs.

NHTSA data show the loss of 37,461 lives on U.S. roads in 2016, an increase of 5.6% from 2015. The number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on U.S. roads in 2016 rose by 2.2%, and resulted in a fatality rate of 1.18 deaths per 100 million VMT, up 2.6% from the previous year.

NHTSA reported a drop in fatalities resulting from distracted driving and drowsy driving. On the other hand, deaths related to other reckless behaviors – speeding, alcohol impairment and not wearing seat belts – continued to increase. Motorcyclist and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the year-to-year increase.

The toll inflicted by reckless driving behavior in 2016

• Drunk-driving deaths (10,497 fatalities) increased by 1.7%;
• Speeding-related deaths (10,111 fatalities) increased by 4.0%;
• Unbelted deaths (10,428 fatalities) increased by 4.6%;
• Motorcyclist deaths (5,286 fatalities – the largest number of motorcyclist fatalities since 2008) increased by 5.1%;
• Pedestrian deaths (5,987 fatalities – the highest number since 1990) increased by 9.0%; and
• Bicyclist deaths (840 fatalities – the highest number since 1991) increased by 1.3%;
• Distraction-related deaths (3,450 fatalities) decreased by 2.2%;
• Drowsy-driving deaths (803 fatalities) decreased by 3.5%

Teenagers are at high risk

NHTSA has determined that distracted driving accounts for 25% of all crashes involving teenage drivers. This was affirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reported that drivers under the age of 20 are at the highest risk of distracted driving-related crashes.

That teenagers are inordinately fond of their mobile phones is no secret. In many cases, this fondness continues when teenagers take to the wheel. Nearly half of all American high school students age 16 and over texted or emailed while driving, reported a CDC study released in 2011. The study also revealed that teenagers who text while driving were almost two times as likely to get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. These teens are also five times as likely to drink and drive under the influence.

The results of these behaviors are tragic.

In 2013, almost one million teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were involved in motor vehicle crashes. These accidents resulted in 2,865 deaths and 383,000 injuries nationwide.

Mobile phone use (talking, texting or searching for information) was implicated as a cause for 12% of teen accidents. In more than half of the rear-end crashes involving mobile phone use, the distracted teen driver had no idea he was about to be hit. If you’ve been the victim of distracted driving, make sure to contact a Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible to get the help you need.

How to Handle Insurance Companies

We relieve you of worry and stress so you can focus on getting well. Your health should be your primary concern, not dealing with insurance companies and other details that cause additional stress.

We have learned from hard-won experience that insurance companies are not on your side. As a one-time employee of a large insurance company, our firm’s founder, Matthew L. Willens, is very familiar with insurance company tactics and can thwart any effort to deny you rightful, full, and fair compensation. We know how to assign liability where it belongs.

An insurance company will rarely offer someone without a reputable personal injury lawyer a full and fair settlement. Insurance companies make billions of dollars by collecting as much as they can in premiums from ordinary people, then paying out as little as possible when claims are made. Their tactic of deny, delay, and defend after an accident has been the top tactic used by insurance companies for decades to deny you rightful compensation.

After a crash, victims are often bombarded by calls, forms, and demands for recorded statements. Your attorney becomes the gatekeeper, handling every insurer, bill collector, and medical office so you can focus on healing. Hospitals and insurers may also file liens on your settlement. Our attorneys negotiate with providers and insurers to reduce these amounts, putting more money in your pocket.

At Willens & Baez, we determine your fair settlement based on key factors: past and future medical bills, rehabilitation, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, pain and suffering, disability, loss of a normal life, and changes in your relationships with loved ones. We determine this at the appropriate time, on our client’s timetable, not the insurance company’s.

What a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Does for Your Case

A car accident attorney does far more than file paperwork. Here is what happens when you hire Willens & Baez:

Investigate the Accident Immediately. Accident scenes change within hours. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Cars are repaired. Memories fade. Our team gathers crash reports, witness statements, surveillance and dashcam footage, vehicle black box data, and physical evidence before it becomes unavailable. When needed, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to build an unshakable picture of what happened.

Assess Your Full Damages. We calculate every dollar you are owed: emergency room bills, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, prescriptions, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. We also account for future costs that many people overlook, like lifelong therapy, future surgeries, and diminished earning potential.

Handle All Insurance Communications. We deal with every insurance company involved so you do not have to. We respond to their requests, counter their lowball offers, and negotiate aggressively. Both of our founding partners previously worked as insurance defense lawyers, so we know their playbook inside and out.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement. Most car accident cases settle before trial. But a good settlement only happens when the insurance company believes your lawyer is willing to go to court. Our track record of million-dollar verdicts gives us real leverage at the negotiation table. Data shows that people with legal representation in Illinois receive three to four times more in settlements than those who go it alone.

Take Your Case to Trial if Needed. If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we are prepared to go to trial. Our attorneys have secured verdicts recognized by The National Law Journal as among the Top 100 Verdicts in the country. Insurance adjusters know which lawyers actually try cases and which ones always settle. That reputation matters.

Reduce Medical Liens and Negotiate Bills. After your case is resolved, hospitals and health insurers may have liens against your settlement. We negotiate these down so you keep more of your recovery. We can also connect you with medical providers who treat car accident injuries on a lien basis, meaning you do not have to pay for treatment upfront.

Guide and Educate You. We explain your options, deadlines, and legal concepts in plain language. You will never be left in the dark. We return calls within hours and keep you updated at every stage.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Chicago Car Accident

Many people wonder if they really need a lawyer after a crash. The short answer: if you were injured and someone else was at fault, yes. Here is why.

• Insurance companies want to pay less. They have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers whose job is to minimize your payout.
• Illinois law is complex. Comparative fault rules, damage caps, and filing deadlines can trip up anyone without legal training.
• Medical bills add up fast. Severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage, witness memories, and physical evidence degrade within days or weeks. Legal action must start fast.
• Mistakes are permanent. A poorly worded statement, a missed insurance deadline, or an early settlement can destroy your claim forever.
• Representation changes outcomes. 91% of victims with legal representation receive compensation, compared to much lower rates for those who settle alone.

Real Example: After a side-impact crash on Western Avenue, one Chicagoan faced $100,000 in medical bills and a complex fault dispute. Their attorney uncovered critical dashcam footage, shifted liability, and secured over $850,000 in compensation. That result was not possible without experienced legal help.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Chicago

Serious injuries can result in lost wages, lost earning potential, mounting medical bills, and long-term treatment. The compensation you need depends on the type of injury and its severity. Common car accident injuries include:

Back Injuries. Seek immediate medical attention after any car accident. Even if a doctor says nothing appears seriously wrong, you may still have a back injury that shows up later.

Broken Bones. A bone fracture suffered in a car accident always requires medical attention and a recovery period. Many people are unable to return to work while healing. Compensation will almost always include lost wages.

Neck Injuries. Many neck injuries present symptoms right away, while others take days or weeks to appear. Do not assume you have no serious injury just because nothing seems wrong initially.

Knee Injuries. Knee injuries from car accidents can be serious. If you need weeks or months to recover, you will face lost wages and may not be able to do the same work you once did.

Catastrophic Injuries. A catastrophic injury permanently prevents a person from performing any gainful work. These injuries place a huge burden on the victim’s family because of their serious, long-term effects. The lifetime expense of rehabilitation and medical bills creates severe financial stress.

Whiplash. Whiplash includes a range of injuries to the neck caused by sudden distortion associated with extension. In many cases, the actual extent of damage to soft tissues is not immediately evident. Symptoms of minor whiplash tend to dissipate over time, but more serious cases can cause immediate and prolonged medical problems.

No matter what your injury is, you should receive all of your benefits, not just the ones the insurance company wants to approve.

Negligence and the Law in Illinois

Automobile insurance protects against the financial consequences of a vehicle accident. This insurance is mandatory in Illinois, where liability against a negligent driver is normally based on negligence.

Illinois is not a “no-fault insurance” state. In Illinois, liability and compensation are determined by the state’s modified comparative fault doctrine. This means a person injured in a car accident is generally entitled to financial damages up to the percentage of fault attributed to the negligent driver.

This also means a plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by the degree of fault assigned to them. Any recovery is barred if the judge or jury decides the plaintiff is 51% or more responsible for causing their injuries.

If the at-fault driver causes the accident, their insurance provides compensation. If the driver is uninsured, then UM or no-fault coverage compensates the victim for their losses.

The negligent driver’s insurance company will always attempt to shift blame to the plaintiff. A good Chicago auto accident lawyer will look at the liability and insurance coverage of all potential defendants beyond just the negligent driver. Those who can be held liable include the driver’s employer, the vehicle manufacturer (based on defects), and local governments (because of unsafe road conditions).

The Illinois statute of limitations stipulates that a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident. That is why it is so important to contact a Chicago auto accident attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured.

High-Risk Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Illinois Crash Facts statistics identified five locations in Chicago that are more prone to accidents involving pedestrians. Be on high alert when you get to these areas:

• Jackson St. between Clark St. and Wabash Ave.
• Michigan Ave. between Chicago Ave. and Oak Street
• Dearborn St. between Ohio St. and Huron St.
• Canal St. between Jackson and Washington St.
• Columbus/Fairbanks between Water St. and Ontario St.

Around 78% of all pedestrian-related accidents took place at an intersection. In most cases, pedestrians were hit when they were trying to cross safely with the traffic light on their side.

The Danger of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving: talking or texting on a phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, or fiddling with the stereo or navigation system.

Distracted driving is lethal. NHTSA data shows 80% of accidents and 16% of highway deaths are the result of distracted drivers. Texting while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Despite the flood of information warning against distracted driving, more than 37% of U.S. drivers admit to sending or receiving text messages while driving. Another 18% admit doing so regularly.

Teenage drivers are at especially high risk. NHTSA has determined that distracted driving accounts for 25% of all crashes involving teenage drivers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that drivers under 20 are at the highest risk of distracted driving-related crashes. If you have been the victim of distracted driving, contact a Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Other Forms of Reckless Driving

Distracted driving is only one part of the problem. Other forms of reckless behavior that cause serious and fatal accidents in Chicago include:

• Drunk driving: approximately 25% of traffic fatalities in Illinois involve a drunk or impaired driver
• Speeding: higher speed limits on rural interstates (70 mph since 2014) contribute to more violent crashes and more fatalities
• Not using seatbelts: close to half of the people killed in Illinois crashes were not wearing seatbelts
• Unlicensed drivers: involved in hundreds of deadly crashes annually across the state

Research consistently shows that adults are much more likely to survive a collision when a vehicle is traveling slower than 25 mph. The likelihood of a pedestrian or cyclist death greatly increases when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 25 mph.

How to Choose the Right Chicago Car Accident Attorney

Not all car accident lawyers are the same. Here is what to look for when choosing one in Chicago:

• Car accident experience. Look for a lawyer who handles accident cases regularly. A general practice attorney who also handles divorces, criminal cases, and real estate will not have the same depth of knowledge.
• Proven track record. Ask about past results. Has the firm won million-dollar verdicts? Do they have results in cases similar to yours?
• Trial readiness. Many firms settle every case because they lack the skill or willingness to go to trial. Insurance companies know this and offer less. Choose a firm that takes cases to court when necessary.
• Local knowledge. A Chicago-based attorney knows local courts, judges, and insurance company strategies. That familiarity is a real advantage.
• Responsiveness. You should be able to reach your attorney when you have questions. Will calls be returned the same day? Will you get regular case updates?
• Contingency fee. Reputable car accident lawyers charge nothing upfront. You only pay if you win. If a firm asks for money upfront, walk away.
• Resources. Serious cases require accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators. Make sure the firm has the resources to handle your case properly.

Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Even more important than knowing what to look for is spotting the warning signs. Here is what to watch out for:

Red Flag	What You Want Instead
Vague about costs or fees	Transparent contingency fee, no hidden costs
Unresponsive to calls and emails	Responsive, keeps you updated regularly
No specialization in car accidents	Decades of focused car accident practice
Pushes you for quick decisions	Lets you review everything, never rushes your choice
Promises guaranteed dollar amounts	Realistic about outcomes, shares past case results
Unclear or evasive about past results	Open about verdicts and settlements
Bad reviews or no referrals	Excellent client and peer reputation
High-pressure contract signing	Comfortable pace, free consultation, no obligation
No local presence (out-of-state firm)	Chicago-based with local court experience

Real Case Results from Chicago

Every case is different, but these real scenarios show the kind of results experienced legal representation can produce:

Side-Impact on Western Avenue. A Chicagoan faced $100,000 in medical bills and a complex fault dispute. Our attorney uncovered critical dashcam footage, swung liability, and secured over $850,000.

Rear-End Crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway. What started as a claim dismissed as “minor” became a six-figure settlement after our attorney uncovered the at-fault driver’s texting records, proving chronic injuries were directly caused by the crash.

Side-Impact in Humboldt Park. Dashcam video and witness interviews flipped an initial police finding, tripling the insurance payout for our client.

Pedestrian Accident Near Wrigley Field. Persistent investigation led to a full policy-limit recovery for a local teacher struck in a crosswalk.

Rideshare Collision in River North. Navigating the tangled web of multi-policy rideshare insurance, our firm gained full reimbursement plus pain and suffering compensation for an injured passenger.

Common Misconceptions About Car Accident Claims

We hear these myths from clients all the time. Here are the facts:

Myth	Fact
If I am partly at fault, I cannot get compensation.	Illinois law allows recovery if you are less than 51% at fault. Your lawyer’s job is to minimize the blame assigned to you.
Lawyers are too expensive after an accident.	Most Chicago car accident lawyers work on contingency. You pay nothing unless you win.
The insurance company’s offer will be fair.	Insurers typically lowball claims. A lawyer nearly always secures a higher payout.
Minor accidents don’t need a lawyer.	Even “small” accidents can lead to major costs. Better to have expert advice early.
I have to go to court to win.	Over 90% of claims settle out of court. A good lawyer thrives in either scenario.
A police report is required to file a claim.	While important, other evidence (photos, witnesses, medical records) can support your case.
I have plenty of time to file a claim.	You have just two years in Illinois. Evidence and witnesses fade fast, so act early.
I can switch lawyers if I’m unhappy.	Yes, you can switch at almost any time. Just review the new fee agreement carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Chicago?

Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Document the scene with photos. Gather witness contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Contact a car accident lawyer before talking to any insurer.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

At Willens & Baez, it costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. There are no hidden fees.

How much is my car accident case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, the degree of pain and suffering, and fault. We evaluate each case individually during a free consultation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000.

How long do I have to file a claim?

The Illinois statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to compensation entirely. Act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

You may still have options. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can apply. Illinois requires this coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. An attorney can review your policy and find every available source of compensation.

Do most car accident cases go to trial?

No. Over 90% of personal injury claims in Illinois settle before trial, often thanks to skilled negotiation. However, having an attorney ready and willing to go to court is what pressures insurance companies into offering fair settlements.

How soon should I hire a lawyer after my accident?

As soon as possible. Evidence degrades within days. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Witness memories fade. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner evidence is preserved and the insurance company knows you are serious.

Can a lawyer really increase my settlement?

Yes. Data shows that people with legal representation in Illinois receive three to four times more in settlements or verdicts than those who handle claims on their own. Insurers offer higher settlements when they know your attorney has a reputation for winning at trial.

Why Choose Willens & Baez for Your Car Accident Case

Choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make after a car accident. Here is why Chicago trusts Willens & Baez:

• 25+ years representing car accident victims. We have handled thousands of car accident cases across the Chicago metro area.
• Former insurance defense lawyers. Both founding partners, Matthew Willens and David Baez, previously defended insurance companies. We know their tactics, strategies, and pressure points.
• Millions recovered for clients. Numerous million-dollar-plus recoveries including verdicts recognized by The National Law Journal as among the Top 100 in the country.
• Record-breaking results. Including the largest dog bite settlement in Illinois history ($1.5 million) and a $3.8 million wrongful death settlement.
• Illinois Super Lawyer, 2012-2025. Matthew Willens has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer every year for over a decade, placing him in the top 1% of attorneys statewide.
• AV Preeminent rated. 5.0 out of 5.0 on Martindale-Hubbell, the highest ethical and professional rating available.
• A+ BBB rating. Consistent dedication to client service and ethical practice.
• 4.9-star rating from 250+ reviews. Our clients consistently praise our communication, compassion, and results.
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum member. Reserved for attorneys who have secured million-dollar verdicts or settlements.
• We only represent people. We never represent corporations or insurance companies.
• No fee unless we win. We advance all costs. You pay nothing out of pocket.
• We come to you. Available 24/7. If you are injured and cannot travel, we will come to your home or hospital.

What Our Clients Say

“Your professionalism, persistence and continued support let me and my family get through this very difficult time.”

– M.W., former client

“My deepest and most heartfelt sincere thank you for all of your efforts. You went above and beyond. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. You are always in our prayers.”

– P.M., former client

“Matt took my case and treated me like a personal friend. I received a large settlement within nine months. I highly recommend Willens Law to anyone.”

– Ed B., former client

“David was very good at keeping me up to date on what was happening. He fought for me and explained each step. Could not have asked for better representation.”

– Jennifer B., former client

“I got in a pretty bad car accident and a friend recommended Willens and Baez. I was so down in the dumps, but they talked me through my options, and at no point did I feel pressured. Eventually, things worked out. Highly recommend.”

– Client testimonial

Injured in a Chicago Car Accident? Get a Free Consultation Today.

Do not wait for the insurance company to decide what your injuries are worth. Let the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at Willens & Baez fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call (312) 313-8831 for a free, no-obligation case review. We are available 24/7 and will come to you.

Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win. We’ll Even Come to You.

---

Car Accident Resources

• How to Read Your Illinois Traffic Crash Report
• Be Aware: Insurance Company Tactics
• 5 Tips To Get The Best Settlement
• What if You’re in a Hit and Run Accident
• 10 Worst Car Insurance Companies

Other Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Truck Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Taxi Crashes
• Bus AccidentsChicago Car Accident Facts and Statistics