Evanston Car Accident Lawyer

Fighting for the Rights of Car Accident Victims in Evanston

An Evanston car accident lawyer knows accidents can happen anywhere. Whether it’s a rear-end crash on McCormick Boulevard or a high-speed collision on Sheridan Road, the impact can leave victims with serious injuries and overwhelming medical expenses.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the financial and emotional toll an accident can take. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Car Accident Cases in Evanston

With a proven track record of advocating for car accident victims, our Evanston personal injury lawyers provide skilled legal representation and have recovered millions for those injured in drunk driving, distracted driving, and high-impact collisions, including:

• $2,000,000 settlement – Client who suffered severe injuries in a rollover crash, resulting in extensive medical care and long-term recovery needs.
• $1,600,000 settlement – Victim of a rear-end collision who sustained a herniated lumbar disc, requiring fusion surgery to relieve chronic pain.
• $250,000 settlement – Recovered through an uninsured motorist policy for a woman injured in a hit-and-run accident, covering her medical expenses and lost wages.

Our Firm’s Commitment to Serving Evanston Residents Injured in Car Accidents

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping Evanston car accident victims get the financial recovery they need after a serious crash.

With years of experience handling car accident cases, our legal team understands the challenges clients face—mounting medical bills, lost income, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts.

We know the city’s roads, dangerous intersections, and common causes of motor vehicle accidents, which gives us an advantage in building strong cases for our clients. Whether your crash happened on the congested streets near Northwestern University or a residential road in South Evanston, we will thoroughly investigate what happened and who is responsible.

Your Rights After a Car Accident in Evanston, IL

Understanding your rights is essential if you’ve been injured in an Evanston car accident.

Illinois follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is financially liable for damages. You can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek compensation.

State law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage in an accident (625 ILCS 5/7-203). If the driver who caused your crash is uninsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under 215 ILCS 5/143a.

Insurance companies are required to handle claims reasonably. If an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement or wrongfully denies your claim, you may have legal options under Illinois bad faith insurance laws (215 ILCS 5/). These laws protect policyholders from unfair claim denials and allow accident victims to take legal action if an insurance company acts in bad faith.

If an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you can hire an Evanston car accident attorney to represent you in your claim. An experienced attorney can negotiate and take legal action if the insurer refuses to pay what you are owed.

Common Injuries and Causes of Car Accidents in Evanston

Car accidents in Evanston happen for many reasons, but most are caused by driver negligence. Reckless driving puts everyone at risk, whether on busy roads like Ridge Avenue and Green Bay Road or at dangerous intersections like Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue.

Understanding what leads to crashes can help victims prove liability and hold negligent drivers accountable.

• Distracted driving – Using a cell phone, texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or any other distraction takes a driver’s attention off the road. Even a momentary lapse can lead to a severe collision.
• Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors – Exceeding the speed limit, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage all increase the risk of high-impact crashes that cause serious injuries.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) – Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and leads to dangerous accidents.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way – Many crashes happen at intersections when drivers ignore traffic signals, fail to yield while making a turn, or disregard pedestrians and cyclists.
• Weather conditions – Rain, snow, ice, and fog can make Evanston roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed for conditions put others at risk.
• Running red lights and stop signs – Ignoring traffic signals at intersections can result in T-bone or side-impact crashes, which often lead to severe injury or death.
• Road defects or poor road design – Potholes, faded lane markings, malfunctioning traffic signals, and poorly designed intersections can all contribute to car accidents.

The force of a car accident can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some common injuries sustained in crashes include:

• Soft tissue injuries – Strains, sprains, and whiplash are common in rear-end collisions.
• Broken bones – Arms, legs, ribs, and facial fractures often occur in high-impact crashes.
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Concussions and other brain injuries can lead to cognitive issues, memory loss, and long-term complications.
• Internal injuries – Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Severe burns – Car fires and explosions can cause burns requiring extensive medical treatment.

What to Do Immediately After Suffering Car Accident Injuries in Evanston

The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the proper steps can protect your health and legal rights. Knowing what to do or not do is essential, as your actions can affect your ability to recover compensation.

Prioritize Safety – Check for Injuries and Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)

Your safety and the safety of others should come first. If you can move, check yourself and any passengers for serious injuries. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further collisions, but only if it is safe.

Call 911 – Report the Accident and Request Emergency Assistance

Always report an Evanston car accident to law enforcement, even if it seems minor. Calling 911 ensures that emergency responders arrive to provide medical care and that a police report is created. This report can be critical in proving fault in your personal injury claim.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

Get the following details from all vehicles involved:

• Name, address, and phone number of the driver;
• Insurance company and policy number;
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number.

Document the Scene – Take Photos and Videos (If Possible)

If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible:

• Pictures of vehicle damage and property damage;
• Skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions;
• Any visible injuries;
• The surrounding area, including signage and landmarks.

Get Witness Contact Information

If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can support your case if the insurance company disputes fault.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if Injuries Seem Minor

Some car accident injuries are not immediately apparent. Even if you feel fine, see a medical professional immediately. A doctor’s evaluation can detect soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions that may require extensive medical treatment.

Do Not Admit Fault

Even if you feel responsible, do not apologize or admit blame. Illinois follows a fault-based system, and insurance companies may use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim. Let an experienced car accident lawyer handle all communication regarding liability.

How a Car Accident Attorney Investigates Your Evanston Car Accident Claim

Building a strong personal injury claim requires a thorough investigation. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

One of the most essential pieces of evidence in car accident cases is the police report. Your attorney will obtain this from the Evanston Police Department and use it to support your case. If the report contains errors or missing details, your attorney will work to correct them.

Statements from witnesses can provide valuable insight into how the accident occurred. An experienced car accident lawyer will contact witnesses, record their statements, and use their accounts to strengthen your claim.

Examining property damage and the accident scene can provide crucial evidence. A thorough investigation may include:

• Assessing vehicle damage to determine the angle and force of impact.
• Reviewing skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
• Identifying road defects or poor signage that may have contributed to the crash.

In complex cases, an accident reconstruction expert may be brought in to recreate the crash. These specialists use physics, engineering, and crash data to determine:

• The speed and movement of the vehicles involved.
• Whether braking or evasive actions were taken.
• The likely cause of the accident.

Accident reconstruction is beneficial when catastrophic injuries result from the crash. Expert testimony can help establish liability and support your claim if an insurance company disputes fault.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Evanston Car Accident

After an Evanston car accident, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the most challenging aspects of the claims process. Knowing how to handle these interactions can protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.

You should immediately notify your insurance provider about the accident, even if the other driver is at fault. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failure to do so could affect your claim.

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers without consulting an experienced car accident lawyer.

While insurers may seem cooperative initially, their goal is to minimize payouts—not to help you recover the fair compensation you deserve. Our legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has experience dealing with insurers who try to undervalue claims. We seek full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Potential Compensation in an Evanston Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Evanston, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the crash. Depending on the severity of your injuries, a car accident lawyer can help you seek the following damages:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity;
• Property damage;

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress and mental anguish;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

In fatal accident cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including:

• Funeral and burial costs;
• Loss of financial support;
• Loss of companionship.

Why You Need an Evanston Car Accident Lawyer

After an Evanston car accident, hiring an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.

Establishing fault in car accident cases requires strong evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate, gather as much evidence as possible, and build a solid case to hold the negligent party accountable.

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by disputing liability, downplaying injuries, or offering quick, low settlements. An experienced car accident lawyer knows insurance companies’ tactics and will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full compensation. Your attorney understands the actual value of your claim, considering both current and future costs related to your car accident injuries.

Illinois personal injury law can be complex, with strict deadlines and procedural requirements. An experienced lawyer will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, protecting your right to recover compensation under the Illinois personal injury statute.

FAQs About Evanston Car Accidents

What if the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or lacks enough coverage to pay for your damages, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under Illinois law (215 ILCS 5/143a). An experienced car accident attorney can review your policy and handle the claim to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning you can still seek compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in property damage, you have five years to file a claim (735 ILCS 5/13-205). Failing to file within these time limits may prevent you from recovering compensation.

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

Most Evanston car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if your lawyer wins your case. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award, making legal representation accessible to injured clients without financial risk.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Most Evanston car accident claims are settled through negotiations with the insurance company, meaning court is not always necessary. However, if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, taking the case to trial may be the best option to pursue maximum compensation.

What if the Police Report Is Inaccurate?

If the Evanston Police Department accident report contains errors or misrepresents what happened, you can request a correction. Additional evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, or accident reconstruction findings, can help clarify the facts. An experienced car accident attorney can assist in disputing inaccuracies and ensuring your side of the story is documented correctly.

Consult an Evanston Car Accident Lawyer Near You!

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims get the fair compensation they deserve.

We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I am really pleased with the results Rosenfeld got me for a car crash case. They were professional and worked fast to get my case settled. Can’t think of anything for them to do different.”

— Everly GordonRead More Google Reviews

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.