Chicago Car Accident Law Firm & Car Injury Lawyers
Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Trial Lawyers is a dedicated car accident law firm in Chicago, IL, with record-breaking verdicts and over four decades of trial experience. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash anywhere in the Chicago area, including the Loop, Wicker Park, Logan Square, or along high-traffic corridors like the Kennedy or Dan Ryan expressways, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Call us today at (312) 263-3443 for a free consultation.
Why Chicago Crash Victims Trust Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger
Choosing the right car accident law firm can determine how much compensation you recover. Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger has represented seriously injured victims in Chicago, IL, since 1978, fighting against negligent drivers and their insurers in Cook County courts and beyond. The firm is selective about the cases it accepts, allowing attorneys to stay personally involved from the first call through resolution.
Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Trial Lawyers has earned recognition as one of the Ten Best Law Firms in Illinois from the American Institute for Personal Injury Attorneys, an Avvo rating of 10 for client satisfaction, and repeated selection of Don Shapiro as an Illinois Super Lawyer. The firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial, which consistently produces better outcomes at the negotiating table.
What Our Clients Can Expect
- Personalized attention from attorneys, not paralegals or case managers.
- Thorough investigation using police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers who routinely undervalue claims.
- Full trial readiness if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Illinois Modified Comparative Fault: What It Means for Your Claim
Under Illinois's modified comparative negligence system (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you may recover damages as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. If you are found 20 percent at fault, your recovery is reduced by that same percentage. Insurers know this rule well and will try to inflate your share of blame. An experienced car accident law firm can challenge an unfair fault assessment and protect the full value of your claim.
Common Injuries in Chicago Car Accidents
Chicago's dense traffic and urban intersections create conditions where serious crashes happen regularly. Injuries our team handles include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and herniated discs, broken bones requiring surgery, whiplash, internal bleeding, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Injuries often take weeks or months to fully manifest. Settling too early can mean accepting far less than your long-term care will cost. Our attorneys evaluate the full extent of your injuries before any settlement is discussed.
How We Build Your Car Accident Claim
Our process as a Chicago car accident law firm is structured to protect your rights at every stage.
- Free case evaluation: We review your crash details, injuries, and insurance coverage.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: We collect police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts.
- Liability analysis: We identify all responsible parties, which may include other drivers, employers, or vehicle manufacturers.
- Demand and negotiation: We present a fully documented demand and negotiate for maximum recovery.
- Trial preparation and litigation: If the insurer refuses a fair offer, we take the case to court.
This approach has produced record-breaking results for clients across Chicago and Cook County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law gives most injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Missing this deadline may permanently bar your right to seek compensation. Exceptions may apply for claims involving minors or government vehicles, so consulting an attorney early is strongly advised.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
You may still recover compensation. Under Illinois's modified comparative negligence rule, you can pursue a claim as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. Your recovery is reduced proportionally, which is why legal representation matters when insurers dispute liability.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement. In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront for Legal Representation?
No. Our firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe no legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Settlement Offer?
No. Initial offers are often far below what injured victims need to cover long-term medical costs and lost income. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation, even if your condition worsens.
Talk to a Chicago Car Accident Law Firm Today
Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger, Trial Lawyers has fought for injured Chicago residents since 1978, earning record verdicts and the trust of clients across Cook County. Whether your crash happened on Lake Shore Drive, the Eisenhower Expressway, or a neighborhood street in Pilsen or Bridgeport, our team can evaluate your claim at no cost. Contact us online or call
(312) 263-3443 to schedule your free consultation. You may also explore our
personal injury practice and auto accident lawsuit overview to learn more about how we can help.
