Personal Injury Attorney in Illinois

Let Goldwater Law Firm Connect You With Our Co-Counsels in Illinois

The Goldwater Law Firm and our law firm partners represent clients based on contingency. When another person caused your injury, you should not have to worry about coming up with the money to pay for an attorney in addition to your other costs and losses linked to the accident. Our co-counsels near you will never ask you to pay upfront. They get paid from the money they secure for you.

We have been helping accident victims for more than 20 years. We are a widely recognized, award-winning firm. By working with trusted law firm partners, we can help the injured in all 50 states.

Thanks to our strategic partnerships, you can work with an attorney near your home who is well-versed in state and local laws and who is available when you need them. We will review your case facts and connect you with one of our co-counsels in Illinois to ensure you have the legal guidance and representation you deserve.

Our Law Firm Partners Represent Victims of Illinois Injury Accidents

The Goldwater Law Firm works with trusted law firm partners in Illinois to help injured accident victims recover fair compensation and hold the at-fault party(s) accountable. Illinois’s liability for car, motorcycle, and truck accidents is generally based on negligence.

Car Accidents

Liability for most Illinois car accidents falls on another driver who acted negligently and caused the crash. This typically occurs because they violated a traffic law, which led to a collision. Some examples include failing to yield, running a red light, failing to maintain their lane, or improper lane changes. Other parties could be liable for these collisions, but this is not as common.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur similarly to other collisions, and the same negligence principles apply. However, some unique issues can cause motorcycle accidents. This includes:

• Other drivers often fail to see motorcycles when turning or checking their blind spots, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Motorcyclists are sometimes blamed for accidents due to a recklessness bias, making it more challenging to hold the at-fault party responsible.
• Property owners or maintenance crews may be liable for hazards like loose gravel.

Truck Accidents

Truck accident liability is more complex. Often, the at-fault driver is not the primary liable party in these cases. Thanks to a legal doctrine, respondeat superior, their employers are often vicariously liable. The defendant in a truck accident case could be:

• The trucking company
• Cargo loaders, if improper loading caused the crash
• Vehicle manufacturers, if there were defective parts
• Maintenance companies, if there was negligent service

In addition, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow many state and federal regulations. Violations could contribute to or cause a collision, so you want an attorney on your side who is familiar with these rules and regulations.

What Are the Recoverable Damages in an Illinois Personal Injury Case?

Our law firm partners document the damages you suffered and seek fair compensation for them. They know the most common expenses and losses experienced by injury victims and how to identify and prove other damages, too. This could include:

• Medical expenses and related care costs
• Lost income and diminished earning ability
• Future damages, as estimated by experts
• Property damage repair costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Wrongful Death in Illinois

Under the state’s Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180, the personal representative of a deceased victim can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for surviving family members. These damages could include:

• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and care
• Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses

How Our Co-Counsels Will Approach Your Illinois Personal Injury Case

The key to securing a personal injury payout is having a strong case that convinces the liable party, insurance carrier, or judge and jury that you qualify to recover the money. This takes robust support for your claim. When you work with an attorney from one of our law firm partners, you can expect them to:

• Listen to your side of the story and evaluate your case
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Collect police reports and medical records
• Interview witnesses and take statements
• Obtain expert opinions from medical experts and accident reconstructionists
• Identify and document damages
• Demand fair compensation from the insurer
• Negotiate with the insurance carrier
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Prepare for trial while continuing to seek a settlement

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights After an Illinois Personal Injury Accident

If you were hurt in an Illinois accident, you should act quickly to discuss your options with an attorney. There are several reasons why you want to get started early. This includes:

• The Statute of Limitations: Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you may have only two years to file a lawsuit based on your case. If you miss the deadline, the judge will likely dismiss your case.
• Evidence Disappears: Witness memories fade, surveillance footage is recorded over, and other evidence can be lost. This could weaken your case substantially.
• Communicating With Insurers: Insurance companies may try to talk you into a lowball settlement offer before you realize the full effects of your injuries. Your attorney will prevent this.