Chicago Highway Accident Lawyer

Chicago highway accident lawyer representation is often essential after a high-speed crash on one of the city’s major roadways. From I-90 to the Dan Ryan Expressway, the volume of traffic combined with aggressive driving and poor weather conditions makes these roadways a common site for serious injury.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were almost 300,000 motor vehicle crashes statewide in 2022. Of those, 62.32% occurred on urban roads, with 812 fatal crashes taking place on city streets like Chicago. These numbers underscore the urgent need for experienced legal help after a highway crash.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Highway Accidents in Chicago

Accidents on expressways often involve multiple vehicles, high speeds, and severe injuries. A highway accident lawyer understands how to handle the complexities of these cases. Establishing fault in chain-reaction crashes and identifying all at-fault parties are key steps your legal team takes to protect your rights throughout the claims process.

A personal injury attorney will also handle all communication with insurance companies, making sure your claim is positioned for a fair settlement.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Highway Accident Cases in Chicago

Our personal injury team has secured major verdicts and settlements for clients injured on Chicago highways:

• $3,444,000 settlement in a highway trucking crash involving a merging vehicle that forced another car into our client’s lane.
• $1,250,000 policy limit wrongful death settlement for the family of a motorcyclist hit by a teen driver on the expressway.
• $1,600,000 for a rear-end accident that caused a herniated lumbar disc requiring spinal fusion surgery.

These results demonstrate the types of settlements accident victims can receive and the fair compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of High-Speed Highway & Motor Vehicle Accident Collisions

Highways and expressways are built for speed, but that speed also makes every auto accident more dangerous. In a fast-moving environment, a single mistake can lead to multi-vehicle crashes, severe injuries, and long-term losses.

The following are some of the most common causes behind high-speed collisions on Chicago roadways:

• Excessive speed or driving too fast for the road or weather conditions.
• Distracted driving including texting or using GPS while behind the wheel.
• Fatigue among truck drivers or long-distance commuters.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Aggressive lane changes and road rage.
• Tailgating that leads to rear-end collisions.
• Truck-related negligence, such as poor maintenance or unsecured loads.
• Snow, ice, fog, and rain reduce traction and visibility.

Types of Accidents Common on Chicago Highways

Each auto accident on a highway brings its own risks, but many follow repeatable patterns seen across accidents in Chicago. High speeds, dense traffic, and limited reaction time often lead to significant property damage and life-altering injuries.

These are the most common types of collisions:

• Rear-end crashes frequently occur during traffic slowdowns involving multiple cars.
• Sideswipes caused by unsafe lane changes.
• Rollover crashes, particularly among SUVs and trucks, occur during sudden maneuvers.
• Multi-car pile-ups or chain-reaction crashes in poor visibility.
• Collisions involving large commercial trucks.
• Head-on collisions typically result from wrong-way driving or median crossovers.

Why Expressway Accidents Often Lead to Serious Injury

The faster the speed at the time the accident occurred, the more catastrophic the outcome. At highway speeds, the force of impact can cause severe injuries, crush vehicle cabins, or eject occupants.

This is why expressway collisions can result in brain injuries, paralysis, or death.

Injuries Sustained in Highway Crashes

The physical trauma caused by high-speed collisions is often life-altering. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Multiple broken bones
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Amputations
• Severe burns and permanent disfigurement

How Our Personal Injury Law Firm Investigates Highway Accidents

Our Chicago car accident lawyers take a strategic, evidence-based approach to every highway case. We gather police reports, interview witnesses, examine vehicle damage, and retrieve black box (EDR) data when possible.

If needed, we work with an accident reconstruction expert to determine fault. Dashcam footage or traffic camera video can also establish negligence.

Potential Liable Parties in Chicago Highway Accidents

When an auto accident occurs on a Chicago expressway, determining fault is rarely simple. Depending on how the crash unfolded, multiple parties may be legally responsible. Filing a personal injury claim requires a full investigation to identify every potentially liable party, especially when injuries, lost wages, and property damage are involved.

Below are some of the most common parties that may share legal responsibility in highway collisions.

Negligent Drivers

The most obvious at-fault party in many accidents is the driver who caused the collision. Speeding, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, or driving under the influence are all common forms of negligence.

Lawyers will typically start by reviewing crash reports and witness statements to determine if another driver’s carelessness caused the wreck and led to your claim.

Trucking Companies

When commercial trucks are involved, liability can extend to the trucking company. These companies may be held responsible for failing to maintain safe vehicles, pressuring drivers to meet unsafe schedules, or neglecting to train their employees properly.

A truck driver’s actions—like falling asleep at the wheel—could be traced back to the employer’s policies or lack of oversight. Insurance companies defending trucking firms may resist paying full compensation, especially when medical expenses are high.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

If a defective part, such as brakes, tires, or steering components, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held accountable. These product liability cases demand detailed investigation and may involve both auto manufacturers and parts suppliers.

Claims involving defective components often involve higher-than-average damages because of the risk of catastrophic failure on the highway.

Government Entities or Contractors

If poor road conditions or dangerous design features caused or contributed to the crash, local or state government agencies—or their contracted maintenance crews—may be liable. Examples include unmarked construction zones, poor drainage, or missing signage.

These cases can be difficult due to legal immunity protections, but when a roadway defect causes an accident, injury lawyers can take steps to hold the right parties accountable.

Each of these parties may have separate insurance companies and legal teams involved, which can make the personal injury claim process complex.

A skilled accident lawyer can navigate those challenges while helping you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses.

How Accident Lawyers Navigate Complex Insurance Claims

Highway crashes often involve serious injury, leading to significant medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and extensive property damage. In many cases, the other driver’s insurance coverage is not enough to cover the full extent of these losses.

Our accident lawyers identify all available sources of compensation, negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement, and file personal injury claims when insurers deny, delay, or undervalue valid claims.

Challenges When an Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim

Some insurers will argue that accident victims contributed to the crash or try to minimize the severity of injuries. If your claim is denied, a personal injury team can fight back with expert medical evidence, legal filings, and skilled negotiation of settlements.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Your Injury Claim

In most cases, personal injury claims in Illinois must be filed within two years of the accident date. The same applies to wrongful death cases. It’s essential to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing legal deadlines.

Calculating Full Damages to Recover Compensation

Highway accident victims face immediate and long-term costs. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys work with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate damages such as:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, rehab, and future needs.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Property damage to your vehicle and belongings.
• Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or permanent disability.

Contact our team for a free consultation to learn how to calculate damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. Our team will ensure you receive fair compensation for your accident.

Medical Costs and Lost Income

We pursue full financial compensation for your past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any impact on your earning potential. Many serious injury victims cannot return to work or must take lower-paying jobs due to their limitations. We fight for every dollar lost.

Permanent Impairment, Pain, and Suffering

Physical and emotional trauma can last far beyond the accident date. If you’ve suffered a life-changing injury, you may be eligible for compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages that impact your quality of life. Catastrophic injuries deserve maximum compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a fatal accident occurred, Illinois law allows eligible family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages may include funeral and burial costs, lost household income, emotional support, and the loss of companionship.

Our personal injury attorneys provide compassionate guidance throughout this challenging legal process. Get a free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Highway Accidents

What Are the Most Common Causes of Major Pile-Ups on Chicago Expressways?

Weather, tailgating, and distracted driving are the leading causes of multi-vehicle pile-ups.

Can I Still Have a Claim if Police Determine I Was Partially at Fault for the Highway Crash?

Yes. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law, you may recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault.

What Immediate Steps Are Most Important After Being Involved in a Serious Highway Accident?

Seek medical care, call the police, document the scene, exchange information, and contact a car accident lawyer.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Chicago Accident Lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

How Long Will My Chicago Highway Accident Case Take to Resolve?

Some cases resolve in months, while more complex claims involving catastrophic injuries may take over a year.

What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me on the Highway Is Uninsured or Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance (Underinsured)?

You may still recover damages through your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Highway Accident Aggravated a Pre-existing Injury or Medical Condition?

Yes. The at-fault driver may be held liable for worsening your condition, even if you had a pre-existing issue.

Get a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway crash, reach out to our law firm for a free consultation. Our legal team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

There are no upfront legal fees—we only get paid if we win your case.

Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.