Chicago Fatal Car Accident Attorney

A Chicago fatal car accident lawyer will hold negligent drivers accountable for your loved one’s passing, helping you heal in comfort. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Fatal Car Accident Cases in Chicago

• $5,000,000 for fatal injuries in a car crash
• $1,000,000 for the death of a backseat passenger
• $1,000,000 for a motorcyclist killed in a car accident

Representing Victims of Fatal Car Accidents in Chicago

Our Chicago car accident attorneys fight hard for your family, ensuring the at-fault party pays for their negligence. We’ll handle third-party communications, including negotiating with insurance companies so that you can focus on mourning and healing.

Important Chicago Laws About Fatal Car Accidents

Chicago drivers are subject to both the Illinois Vehicle Code (§625 ILCS 5/1-100) and the Chicago Municipal Code. Relevant statutes include the following.

• The speed limit on all urban streets is 30 mph or 15 mph in alleys (§9-12-070).
• Drag racing is expressly prohibited on all streets in Chicago (§9-12-090).
• Pedestrians have right-of-way at crosswalks or near stop signs (§9-24-030).
• Drivers must exercise due care near pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motor-vehicle traffic (§9-40-160).
• If any car accident victims are severely injured or deceased, drivers must stay at the scene until help arrives (§625 ILCS 5/11-401).

Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Chicago

In 2023, there were 158 fatal car accidents in Chicago. This is slightly down from 2022 when there were 181 fatal accidents, but it still represents a tragic loss of life. These are some of the most common causes of deadly crashes.

• Drunk Driving: In Illinois, the BAC limit is 0.08%. This comes out to between 2-4 drinks in an hour, depending on your weight and gender.
• Distracted Driving: Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road can be considered a distraction. Texting, eating, and talking to passengers all increase the risk of a crash.
• Reckless Driving: This includes things like drag racing, speeding, and road rage.
• Fatigued Driving: Nationwide, 17.6% of all fatal crashes were caused by drowsy driving between 2017-2021.
• Disregarding Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals and failing to yield are some of the most serious infractions that can cause vehicular deaths.
• Vehicle Defects: While rarer, poor vehicle maintenance or product defects sometimes contribute to accidents. In this case, you can also pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, confusing intersections, poor signage, and damaged roads can contribute to crashes.
• Weather: Chicago is known for its blizzards, heavy rain, and winds, which may contribute to deaths on its streets.

How a Lawyer Proves Liability in a Fatal Car Accident Case in Chicago

Our attorneys must demonstrate the four legal elements of negligence to hold a driver accountable, which includes the following.

• Duty of Care: The liable party was responsible for acting with reasonable caution, such as avoiding distracted driving.
• Breach of Duty: The liable party did not uphold their duty of care, such as through drunk driving.
• Causation: This breach of duty was primarily responsible for your loved one’s death.
• Damages: You suffered financial losses as a result of the accident.

What is My Fatal Car Accident Claim Worth?

There is no standard settlement amount for wrongful death, as your compensation depends on a variety of factors. These include:

• Liability and fault
• Comparative negligence
• Age and occupation of the deceased
• Medical expenses before death
• Impact on family members
• Evidence available
• Insurance coverage available

Potential Compensation in a Chicago Fatal Car Crash Case

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages for a fatal crash. These include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost of financial support
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Grief

How Our Chicago Law Firm Investigates Your Fatal Car Accident Claim

Starting with your free consultation, we will use all our resources and experience to win your fatal car accident case. This may include:

• Obtaining the Police Report: The accident report provides a wealth of information about how the accident happened and who was responsible.
• Gathering Evidence: We will use the legal process to gain evidence from other drivers and involved parties to establish liability.
• Interviewing Witnesses: Through depositions, we get information from witnesses that helps uncover the cause of the accident.
• Working with Accident Reconstruction Experts: While this isn’t always necessary, crash reconstruction experts can shed light on accidents that do not have witnesses or evidence.
• Consulting with Medical Professionals: Medical experts can give us their opinion on the causes of death and how it was directly related to the accident. This is especially important if the person did not pass away immediately.

What is The Time Limit to File a Fatal Car Accident Claim in Chicago?

For a wrongful death case, you usually have two years after the death date to file a lawsuit (§740 ILCS 180/0.01). Sometimes, there are exceptions, such as if you are suing the city for negligent road maintenance.

It’s important to start the legal process as soon as possible so we can gather evidence and file a lawsuit before the deadline. Contact us today for a free case review and learn how we can help you.

Why You Need a Chicago Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Losing a loved one is incredibly traumatic, and it is even more so when someone else is at fault. We help you focus on recovery by handling all communications with third parties on your behalf. Using our wealth of resources, we will thoroughly investigate the crash and identify negligent parties through the legal process.

Insurance companies do not want to pay for accidents, even if a person has lost their life. They may make a low offer, claiming your loved one was at fault or refusing to investigate. Thanks to our familiarity with their tactics, we can push them to respond promptly and provide fair compensation.

In some cases, insurance companies will insist they’re not liable due to circumstances like phantom drivers or pedestrian accidents. We’ll counter this using the law and court cases. For example, we can use case precedents like Galarza v. Direct Auto Insurance Co. to show that uninsured motorist policies cover hit-and-run accidents for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

Lastly, we can guide you through the legal system, which can be challenging to navigate without professional assistance. We’ll take depositions, complete the discovery process, and prepare all court documents so that you don’t need to worry about legal paperwork.

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we are able to obtain compensation for you. Our legal fees are deducted from your settlement rather than paid upfront so you can focus on healing.

Contact a Fatal Car Accident Attorney Today!

If your loved one has passed away due to another driver’s reckless actions, we can help you get justice. Rosenfeld Injury Law is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and a Super Lawyers-rated firm that has helped over 5,000 clients. Thanks to our 98% success rate, we’re feared by insurance companies nationwide.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced fatal crash lawyer, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

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Reaching out to this firm was a lifesaver after my car accident. My lawyer handled everything with professionalism and care, from dealing with insurance companies to ensuring I got the settlement I deserved. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me updated throughout the process. Thanks to there hard work, my medical bills were covered, and I felt supported every step of the way. Highly recommend this office for anyone needing a dedicated personal injury attorney!

Wynndham Wolff

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Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

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.