Chicago Car Accident Attorney

An Ally In Your Fight For Justice and Fair Compensation 

Just because Chicago records over 25,000 car crashes annually, you don’t need to be physically, financially, and emotionally ripped apart by one.

With the help of Chicago car accident lawyer Michael J. Brennan, Esq., you can recover the justice and compensation needed to achieve a better quality of life.

With only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit, it is essential to schedule your free case evaluation online or at (312) 379-9270.

Free Case Evaluation

Why Choose Chicago Car Accident Attorney Michael J. Brennan, Esq.?

Honing legal prowess in personal injury and criminal defense since 1985, Michael J. Brennan, Chicago’s top-rated car accident attorney, has successfully represented thousands of clients seeking compensation for injuries sustained.

Our personal injury law firm stands out from the rest because we provide personalized attention that builds a solid case while supporting you and your family through the legal process.

We don’t just analyze your story; we investigate all possible angles and scenarios to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Serving Cook County and Orlando Park residents at our Chicago location, online or by phone 24/7, we ensure no accident victim is without a way to seek comprehensive and compassionate legal support.

If you are tired of the insurance run around, the paperwork, and the games played by legal representatives who don’t have your best interest in mind, turn to Michael J. Brennan Esq., the Chicago car accident lawyer who never gives up.

What Causes Car Accidents in Chicago?

Impaired Driving

Self-reported statistics from Chicago residents point to one unfortunate fact: drunk driving is over 100x more likely to occur here compared to other cities in Illinois.

Furthermore, with legalized cannabis legislation, the number of car collisions involving impaired drivers has been on the rise as well.

Impaired driving slows reaction times, alters decision-making abilities, and impairs motor skills.

As a result, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to devastating rear-end, T-bone, and rollover car accidents.

Distracted Driving

It is easy to think of distracted driving as only related to cell phone use. In reality, distracted driving includes any manual, visual, or cognitive action that takes attention away from the road.

Whether minor or severe, distracted drivers risk causing sideswipe, dooring, and head-on collisions that leave victims with severe injuries and long-lasting trauma.

Distracted driving accidents are considered incredibly negligent in Chicago, IL, making it essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer fighting for maximum compensation.

Reckless Driving

From speeding and tailgating to failing to yield and running red lights, Chicago drivers are known for their aggressive and reckless driving habits. This type of behavior puts everyone on the road at risk of serious accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to downplay reckless driving as a cause to avoid paying out higher compensation.

Having a seasoned car accident attorney on your side can help ensure that the actual cause of your accident is recognized and that you receive the total compensation you deserve.

Fatigued Driving

The hustle and bustle of Chicago can often lead to exhausted drivers on the road.

Whether from long work hours, commuting in heavy traffic, or simply not getting enough sleep, fatigued driving is common in the city.

However, just because it is common does not mean it should be excused as a cause of car crashes.

Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, leading to severe accidents that cause untold economic and non-economic damages.

Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most In Chicago, IL?

Chicago Intersections

There are over 3,000 signal-controlled and countless more uncontrolled intersections in Chicago, making them one of the most common locations for car accidents.

Some of the most dangerous intersections in the city include:

• Ashland and Division
• Western and North Avenue
• Pulaski and Madison
• Western and Roosevelt

These intersections are known for high traffic volume, speeding, and reckless driving behaviors, making them hotspots for accidents.

Chicago Parking Structures

Notorious for narrow lanes and tight spaces, Chicago parking structures are a hotbed for car crashes. Moreover, the higher rate of distracted driving in these confined spaces increases the risk of accidents.

While any Chicago parking lot is a potential danger zone, some of the most accident-prone include:

• Millennium Garages
• Grant Park North Garage
• Navy Pier Garage
• Wrigley Field Parking Lots

No matter how severe or minor your parking structure accident may seem, it is vital to seek legal representation to ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages and injuries sustained.

Chicago Neighborhoods

Slow-moving, parked, and turning vehicles in busy Chicago neighborhoods can increase the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Some of the most accident-prone neighborhoods include:

• Lakeview
• Lincoln Park
• Wicker Park
• Logan Square

Though the city regulates speed limits and vehicle size restrictions in these areas, accidents still occur due to driver negligence.

If you have been involved in an accident in one of these or other Chicago neighborhoods, contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible.

What Are Common Injuries in a Chicago Car Accident?

Neck Injuries

Composing many muscles, tendons, and nerves, the neck is highly susceptible to injuries in a car collision.

Whiplash and other neck injuries can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s physical well-being and quality of life, diminishing the ability to:

• Work
• Drive
• Exercise
• Perform everyday tasks without pain and discomfort

These injuries are common in rear-end collisions, which are one of the most frequent types of car crashes in Chicago.

However, because neck injuries take time to fully manifest, seeking further medical attention and speaking to a car accident lawyer is essential to ensure maximum compensation for future medical expenses.

Brain Injuries

The impact of a car crash can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Depending on the severity of the impact, brain injuries can manifest as:

• Concussions
• Contusions
• Severe traumatic brain injuries
• Diffuse axonal injuries

These types of injuries result in a range of symptoms, from headaches and dizziness to loss of consciousness and cognitive impairments. They also require extensive medical treatment and have long-term effects on an individual’s physical and mental abilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Any injury to the spinal cord severely impacts a person’s mobility and often requires lifelong medical care. Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, with symptoms ranging from temporary numbness to permanent paralysis.

Depending on the severity of your car crash in Chicago, spinal cord injuries could include:

• Bruising
• Compression
• Lacerations
• Severing of the spinal cord
• Herniated discs

The emotional and financial impact of a spinal cord injury is overwhelming, which is why it is essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer fight for maximum compensation.

Broken Bones

Even a single broken bone can cause extreme discomfort and impact an individual’s daily life. In more serious auto accidents, multiple bones can be broken or shattered, leading to significant medical expenses and time away from work.

Common types of broken bones include:

• Fractured ribs
• Compound fractures
• Broken arms and legs

Broken bones often come with other serious injuries, including lacerations, internal bleeding, and organ damage. These injuries require their own set of treatment and rehabilitation, adding to the overall cost and impact of a car accident.

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

Car accidents have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health.

The most common emotional and psychological injuries resulting from auto accidents include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias related to driving or being in a car again

No auto accident victim should live in fear. Fortunately, Illinois allows for compensation for emotional and psychological injuries in personal injury cases.

Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights to receive fair compensation.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a devastating experience, and families are often left with overwhelming emotional and financial burdens.

In Illinois, surviving family members may recover compensation that includes: 

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of income and financial support
• Loss of companionship

No amount of money can bring back a loved one, but seeking legal representation from a wrongful death attorney can help ease the financial burden and hold those responsible for the accident accountable.

How Much Is My Chicago Car Accident Worth?

Calculating Economic Damages

Economic damages include past and future expenses related to the car crash, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Though it’s impossible to predict the exact amount you may receive, typically, economic costs of Chicago car accidents include:

• Ambulance and Paramedic Care: $1,000 to $5,000+

• Emergency Room Visit: as much as $2,200+ per visit

• Overnight Hospital Stay: approx $3,000 per night, totaling hundreds of thousands for long-term stays

• Brain Injuries: $800 to $5000+ in upfront costs; up to $3+ million over a lifetime
• Spinal Cord Injuries: $15,000 to $200,000+ in upfront costs; up to $1+ million over a lifetime
• Broken Bones: $5,000 to $80,000+ in upfront costs; up to $200,000 or more over a lifetime
• Soft Tissue Damage: $2,500 to $50,000+ in upfront costs, $500,000 to $1+ million in lifetime costs
• Neck Injuries: $10,000 to $25,000+ in upfront costs; up to $100,000+ over a lifetime

Lost earning potential is also included in economic damages. No matter your annual salary, even a few weeks out of work can significantly impact your finances.

Factors we consider when calculating lost earning potential include:

• Current salary
• Career trajectory and potential for promotions or raises
• Cost of living expenses
• Anticipated retirement age

Economic damages also include property. Auto collisions cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage, and insurance companies may not provide enough compensation to cover all costs.

Calculating Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

These damages are more challenging to calculate, but our experienced car accident lawyers will work with you to determine a fair amount based on factors such as:

• Severity and permanence of injuries
• Impact on daily life and activities
• Psychological effects of the accident
• Long-term physical and emotional repercussions

Compensation for non-economic damages is often higher in cases where the victim has suffered severe injuries or permanent disabilities.

Our car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for all non-economic damages resulting from a car accident in Chicago.

Our Practice Areas

Michael J. Brennan Esq. is proud to offer Cook County residents a wide range of legal services in addition to personal injury cases.

Our practice areas include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Dog bites
• Wrongful death

You don’t have to suffer alone after a car accident. Our team of experienced and dedicated lawyers is here to advocate for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Do You Have Accident Injuries? Seek Maximum Compensation With a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago’s high rate of car collisions is no reason to struggle with the physical, financial, and emotional aftermath alone.

At Michael J. Brennan Esq., we are dedicated to helping car accident victims seek maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.

Contact Chicago car accident lawyer Michael J. Brennan Esq., online or at (312) 379-9270 to get the legal representation you need and deserve.

Office Address

77 W Washington St #705

Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: 312-379-9270

Hours: Open 24 hours