Crash on the Kennedy? Wreck on the Dan Ryan?
Chicago has 4000 miles of streets, and none prove more dangerous than the city's expressways. From high-speed crashes to vehicle pile-ups, Chicago's roadways cause numerous injuries and fatalities each year.
Healing from these accidents is traumatic enough, but what do you do if you're left with medical bills, property damage, and job loss?
When your physical, emotional, and financial well-being is at stake, it's important to have a trusted and experienced Chicago expressway accident lawyer fighting for your rights.
Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. online or at (312) 924-7575 for a free evaluation of your legal options.
Why Choose Our Chicago Expressway Accident Attorneys?
We've seen firsthand the devastation that expressway accidents can cause. That's why the dedicated attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are committed to representing injured parties and their families with compassion, diligence, and personal attention.
Our commitment to Chicago expressway accident victims is demonstrated by our track record of successful cases and satisfied clients, which has earned us a reputation as one of Illinois' top personal injury law firms.
Knowing that accidents don't discriminate, we strive to provide comprehensive legal support to English and Spanish speakers. With 24/7 availability online or by phone, Chicagoans are always a click or call away from dedicated legal representation that helps them recover from the hardships of expressway accidents.
Don't miss your chance to hold irresponsible drivers accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free consultation with our Chicago expressway accident lawyers.
Chicago Expressway Accident Injuries
Any accident has the potential to cause serious harm, but expressway accidents often result in some of the most severe injuries. Due to high speeds, heavy traffic, and the presence of large commercial vehicles, expressway accidents can lead to catastrophic physical injuries such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns & scarring
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Deep soft tissue wounds
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash
However, surviving physical injuries is only one part of the battle. Many expressway accident victims also experience emotional and mental injuries, including but not limited to:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Amaxophobia (fear of being in cars)
- Tachophobia (fear of high speeds)
- Nightmares and flashbacks
Even in minor accidents, these physical and emotional injuries can have long-lasting effects on an individual's life, making it difficult to return to work and maintain daily activities.
Types of Freeway Accidents in Chicago
Our auto accident attorneys are well-versed in representing clients in multiple types of vehicle collisions, from minor fender benders to major accidents. If you or a loved one suffers from injuries related to any of the following highway accidents, contact Abels & Annes P.C. for assistance.
Rollover
Rollover accidents present the highest risk for serious injury. They occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof and can be caused by speeding, sudden braking, or swerving. Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, brain trauma, or broken bones.
Rear-end Collision
Rear-end collisions are among the city’s most common highway accidents. Drivers who follow too closely or are distracted behind the wheel are at risk of causing these accidents, which can result in whiplash, head injuries, or back pain.
Sideswipe
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact with each other. These auto accidents often happen during lane changes and can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones or concussions.
Head-on Collision
Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of accidents on expressways. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other, often at high speeds. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-up
Multi-vehicle pile-ups are chaotic and terrifying, often involving multiple cars and trucks colliding with each other. These accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities and require a skilled attorney to navigate complex insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Car vs Truck Accidents on the Chicago Expressway
Other cars going high speeds present well-known risks on the city’s roads, but the danger increases when commercial trucks are factored into the equation. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can cause severe damage and injuries to other drivers involved.
Truck accidents on expressways occur due to numerous factors, including:
- Truck driver fatigue or drowsiness
- Improper maintenance of trucks
- Overloaded trucks
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distractions while driving
These accidents can result in serious injuries, significant property damage, and death. Furthermore, the legal process for these collisions is complex and often involves multiple parties, making it crucial to have an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney by your side when seeking fair compensation for injuries.
Where Do Chicago Expressway Accidents Happen?
Anywhere on a freeway is a potential place for an accident to occur. However, certain areas of the road are more prone to accidents because of construction, congestion, and driver behavior.
Some of the most dangerous stretches of expressway in Chicago include:
- Kennedy Expressway (parts of I-90, I-94, and I-190)
- Tri-State Tollway (parts of I-94, I-294, I-80)
- Eisenhower Expressway (parts of I-290)
- Stevenson Expressway (I-55)
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)
- The Dan Ryan and Bishop Ford Expressways (I-94)
- I-80
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)
With over 275,000 drivers on these highways every day, it's no surprise that accidents occur frequently and lead to serious injuries. When they do, it's essential to have a compassionate, dedicated Chicago personal injury attorney on your side to negotiate with insurance companies or litigate your case in court.
How Much is a Chicago Expressway Accident Worth?
There is no set amount for any personal injury case. The value of your case will depend on the specific details and factors involved, such as:
- Severity and extent of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
- Long-term effects of injuries on daily life
To better understand these factors against your total compensation, consider the common costs of a motor vehicle accident in Chicago:
- Ambulance/Paramedic care: $2,946 to $5,500+
- Emergency room visit/treatment: $2,200+ per visit
- Hospital stay: average of $2,883+ per night
- Skin grafts and other extensive treatments: $100,000+
- Broken bone treatment: $2,500 to $25,000+
- Traumatic Brain Injury: over $1.2 million throughout a lifetime
- Spinal cord injury: $100,000 to $1,000,000+
- Soft tissue injury: $5,000 to 50,000+
- Internal organ injuries: $50,000 to $1,000,000+
- On-going rehabilitation and medical care: $25,000 to $100,000+ per year
- Medical devices or home modifications: $5,000 to $100,000+
Physical damage costs are not the only burden to think about. The long-term effects of emotional and mental injuries may also require treatment, leading to further expenses.
For example, the cost of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can range anywhere from $60 to $200+ per hour, and treatment may be needed for months or years.
Additionally, lost wages and future earning capacity can add up quickly, especially if injuries prevent an individual from returning to work or limit their ability to perform their job for years after the accident.
In addition to these tangible costs, there is a price for pain and suffering that cannot be quantified as easily as physical injuries. However, some settlements can include financial compensation for non-economic damages, allowing injured parties to focus on their recovery without worrying about unforeseen expenses, disabilities, or needs.
So, while your case may be worth a substantial amount in economic and non-economic damages, the only way to determine the exact value is by consulting with an Abels & Annes, P.C. Chicago expressway accident attorney.
With our help, you can build a strong case for maximum compensation, ensuring you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.
How To Prepare For An Expressway Accident Claim
Verify all injuries sustained.
The first step in preparing for an auto accident claim is to ensure that all injuries have been identified and documented. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Sometimes, internal injuries or whiplash can take time to manifest and worsen over time.
Gather evidence at the scene of the accident.
If possible, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved, property damage, and visible injuries. Also, gather contact information from witnesses and exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
Keep detailed records.
Record all medical expenses, lost wages, and any other costs associated with the accident. This information will be crucial in determining the value of your case and obtaining proper compensation.
Document pain and suffering.
It's essential to document any pain and suffering you experience due to the accident. Keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional state, any limitations or difficulties in daily activities, and any missed events or opportunities due to injuries.
Contact an experienced Chicago expressway accident lawyer.
The legal process for highway accident claims is complicated, and insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement or deny your claim outright. That's why hiring an accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and receiving fair compensation.
Our Practice Areas
Compassionate and diligent legal representation for Chicago freeway accident victims isn't the only way Ables & Annes can help. Our team offers free consultations for a wide variety of practice areas, including but not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Wrongful death
No matter the type of accident or injury, our team is dedicated to helping victims seek justice and fair compensation for their losses. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can have on individuals and their families, so we strive to provide personalized attention and aggressive advocacy for every case we take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
Illinois follows a complicated set of traffic laws that may or may not see partial fault as a barrier to recovering compensation. Schedule a free consultation with an Ables & Annes, P.C. personal injury attorney to discuss your case and determine if you are still eligible for compensation.
How long does it take to resolve an auto accident claim?
The timeline for resolving a personal injury claim can vary depending on the details and complexity of the case. Some cases may settle quickly, while others may take months or even years to resolve. Our attorneys promise to work diligently and efficiently to reach a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.
What damages can I recover?
If you have been injured in a Chicago expressway accident, you may be eligible for compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You may also be able to seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible losses.
Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?
It's always best to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. Insurance companies may minimize their payouts by offering low settlements that do not truly reflect the full extent of your damages. Abels & Annes, P.C. can help review and negotiate settlement offers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a Chicago personal injury claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is typically two years from the accident date. However, it's best to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to meet all deadlines and requirements on time. Delays in filing a claim can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Let A Chicago Expressway Accident Lawyer From Abels & Annes, P.C. Help You
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the profound impact an expressway accident can have on your life. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through every step of your claim, leveraging our understanding of the law to secure the compensation you deserve. Don't face this challenging time alone.
Contact us today online or by calling (312) 924-7575 for a free consultation, and let a Chicago expressway accident lawyer help you begin the journey towards recovery and justice.