Facebook Pixel
Collins Law Logo

Illinois Car Accident Lawyer

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

$1.47 Billion in
Verdicts &
Settlements

Total reviews: 126 | Average rating: 4.9

5

If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .

5

I’ve had the opportunity to co-counsel with John Risvold and he is a great attorney. He brings a high level of experience, strategic insight, and tenacity to every case. Truly an asset to the personal injury field. Rest assured, your case is in good hands with this firm

5

Chris Gauther was our attorney and he was very communicative and thorough! We highly recommend the firm! Patty the paralegal was awesome as well! Overall we had a great experience!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Collins Law Firm following my car accident in McHenry County, IL. From start to finish, the team was responsive, knowledgeable and truly had my best interests at heart. A special thank you to Chris Gauthier, who handled my case with professionalism and care. His guidance made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.

5

My brother suffered horrific injuries in a hit and run accident that involved a drunk driver. I called a couple of other law firms before I VERY fortunately found Collins Law Firm. Our attorney, Ed Manzke, worked diligently and expeditiously to get my brother the highest compensation available in our personal injury case. Ed surpassed our family’s expectations not only in his knowledge and work ethic, but in his genuine compassion for my brother’s situation. He made accommodations that facilitated meeting with us in person WHILE my brother was still in the hospital undergoing surgeries and procedures. Frankly, Ed was the only attorney that offered to do this and it helped speed our case along at a point when we felt that time was of the essence. Additionally, Ed’s assistant, Amber Blevins, deserves acknowledgment for all of her hard work as well. She always offered to answer any questions we had throughout the process and would often reach out to check on my brother’s condition on her own, or at Ed’s request. It means so much when you’re going through a devastating event, that you feel heard, seen and supported. If you want professionals that truly fight for you and treat you as if you’re their only client, then I HIGHLY recommend you contact Collins Law Firm!

5

I cannot speak highly enough of attorney Ed Manzke and his assistant, Amber Blevins, at The Collins Law Firm. Ed worked diligently and with great integrity to help me receive compensation for a lead paint disaster at my residence. From start to finish, Ed, Amber, and the entire team were professional, responsive, and compassionate.

Ed’s thorough guidance and legal expertise gave me tremendous confidence throughout the process. He was always available to answer questions, explain next steps, and provide reassurance when needed. Amber’s attention to detail and communication were equally impressive—she was organized, proactive, and supportive at every turn.

Their combined professionalism, empathy, and commitment truly set them apart. I am deeply grateful to Ed, Amber, and the Collins Law Firm for their outstanding work. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of trusted and skilled legal representation. Thank you, Ed!

5

Fantastic law firm! Christopher Gauthier kept me up to date every step of the way, and helped me figure out a game plan. Im very satisfied with my service here!

5

John Risvold was recommended by a friend and he was a great fit!
Professional and pleasant from the first conversation we had!
He was always available and kept me informed of progress! Patty and Chris worked and made sure I was comfortable and getting all the information needed.
I would highly recommend John and his team.

5

My lawyer was Chris Gotti. He is the best lawyer I could have ever asked for hands down. He was always on top of things and whenever he had news, he would always communicate with me right away! He is very understanding and friendly to talk to and will make you feel comfortable right away! Pick Chris Gotti as your lawyer! He won’t let you down I promise you!

5

Ed and Amber were wonderful to work with. Very professional and achieved a fair settlement for a dog bite/attack. Definitely recommend choosing Collins Law Firm.

5

The staff at Collins Law Firm was very professional and cooperative. From Patty the Legal Assistant to Chris Gauthier, the Attorney who handled my case. Chris G was even polite to refer me to another lawyer in a different field for something else I needed help in. Things were handled quickly and firmly and I knew all the steps along the way because Chris G kept in contact with me at all times. The result of my case was very pleasing, and I will always deal with Collins Law Firm if I ever need legal assistance, which I don't hope I will but they are my choice if I do.

5

My decision to go with Ed Manske and Amber Blevins to handle my mom’s injury case was one of the best decisions I’ve made! From the beginning Ed took the time to listen and put me and my mom at ease. When we made a decision to open a case it came at a time when I was overwhelmed with my mom’s medical situation including countless hospital visits, therapy, bills, doctor appointments etc so throwing a dart and picking a lawyer added to my plate. Both of them were beyond outstanding! They were both extremely professional, communicated expectations, we never seemed rushed to get off the phone quite the contrary they made sure we didn’t have any additional questions. Ed is genuine and truly makes you feel like you are his only case. Thank you so much!

5

I found myself in a car accident situation where I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do. Chris was easy to talk to and I’m glad that the Collins Law firm handled my case all the way through. I’m blessed to have had them, and definitely recommend to anyone who needs fair and compassionate council. Thank you, Collins Law!

5

This is by for the best experience I have had with a law firm, Collins Law Firm. From the onset of the car accident away from our home town, I did not know whom to call but with a search on the internet, I found this firm online. I was so pleased with initial call and conversation. The agents I have dealt with are professional, knowledgeable, very helpful, great tone on the phone and very patient. They took the time to explain what needs to be done and the expectation. My recent agent Chris G. is so awesome. He always showed empathy besides being patient knowledgeable and understanding. He never beat around the bush with my questions, just gave me straight answers. For real!! I will definitely recommend Collins Law Firm to friends and relatives. Their agents exceeds 100% and gives satisfactory RESULTS.

5

Every business dreams to have a lawyer like Rob Dawidiuk! Through acquisitions, Rob and his team helped me grow to become the largest Massage Envy franchisee in the country. He handled every transaction, every negotiation, and every touch point to a better outcome than planned. Purely flawless. Pure diplomacy. Rob and his team lead the negotiation and sale of my business to the private equity firm tax-efficiently for the best possible exit. Rob then helped me to acquire a second national franchise (FedEx Ground) in two different states over a period of four years totaling 16 separate transactions and did them all to his standard of excellence. I've been very fortunate to have Rob in my corner for the last eleven years not only for his M&A expertise, but also for his day-to-day business counsel and support. - Peter Bray

5

What John and especially Chris did to help me reach the settlement I wanted was truly awesome. Chris had great communication and kept me in the loop with my case the whole time, answering questions and going back and forth with the at fault party’s insurance. On top of being a diligent advocate they were genuinely nice and caring people. I’ve never worked with lawyers before but these guys were great and although I don’t live in the state they practice I’d highly recommend them to anyone who’s been in an accident and needs representation.
Go with The Collins Law Firm.
You won’t regret it.

5

Rob Dawidiuk does a great job as your general counsel and handling transactions and litigation. He makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns and helps you work through them. I highly recommend Rob as your attorney.

5

I have worked with Rob Dawidiuk of Collins Law Firm on several matter pertaining to my company. He was always responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. On some complicated matters, including a commercial property sale, his expertise was key in getting deals done and representing my interests. I've recommended Rob to other business associates and will continue to do so.

5

I have had the pleasure of working with Rob Dawidiuk for virtually all of our corporate legal needs. He's brilliant, works very hard, and always in our best interest.

5

I have worked with Robert Dawiduk for over 10 years, Rob has helped me not only to successfully negotiate tough business contracts but also with the sale of multiple businesses.

I highly recommend Rob for your business; he is fair, highly responsive, provides direct feedback, and offers the best solutions for successful outcomes.

5

Rob Dawidiuk is an outstanding attorney and really great to deal with. We have worked on many many transactions together!

5

I have been working with Rob Dawidiuk on a foreclosure file for the last two years. Rob is a conscientious and thoughtful attorney that looks at the whole picture in the case. He is available when I call. Rob has been a long-term attorney associated with this bank and will be in the future.

5

My wife and I recently closed on our first home and Rob Dawidiuk was incredible in helping us through the entire process. He was quick in responding to any questions we had at any point and guided us each step of the way! Throughout the entire process, Rob went explained the process in a way that was easy for us to understand and made us feel confident that we knew what we were signing up for. Thank you so much for all of your help!

5

My husband and I worked with Rob Dawidiuk for our real estate closing. Rob is kind, honest, and responsive. I would highly recommend working with Collins Law.

5

My family has worked with Collin's and Rob Dawidiuk for almost 20 years. We met Rob when they were representing our insurance carrier for an Asbestos brake shoe claim, for which we had no liability. Rob immediately filed for a dismissal, and the plaintiff's attorney was shocked that Rob wouldn't put more time into the case because he could bill the insurance company for more time.

As a business owner, this show of high ethics is why we have been with Collins since then through thick and thin.

They have handled every aspect of legal work for our business (employment law, contract, real estate, product liability, etc).

5

Excellent business to partner with. Rob Dawidiuk has helped our business with all general counsel needs throughout the United States. Not only are they outstanding legal counsel, but also great people. I strongly recommend to anyone.

5

As in-house counsel for a nonprofit corporation, I worked with Rob Dawidiuk as our trial attorney on a complex case. After years of motions, discovery, and partial summary judgments, Rob defended us in a four-day trial and Rob was successful in winning on all issues in the case. It is a pleasure to work with Rob who is a very competent and skilled attorney.

5

Working with Ed Manzke and Amber was an absolute blessing. From the moment I reached out, they treated me with kindness, understanding, and a level of professionalism that immediately put me at ease. They didn’t just handle my case—they truly cared about my well-being and fought hard to get the best possible outcome. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every step, and never made me feel like just another client. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. If you need lawyers who are not only skilled but also genuinely care, Ed and Amber are the ones to call.

5

Chris did a great job! I highly recommend him for any case.

5

Really good people John is very patient and responsive with handling you personal request

5

John Risvold exceeded our expectations! I was involved in a car crash which resulted in needing several neck and back surgeries, as well as numerous other medical procedures. When the medical bills started piling up and I wasn't feeling better, I sought legal help. My husband and I met with John Risvold, who explained the legal process and stood by us every step of the way, exhibiting patience and professionalism. It was a great relief to offload our anxiety and legal work to him and we always felt that John had our back. The case went to trial and John (and Chris Gauthier) gave a master class on how to litigate a civil claim. We won the case and are extremely happy with how we were treated. We strongly recommend John Risvold and The Collins Law Firm!

5

John at Collins Law has been wonderful help. I'm forever grateful he tackled this case, handled it with care, was efficient, and compassionate. He responded to any questions I had at incredible speed & in great detail. He cares for his clients, and has been wonderful during this trying time. You cannot ask for a better experience, highest respects for John. Highly reccomend.

5

I cannot say enough great things about Chris Gauthier!. He has demonstrated outstanding negotiation skills, resolving my case efficiently and effectively. Chris ability to analyze the situation, provide sound advice, and keep me informed at every step was both reassuring and impressive. What stood out the most was his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome from me. Chris treated my case with care, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process.

If you're looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, communicative, and truly cares about your best interests, I highly recommend Christopher Gauthier!

5

Working with Ed J. Manzke and THE COLLINS LAW FIRM has been great. Communication, follow-up, advice, and experience were all excellent. Before I met Ed, I was at a low point, as a drunk driver had dramatically changed my life. I was seriously wondering what I could do, and he provided us with a light at the end of the long tunnel. Thank you to everyone at the firm for all their help; we are lucky to have had your support.

5

Ed and his team worked tirelessly to help me with a personal injury situation. They are friendly and kind and want to help you achieve the highest level of settlement resolution. Definitely recommend them as a legal team!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Ed from the Collins Law Firm as my injury lawyer. I was involved in a car accident and was connected with Ed from this firm. Ed was incredibly empathetic, always taking the time to listen and prioritize my needs throughout the entire process. His communicative and transparent approach ensured that I was informed and comfortable with every decision made. Ed’s dedication and support were instrumental in navigating my case, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective injury lawyer.

5

I received the best over the phone consultation, he was very helpful and informative, thank you so much

5

John has helped me out on a couple of times. He really cares about people and helping them . That is a rare thing with most people and very refreshing to see!!

5

I called Collins law firm when I was hit by an SUV. Edward Manzke was my attorney. I couldn't be more then happy with him. He didn't treat me as a client, he treated me as a human being, that was important to me. Thank you . Ed.

5

I had a very positive experience with the Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke was easy to communicate with and very informative. I appreciate all the time they put into my case and making sure I knew what was going on every step of the way.

5

Shawn & his team are not only very professional, they are so caring & patient! The Collins Law firm will be the first I’ll call with any future questions or concerns.

5

I would highly recommend the Collins Law Firm. I deeply appreciate their professionalism, their expertise in environmental law, their attention to detail, and their consistent communication. Shawn was meticulous in his explanations of the process and our choices, and was always available to answer follow up questions with patience and care (including a phone meeting with me the weekend of his daughter's wedding). I am grateful for the representation provided by the whole team at Collins--thank you!

5

Outstanding
The Collins Law team is outstanding. You will find that each lawyer is passionate and focused to achieve the best outcome for their clients. In a recent case in which I was involved in, was related to the emission of toxic fumes. Although legal team members specialized in environmental law, Shawn brought in scientists as well as physicians as resources. to support my case. Communication between the team and I was excellent. They explained the case and proceedings and updated me throughout with personal phone calls and meetings. At any time when I had questions related to my case, immediate answers were provided .
Throughout complex litigation they made me feel involved and explained and they also made me feel that my case and my input was valued.

5

My experience with the Collins Law Firm was top notch! In a world where concern for others seems to be lacking, Shawn Collins and his team were professional, compassionate, and always clear when explaining tedious information.
I thank everyone for your hard work and diligence to win my case…it is sincerely appreciated!

5

The Collins Law Firm team helped me with cases for my parents and I am very satisfied with the settlement. The team did great job with communication throughout the process. They were very good at explaining details of what needed to be done. All of them really care about my family and worked really hard to get justice for them. I am very happy I choose the Collins Law Firm over any other to handle our cases. Thank you Collins team!

5

I hired Shawn Collins from the Collins Law Firm in Naperville. He represented me and others who contracted cancer because of a corporation that was responsible for releasing toxins into the environment. Shawn and his team of attorneys and scientists worked with diligence to prove their case. Shawn is an excellent communicator and is empathetic to his client's frustration and pain. He and his team can be trusted to fight for you as if you were part of their own family. Thank-you Shawn and team from Collins Law Firm.

5

I had a fantastic experience with The Collins Law firm. Their team of attorneys are truly exceptional. They are accommodating, kind, responsive and provide expert legal guidance and support to achieve the best possible outcome. I always feel they have my best interest at heart and are always willing to spend extra time if you have questions. I highly recommend the Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance! Thank you Shawn Collins for outstanding service, I appreciate you and everyone on your staff.

5

“The Collins Law Firm is excellent!! This was my first experience with a law firm, and I have nothing but high praise for Shawn Collins, and his entire law office. Every time there was a need for getting me information, a meeting was held that was detailed, concise, and complete. Their communication was excellent, and kept me informed of every step of my lawsuit. If I ever had a question, it was quickly and completely answered. Every staff member at Collins Law Firm was the utmost professional, yet very kind and caring. I felt they really were concerned about me and what was best for me. I am so happy I was represented by Collins Law Firm. Shawn Collins is the best! I wholeheartedly recommend the firm to anyone looking for superb, knowledgeable representation! Thank you so much Collins Law Firm for what you did for me!"

5

Shawn Collins and his AMAZ8NG team achieved what I had no idea was possible. My goal.was to get a company that had been illegally releasing cancerous gas into the air by my home and school for almost 40 years SHUT DOWN to protect the residents and their children. Not only is that company shut down in our area but the other locations are being stopped as we speak. The Collins Law Firm has saved thousands of lives by fighting for me and others affected by cancer. It is heartbreaking to know that many have lost their lives and are still suffering because of this company. No amount of money from a settlement will ever give us our health back again but at least the future residents will be safe and this will force other similar companies to THINK about the safety of the people that live near their locations and follow the guidelines THOUGHTFULLY put in place by the EPA.
Thank you Shawn Collins and the Collins Law Firm

5

We hired Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm about 5 years ago to handle a very complicated personal injury case involving our daughter with special needs. He took the time to meet with us on multiple occasions to get to know our family, especially our daughter. Due to the complexities of our case and various other factors, our case took many years to finally get resolved. Although the case took a while, Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm always kept us updated and informed. They were always very accommodating and made sure to answer any questions we had along the way. The Collins Law Firm was always responsive and informative, and provided thorough and detailed information when necessary. Additionally, Shawn Collins is not your stereotypical attorney. He had and continues to have a genuine and caring interest in our family, and in the best interest of our daughter. We have been more than pleased with the services we received, and we highly recommend Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm. Our family is truly and eternally grateful!

Ivan and Judy H

Your Car Accident Lawyers

Being injured in an automobile accident is a terrible experience. Most people who have been in a traumatic situation like this wish they could go back to a time before their car accident. Unfortunately, life doesn't work like that. At The Collins Law Firm, we realize that we cannot give you back your life exactly as it was before your car crash, but we can give you something else. Our Naperville car accident lawyers will work to get you all the compensation available for what you lost--your health, a job, money, time, maybe even a loved one. We will stand up to the insurance company and get you justice. At The Collins Law Firm, our car injury attorneys believe you deserve that, and we will fight to get it for you.

Did you know that people who hire a qualified auto accident attorney after a car crash recover three times as much in compensation as people who try to negotiate for themselves? Moreover, our Naperville car accident lawyers charge you nothing unless we recover money for you. So, you have nothing to lose by giving us a call.

For your FREE CONSULTATION, call 630-527-1595 or fill out our contact form. Our experienced car accident attorneys will discuss your case with you and make sure that you are fully informed about all your legal options and the best way to recover everything you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Should You Hire an Auto Accident Attorney?

What Can Our Car Accident Lawyers Do for You?

Do You Have a Car Accident Lawsuit?

What Types of Damages Can You Claim?

What Kind of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Do We Handle?

What Types of Injured Car Accidents Victims Do We Represent?

How Should You Deal with the Insurance Company?

Can You Access Insurance in Addition to the At-fault Driver's Policy?

How do You Determine Who is at Fault?

How Dangerous is Driving in Illinois?

Why Should You Hire an Auto Accident Attorney?

  1. Studies have shown that when an accident victim retains a competent personal injury attorney, he or she receives a settlement that is on average 3 ½ times the amount a victim receives without legal representation.
  2. The initial consultation is free and the lawyer receives no money unless you do.
  3. You get peace of mind. Your car accident lawyer will talk to and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company-- so you don't have to.
  4. Your lawyer can prove who was at fault. If there is going to be a fight over fault, especially if that fight will occur in a court, you will need a car accident lawyer's help.
  5. The more serious your injury, the more the insurance company may resist your claim. You will need a tough lawyer to fight for you and level the playing field.
  6. The insurance company has a lawyer. You should, too.

What Can Our Illinois Car Accident Lawyers Do for You?

  1. Thoroughly investigate your accident and consult with experts, if necessary, to determine how the accident happened, who is at fault and how to get you the maximum available compensation.
  2. Determine how much your car accident claim is worth.
  3. Attend traffic court on your behalf.
  4. Fight to get you the best possible result.
  5. Collect critical documents such as:
    1. Police report
    2. Medical bills and records
    3. Reports from treating physicians
    4. Photos/videos of accident scene, or search for video surveillance from the scene from a local business i.e. a gas station or ATM
    5. Photos of vehicles and injuries
    6. Repair estimates for your car
    7. Eyewitness statements
    8. Cell phone records and other electronic evidence
    9. Auto maker recalls
    10. Lost wage forms from employer
    11. Information from the Black Box
  6. Make sure your documentation is filed on time and in the proper place.
  7. Negotiate with the insurance company, when appropriate, so you don't have to go to trial.
  8. Represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to settle.

The mission of our law firm is to help people who have been injured in car accidents. Moreover, our Illinois personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling car accident cases just like yours. We are tough, aggressive trial lawyers who know how to fight for accident victims and their families. While we might not be able to give you your life back exactly the way it was before the accident, we can give you a full measure of justice.

A Few of our Car Accident Settlements:

$8.5 Million - Motor Vehicle Wrongful Death Settlement
Plaintiff's decedent was killed when a bus driver negligently ran a red light at a Chicago intersection colliding with the decedent's vehicle. The decedent was survived by a spouse and three minor children.

$1.35 Million - Motor Vehicle Crash Settlement
Plaintiff suffered multiple fractures when the car she was driving was hit from behind at a high rate of speed.

$1 Million - Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement

Our client suffered serious leg injuries as a result of a DUI rollover crash.

$500,000 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement

Our client sustained significant orthopedic injuries in a three car collision on the Stevenson Expressway.

Do You Have a Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a motor vehicle accident because of another driver's carelessness, after dealing with the injury or grief, you will want to know if you can get justice. In the United States, like it or not, justice in a case like this often comes from the victim filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit is a way to determine who is at fault in a car accident, and how much compensation the victim is due. So how do you know if you should file a car accident lawsuit? There are three requirements for an auto accident claim that can be filed in court:

  1. Negligence: Was the other driver careless? Did he or she ignore a traffic light, or was he texting, speeding or under the influence? Details like these are important.
  2. Personal Injury: Did you get injured because of the accident? If you sustained a broken neck or arm because of the car crash, the other driver's negligence would be considered the cause.
  3. Compensatory Damages: Did the personal injury result in harm to you that can be expressed in dollars and cents terms? Examples of such harm would include: medical bills, disfigurement, disability, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, lost wages, i.e. things for which you can be compensated.

Our experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you determine whether you have a valid car accident claim. Contact us for a free evaluation.

What Types of Damages Can You Claim?

Often, when people think of damages caused by an auto accident, they think of property damage to their car. However, there are many more types of damages for which the innocent party is entitled to compensation, especially in a serious car crash. The amount that can be recovered depends on the unique facts of the accident, including who is at fault, and the extent of injuries and insurance coverage. Our Naperville car accident lawyers can thoroughly review your case to determine if you have any of the following damages:

  • Medical Bills: You are entitled to compensation for all past and future medical expenses relating to the injuries caused by the accident, including surgery, medical devices, medication, emergency room visit and hospitalizations.
  • Lost Income: If you are missing days of work because of your accident, you can be reimbursed for all past and future wages lost as a result of your injuries. You have a right to earn a living, and if your injury prevents this, you can be compensated for your lost salary, bonuses, commissions and any other fringe benefits.
  • Disability: if you are unable to pursue activities which you used to enjoy in your everyday life as a result of the accident, you are entitled to compensation for that.
  • Disfigurement: You can be compensated for any scarring or permanent disfiguring injuries to your body that were the result of the accident, such as surgical scars, burns and amputations.
  • Pain and Suffering: As an injured driver, you can be compensated for all physical and mental suffering that you experienced due to your car accident.
  • Emotional Distress: People sometimes overlook the mental distress that can be caused by a serious accident. You can recover for anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, depression and other mental issues that have definitely been caused by the crash.
  • Property Damage to your Car: You can be reimbursed for all vehicle repairs and even the fair market value to replace your car if is "totaled".
  • Punitive Damages: These damages are sometimes awarded if the other driver engaged in intentional misconduct or extremely reckless behavior such as drunk driving. They are intended to punish the person and deter him or her from engaging in similar behavior in the future.

What Kind of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Do We Handle?

We represent victims in all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:

  • Distracted Drivers: In this cell phone age, even adults are often guilty of distracted driving. Texting or talking on a cell phone, eating or even looking down for only a few seconds can cause a serious accident.
  • Speeding Drivers: Driving with someone who has a "lead foot" can be terrifying. Some people habitually speed, other times people are in a hurry to get to an appointment or are even joy riding. All of these activities increase the likelihood of an accident and cause roughly one-third of car crashes in Illinois.
  • DUI Accidents: Accidents which involve someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs are unfortunately common and can be very serious. Approximately one-third of all fatal accidents in Illinois involve an alcohol impaired driver. Many times these drivers are unlicensed. Unlicensed drivers were responsible for about one-sixth of fatal accidents. In addition, drivers using illegal and prescription drugs are on the rise.
  • Truck Accidents: Commercial truck accidents are often the most serious because of the weight difference between the truck and the other vehicle involved. In addition, truck drivers are often fatigued, speeding or distracted. All of these conditions can cause accidents.
  • Bus Accidents: Thousands of people in Illinois rely on buses to get them to and from school and work. A negligent bus driver can put dozens of people at risk of serious injury or death.
  • Train Accidents: The operators of train lines owe their passengers the highest degree of care. Faulty tracks, equipment failures and conductor errors can lead to tragic accidents.
  • Fatigued Drivers: People who drive long distances are most likely to be driving when fatigued. Getting to that vacation spot early is not as important as staying safe. Fatigue can be just as big an impairment as alcohol.
  • Teen Driving Accidents: Because they have so little experience behind a wheel, teens are more likely to cause an accident. In addition, they are often distracted by texting or talking. In fact distraction is a factor in 58% of teen accidents.
  • Reckless Drivers: Aggressive drivers are a problem in Illinois. Speeding, running a red light and failing to yield the right of way are examples of reckless behaviors that can cause car accidents.
  • Head-On Collisions: These can be the most serious types of accidents and often result in long-term, or even fatal, injuries.
  • Side-Impact Collisions: Usually occurring at intersections, these accidents can cause injury especially if a car does not have side airbags.
  • Rear-End Accidents: These are the most common accidents and can be caused by distracted driving or a driver who is "tailgating" the vehicle in front of him.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries because the rider is not as protected as a driver in a car. A careless mistake by a driver of a car can send a motorcyclist flying. However, motorcyclists themselves can also cause dangerous situations by speeding, driving between the lanes or not wearing a helmet.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians in intersections can be struck by drivers failing to keep a proper lookout, turning improperly or speeding to beat a red light.
  • Bicycle Accidents: Riding a bicycle on a busy street can be a dangerous activity. Very often cars do not pay enough attention to cyclists which can cause an accident.
  • Vehicle Defects: Auto manufacturers can be responsible for auto defects like faulty brakes that cause a driver to injure another person or that injure the driver himself. Sometimes defects in safety equipment like airbags can make injuries in a crash worse.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may be able to get compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy, if you have them.
  • Rideshare Accidents: With the explosion of Uber and Lyft as an alternative to driving, rideshare accidents caused by untrained and unsupervised drivers are on the rise.
  • Bad Weather Accidents: Even when bad weather is a factor in an accident, the driver whose car hits another vehicle will usually be found liable.
  • Yellow Light Accidents: Yellow lights pose a unique risk of accidents because many drivers are unsure of what to do when the light turns yellow, and others interpret a yellow light as an inducement to speed through the intersection.
  • Multi-Car Accidents: In car accidents involving more than two vehicles, there can be more than one driver who is liable for damages. These accidents can be complicated, with conflicting narratives of what happened. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side will help you determine who is at fault in these complex and often confusing cases.

What Types of Injured Car Accidents Victims Do We Represent?

Many injuries caused by a car accident are very serious and can result in hospitalization, surgery and/or months of medical treatment or rehabilitation. Some even cause permanent damage. People with injuries like these have an auto accident claim and should have legal representation. The types of injuries that our Naperville car crash attorneys see include:

  • Brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spine injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Burn Injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Fatalities

It is critical that your traffic accident lawyer knows every injury that you sustained in order to represent you properly and get you a fair recovery.

How Should You Deal with the Insurance Company?

Do not talk to the insurance company after an accident. The insurance company is motivated to settle your claim as quickly as possible for as little money as possible. It is the job of the insurance company representatives to do this and they are well trained. They may try to get a recorded statement from you that will help their case, not yours. They are experts at getting you to say something that can be interpreted as an admission that you are partly at fault or that you are not entirely sure what happened. They are not trying to help you or "do the right thing"; it is not in their best interests to do so. They may also tell you that you do not need a lawyer. This is simply untrue. In fact studies show that people injured in car accidents who retained an attorney received over 350% more money in compensation than those who did not.

So, the way to "deal with" the insurance company is to let your lawyer do that for you. Your lawyer is experienced in dealing with the insurance companies, and can protect you against any tricks or strategies they might use to try to take unfair advantage of you.

At The Collins Law Firm, our car accident lawyers negotiate directly with the insurance company, after a thorough review of your case, to determine the full extent of your losses, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Once we are sure of the true value of your motor vehicle accident claim, we will fight to get you the best recovery either through negotiation or in court.

Can You Access Insurance in Addition to the At-fault Driver's Policy?

Sometimes the at-fault driver has very little insurance coverage or no insurance at all. What then? You need to consult a traffic accident lawyer about this issue. Sometimes you can get compensation through an alternative insurance policy. The car accident lawyers at The Collins Law Firm can search through all possible options to get you the compensation you deserve, including:

  • The at-fault driver's coverage
    Illinois law requires drivers to have insurance policies that pay for property damage and bodily injury caused to other drivers. Hopefully, the at-fault driver will have enough insurance coverage to compensate you fairly.
  • Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM)
    If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation if you purchased a UIM insurance policy. This coverage can pay for your damages above and beyond the at-fault driver's coverage limit--up to the limit of your UIM policy.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage (UM)
    If the driver of the other car does not have insurance for some reason, you can make a claim under your own uninsured motorist policy, if you have one. Illinois law requires you to have this policy and it covers bodily damage to you, your passengers, members of your household and others authorized to drive your car in the event you are hit by an uninsured motorist.
  • Other insurance coverage
    Our attorneys can review all your insurance policies to see if you have any other type of insurance that might be available, such as insurance for medical payments, collision and comprehensive coverage.

How do You Determine Who is at Fault?

Fault is determined by who was negligent and caused the accident. In order to claim that the other driver was negligent, you must show that the he or she violated a "duty", like failing to follow a traffic law, and that this violation caused the accident and your injuries. The law recognizes four basic levels of fault: negligence, recklessness, intentional misconduct and strict liability. Negligence means careless or inadvertent behavior that resulted in an accident, like not seeing a stop sign and failing to stop. Recklessness refers to willful disregard for the safety of others. An example of this would be drunk driving. Intentional misconduct obviously means that someone tried to injure you on purpose. Strict liability would refer to defective car parts or extra hazardous activities such as driving a truck that is loaded far beyond its legal weight capacity.

If the other driver was engaging in any of these activities, he could be responsible for your damages:

  • Not following traffic signs or signals (Ex. failing to stop at a red light)
  • Not signaling while turning
  • Ignoring traffic or weather conditions
  • Improper passing
  • Going under or over posted speed limits
  • Improper or excessive lane changes
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving while distracted (texting or cell phone use)

Situations where the driver and/or a bar or restaurant might be responsible for your damages:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (especially if the bar or restaurant continued to serve an inebriated customer.)

Situations where the automobile manufacturer may be responsible for your damages:

  • Faulty brakes
  • Automobile defects

Situations where government may be responsible for your damages:

  • Driver is in a government vehicle and is being negligent.
  • Malfunctioning traffic control signals or improper traffic signs
  • Roadside hazards, line-of-sight obstructions, poor lighting, highway defects
  • Construction zones that aren't properly marked

Situations where a company may be responsible for damages:

  • Driver is in a company vehicle and is being negligent while "on the job" for the company.

What happens when you are partially responsible for your auto accident? You may still be able to recover damages if you were less than 50% negligent. However, the amount you could recover would be reduced to correspond with the percentage that you were at fault.

How Dangerous is Driving in Illinois?

Driving in Illinois can be dangerous business. Every day people are injured in car crashes in Chicago, the suburbs and downstate, even if they are safe drivers. You cannot control the actions of every other driver. But just how dangerous is it? Here are some car crash statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation from 2014, the latest year for which complete information is available.

2014 Illinois Car Crash Statistics:

  • 296,049 motor vehicle crashes in the state
  • 61,084 crashes resulting in injuries
  • 84,652 injuries total
  • 11,755 incapacitating injuries that prevented the person from walking, driving or engaging in their normal activities
  • 845 fatal crashes

When are You Most Likely to Get in a Car Accident?

  1. Time of day:
    • For all types of crashes: noon - 8 pm is the most dangerous time, likely because this is when the most drivers are on the road.
    • Fatal crashes are also high between 8 pm and 4 am, when fatigue and impaired driving occur.
  2. Day of the week:
    • For most crashes Friday and Saturday are the most dangerous days.
    • Fatal crashes peak on Sundays in the early a.m.

Do Not Wait: Call The Collins Law Firm For Aggressive Legal Representation Now

If you are in an accident, it is important to obtain legal representation quickly so your attorney can gather crucial evidence. Contact The Collins Law Firm today at (630) 527-1595 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced member of our auto accident legal team. We fight to get the best results for all of our clients who have been injured in auto accidents, as well as many other types of personal injuries. Call us and let our top-rated, Naperville car accident lawyers get to work for you. For More Information

Read our blog:

Auto Accident Blog

"*" indicates required fields

Name
Required Fields *
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Best Car Accident Lawyer Naperville, Illinois / Multi-Car Accidents: Who is at Fault?, The Collins Law Firm
After a Car Accident /The Collins Law Firm/ Car Accident Attorneys in Illinois
Naperville Personal Injury Attorney/ 6 Insurance Company Secrets/ The Collins Law Firm
Naperville Car Accident Lawyer/Injured in Car Crash? Do NOT do this! The Collins Law Firm
Injured In a Car Accident? Illinois/Naperville Auto Accident Lawyer, The Collins Law Firm
nbc logocbs news logoabc logofox news channel logomsnbc logocnn logostarTribune logochicago daily law bulletin logodaily herald logostate journal logo
Why Choose Collins Law
Environmental & Personal 
Injury Lawyers
the legal team at collins law firm

No Fee Unless We Win

Collins Law operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and environmental cases, meaning clients only pay legal fees if we win your case.

175+ Years of Combined Experience

Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients with personal injury, environmental contamination, and business claims. Understanding the intricacies of these cases allows us to achieve better outcomes.

Proven Track Record

With a history of successful cases, Collins Law proves their ability to get results for their clients.

Flexible Consultations

Understanding the challenges clients may face following an injury, Collins Law offers flexible consultation options, including home and hospital visits. We will come to you.

Client-Centered Approach

At Collins Law, clients always come first. We prioritize individual needs and concerns, recognizing that each case is unique and deserves personalized attention.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

Collins Law offers free consultations anytime, making legal advice accessible when it's needed.
chevron-downarrow-left-circlearrow-right-circle