Ed and Maggie have both been a pleasure to work with! They keep you up to date on your case, clearly explain the process and next steps along the way, respond quickly to any questions and always offer different options to discuss details (email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.).
What I appreciate more than anything, is their genuine compassion and concern for you as a person. They both demonstrate true empathy for what is most likely one of the most unexpected and traumatic events in a person’s life and do everything they can to ensure justice is served.
I highly recommend Collins Law!
Jeff Matticks
2 months ago
I became aware of Collins Law Group after I was involved in a motorcycle, several years ago. Since that time I have reached out to Ed Manzke, at Collins Law Group, for assistance in a couple of other areas. In each instance, I have found Ed and his team to be very helpful with great communication, keeping me informed every step along the way.
Everyone who I have interacted with, at Collins Law Group, demonstrated that they are interested in building relationships so that you know who you can turn to for any of your legal needs.
Ella Folson
3 months ago
Chris and John were attentive and thorough to my needs throughout my entire case. I appreciate the all the time and effort they took. I will be recommending their services going forward to family and friends! Thank you so much for all your help!
J. Savv
3 months ago
Ed Manzke was very patient and kind with helping me and my sister with our mom’s case. He often took the time out his day to explain everything to ensure we understood what was going on. The law firm itself is organized making our whole process run smoothly. I appreciate Ed and his team.
Unique Morris
3 months ago
Ed Manzke was very informative, clear and honest when it came to my mother and father’s case. He took his time with all of my questions and concerns, making sure that no questions went unanswered and that there was no room for confusion with our case. I’m forever grateful for Ed and everyone at the law firm.
Nick Erlenbaugh
3 months ago
Collins Law was recommended to me after I was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Amber Blevins was exceptional to work with. She is a total pro at what she does and made the process as easy as she could for me. Ed ensured I received the best outcome possible and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who might be shopping around for an attorney!
Dwayne Kurfirst
3 months ago
I want to take a moment to recognize John at Collins Law for the incredible work he did in helping my mom secure her settlement. It wasn’t a quick or easy process—it took time, patience, and persistence—but John stayed committed every step of the way.
What stood out most was his professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for getting the best possible outcome. He kept us informed, navigated the complexities with confidence, and ultimately delivered results that truly made a difference for our family.
If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work, stand by you through a long process, and follow through, I highly recommend John and the team at Collins Law.
Helen Montague
5 months ago
We are fortunate to have had the chance to work with John Risvold as he represented my brother in his case. Professional, personable and authentic in his manner, John kept us informed throughout the long process, and was always available to respond to my many questions. Having never been involved with a law suit, I really appreciated John's patience (especially since I am 1,000 miles away) and his genuine care for my brother's well being. We are forever grateful, John. Thank you.
Matthew Malone
6 months ago
I had an excellent experience being represented by Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins were amazing to work with and truly helped me in my time of need. Both were extremely personable and knowledgeable throughout every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone’s legal needs.
Ronnie Sanchez
6 months ago
I had an excellent experience with The Collins Law firm. Amber was extremely helpful, kind, and friendly throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything clearly whenever I didn’t understand something, which meant a lot to me. I truly felt supported and informed. I will absolutely seek Collin’s help again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Thank you again :)
Maddie Scheele
6 months ago
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins. They are truly the best of the best. The efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process of my case has been unmatched. What I really want to point out, though, is the empathy and compassion both Amber and Ed hold. That was the true difference maker. I knew they both prioritized my well-being and made that their number one priority. They represented me to their highest capabilities through every step of my case, and I cannot thank them and Collins Law Firm enough.
Leticia Pink
7 months ago
Ms. Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental (radon) attorney who prioritizes her clients' health and safety in her legal practice. She maintains thorough records and offers strategic advice while working with government agencies.
Ms. Galka demonstrates key values such as integrity, expertise, respect, empathy, and compassion essential for positive outcomes. Her professionalism, follow-up and communication skills are excellent. Ms. Galka's guidance extends beyond legal issues, and the Collins Law Firm advocates strongly and effectively for clients.
We sincerely thank Collins Law Firm, and in particular Ms. Galka, for helping our family reach a successful outcome and for their meaningful impact on our community. I strongly recommend Ms. Galka and Collins Law Firm as an outstanding legal firm.
Megan
7 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about John Risvold at The Collins Law Firm. From start to finish, John was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case truly mattered.
His dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier to handle. John’s expertise and clear communication built a lot of trust, and I’m very grateful for his hard work. I would highly recommend John Risvold to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.
David Bretti
7 months ago
(Translated by Google) They are very responsible in what they do, they were able to resolve my case quickly and efficiently, I especially recommend Mr. Chris for always being in contact and being honest throughout the process 👏🏻
(Original)
Son muy responsables en lo que hacen, pudieron resolver mi caso de forma rápida y eficaz, recomendando, especialmente el Se Chris por siempre estar en contacto y ser sincero en todo el proceso 👏🏻
Jas R.
7 months ago
Amber was very thorough, informative, and made this process very easy for me, which I greatly appreciated considering all the events that led up to this point. Justice isn’t always served, but working with Collin’s Law Firm really me feel that my injuries were tangibly worth something, and that to some degree, justice was served. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone seeking out a personal injury firm/attorney.
Amy Ressen
8 months ago
I wana say a huge thank you to the Collin’s Law firm and Chris Gauthier for helping me with my
Complicated case. They helped me put my life back together after a horrible incident that I didn’t think I could over come. Chris was always good about communicating and he made sure I got what I deserved! I highly recommend this law firm they were so kind and reassuring that things would work out. Thank you again for all the hard work and being there to help me through the process when I didn’t know where to turn to for help! Thanks again Chris and The Collin’s Law firm!
Lauren Dryanski
9 months ago
I had an exceptional experience with Collins Law Firm .
A special thank you to Chris, my lawyer, and Patti, the legal assistant. They helped me navigate my car accident proceedings from start to finish, and I always felt like I was in great hands.
Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and explained everything in a way I could understand. He always made sure I felt informed and supported, especially when it came to legal details I wouldn’t normally know.
Patti was also wonderful—very helpful, communicative, and always made sure I had everything I needed throughout the process. I never once doubted this team. They made everything easy and stress-free.
I would absolutely recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal support!
Will Brooks
10 months ago
John brings impressive expertise and heartfelt dedication to every matter he handles. His thoughtful approach and clear communication make it easy to trust his advice, and it’s evident he is committed to fighting for what’s right with both professionalism and empathy. John’s balance of insightful expertise and warm, personal attention truly sets him apart.
Icela Hernandez
11 months ago
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 .
Sharif Maadi
1 year ago
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
Teen Driving Accidents
Accidents Involving Teens Parental Liability and the Parental Responsibility Law in Illinois
Collins Law Group is a highly-rated personal injury firm representing people who have been injured in car accidents in Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Chicago, and the suburbs.
According to the IIHS, the fatal crash rate in the U.S. is 3 times higher for drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 than for drivers 20 and older. In 2019 alone, 2,375 drivers between the ages of 13 and 19 died in vehicle crashes. That is a tragedy. Before your teenager starts driving you must set up rules for them—no drinking and driving, no texting, etc.—and remind them of these rules before allowing them to use the car. Your actions may save their life.
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a teenager, you may assume they are the only ones liable, but this may not be the case. Victims who get hurt in an auto accident caused by a teenaged driver may try to hold the parents responsible for damages, and, depending on the situation, the law may back them up. Determining if a parent is liable in a teen car accident can be complex, however, so it is critical that you call one of our experienced car crash attorneys at Collins Law Group for help.
How Teens Get Their License in Illinois
Illinois has a Graduated Driver Licensing System. This system requires teen drivers to pass through phases before obtaining a full, unrestricted driver’s license.
Permit Phase: Getting a permit is the first step. Once a teenager is at least 15 years old, they can obtain a permit with consent from a parent or legal guardian. This phase of licensure has many requirements, some of them are that the driver has to be enrolled in a driver’s education course, drive a certain amount of hours, and hold the permit for at least nine months.
Initial Licensing Phase: After all of the permit requirements have been met, teen drivers aged 16 or 17 may get a restricted license. Restrictions for this type of license include nighttime curfews, a limit on the number of passengers under 20 years old, and no cell phone use while driving, even if the device is hands-free.
Full Licensing Phase: After both of the previous steps have been completed, a driver may obtain a full license if they are between 18-20 years old.
Insurance Requirements in Illinois
Teenagers are required by Illinois law to have a minimum of $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, per accident, with a total of $40,000. Parents with teen drivers, however, may want to consider getting more coverage because of the high rate of accidents among new drivers.
When are Parents Liable for Their Teen Driver?
Liability under the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law The Illinois Parental Responsibility Law (740 ILCS 115) holds the parents or legal guardian of a “minor” child liable for the injures caused by the actions of that child under certain situations. In these cases, specific conditions must be met: the minor” child must be between 11 and 19 years old, live with the parent(s) or guardian, and cannot be emancipated from his or her family. The law does not hold parents responsible in “true accidents” where a teenager was simply acting negligently or carelessly. Under the law, a parent is only responsible if the child was acting willfully or maliciously and that behavior resulted in injury to another person. A teenager driving under the influence could qualify because he or she intentionally drove drunk knowing that it was against the law and could cause an accident. An experienced car accident attorney will assess the minor’s conduct and determine if their behavior constituted a negligent act done intentionally. If a parent is found liable under the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law, they can be responsible for economic damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. A judge may also award attorney’s fees to the plaintiff. However, parents are not on the hook for punitive damages like pain and suffering.
Other Parental Liability
It is important to know that the Illinois Parental Responsibility Law is not intended to limit parental liability in situations where traditional civil fault principles could apply. These principles include:
Agency Theory: Under the agency theory, the parents of a child who was driving negligently may be held liable if that child was doing the parents’ business, such as running an errand for the family, at the time when the accident occurred. For example, the court has accepted that going to the store for groceries is family business and so this principle applies. If, on the other hand, the child was using one of the parent’s cars for their own purposes, the parents will not be held liable. In order to file a claim against the parents, a car accident lawyer would have to show that the driver was acting as an “agent’ for the family.
Theory of Negligent Entrustment: Under this theory, a parent may be liable for a child’s accident if he or she allows their teenager to drive despite knowing the teen has a history of accidents. An example of this would be a situation where a parent knew their child had a habit of texting and driving which had resulted in several accidents, yet still allowed their teen to drive the car. If the teen injured a person in a texting and driving accident, the parents could be held liable.This theory could also allow a car accident attorney to seek damages for his client--injured in a car crash caused by a drunk teen--from a parent who knowingly gave the teen alcohol and allowed him or her to drive. This could be critical if the parents’ insurance policy has an exclusion for illegal behavior and refuses to provide coverage for an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Driving Accidents
Can parents be held liable when a teen driver causes a crash?
In Illinois, an adult who signs a minor's driver's license application can be held responsible for the minor's negligent driving, and parents may also be liable under a negligent entrustment theory if they allowed an unfit driver to use a vehicle. The specific facts determine whether and how parental liability applies.
Why are teen drivers at higher risk of accidents?
Teen drivers have less experience recognizing and responding to hazards and are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as distracted driving and speeding. Illinois addresses this through its Graduated Licensing Program (625 ILCS 5/6-107), which places restrictions on young drivers.
What should I do if a teen driver hit me?
Follow the same steps as any crash: call the police, document the scene, seek medical care, and exchange information. Because a minor may have limited assets, it is important to identify all responsible parties, including parents and applicable insurance coverage.
Can I recover if my teen was injured as a passenger?
Yes. If your teen was injured as a passenger due to another person's negligence, they may have a claim against the at-fault driver. Illinois graduated licensing rules also limit the number and age of passengers a young driver may carry, which can be relevant to fault.
How does insurance work in teen-driver accidents?
Teen drivers are typically covered under a parent's auto policy. After a crash, the applicable policy and the at-fault parties determine the available coverage. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation, including uninsured motorist coverage if needed.
Contact Us for Outstanding Representation From Seasoned Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash involving a teenaged driver, you need to call the experienced car accident attorneys at Collins Law Group as soon as possible. Our lawyers are familiar with Illinois’ Parental Responsibility Law and know how to navigate the complexities of this kind of case to get you the maximum compensation available. Let us help you. Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our contact form for a free evaluation of your auto accident case.
Why Choose Collins Law Environmental & Personal Injury Lawyers
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.