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Chicago Car Insurance Claim Lawyer
Fighting for the Compensation Injury Victims in Chicago Deserve
A Chicago car insurance claim lawyer can be your strongest advocate if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and facing resistance from the insurer. These cases often go beyond simple paperwork, especially when severe injuries or long-term medical treatment are involved.
Book a free consultation with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers if your claims are being delayed or denied, if you’ve received a low settlement offer, or if the defendant’s insurance company is trying to shift blame or avoid paying fair value.
Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm
With a strong history of standing up to insurers, our law firm has helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve. We provide experienced legal guidance and have secured millions for individuals facing denied, delayed, or underpaid claims, including:
- $250,000 – Our client, a mother driving on a suburban road, was rear-ended by an uninsured motorist. She suffered a shattered patella that required surgical repair. After a detailed investigation, we uncovered that the at-fault driver’s auto insurance had lapsed before the car accident. Her uninsured motorist policy paid the full limit.
- $449,000 – A front-seat passenger was seriously injured when the driver of the vehicle she was in swerved to avoid an oncoming car and crashed. She was thrown into the windshield, suffering facial trauma and a subdural hematoma that required emergency surgery. The defendant’s insurer agreed to settle despite their neuropsychologist disputing the extent of her cognitive injuries.
- $570,000 – A 41-year-old motorcyclist was injured when a vehicle attempted an illegal pass, throwing him from his bike. He suffered peroneal nerve damage and was later diagnosed with foot drop. Though the defense claimed the condition was pre-existing, we successfully held the insurance company accountable.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer to File a Claim
After a car accident, most people assume their insurer, or the defendant’s, will step in, assess the damage, and provide a fair payout. Unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works. Auto insurance carriers are profit-driven businesses, and many quickly undervalue personal injury claims, delay responses, or deny even a valid claim outright.
Under Illinois law, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses, but enforcing those rights often requires the help of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
Without an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago, you risk settling for far less than your claim is worth, or running out of time before the limitations expire on your case.
The Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
If the at-fault driver in your car accident doesn’t carry insurance, you may feel stuck, but you still have options. Illinois law requires auto policies to include uninsured motorist coverage (625 ILCS 5/7-601). You can file a claim with your insurance company to seek financial compensation for bodily injury and other damages.
You may also be able to sue the uninsured driver personally, though collecting payment can be difficult. Uninsured motorist claims can be legally complex, involving strict deadlines and detailed policy language. A Chicago uninsured motorist claim lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
The Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance
Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover the full extent of your medical bills, property damage, or lost wages. This is called an underinsured motorist situation. While Illinois requires minimum coverage, that often isn’t enough to cover serious injuries.
You may need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer and your own through underinsured motorist coverage (215 ILCS 5/143a-2). A personal injury attorney can help evaluate your policy and pursue compensation from all available sources.
The Insurance Company Ignores Your Claims
If your insurer is ignoring your car accident claim, delaying the assignment of an adjuster, or failing to respond to your calls and emails, it could be a sign of bad faith. Insurers must handle claims promptly and fairly. When they fail to do so, they may be violating your legal rights (215 ILCS 5/154.6).
These delays can seriously impact your recovery, especially when facing medical bills, lost income, or property damage. If you’re being ignored, it’s time to contact a lawyer to step in and demand action.
The Insurer Doesn’t Investigate
Under 215 ILCS 5/154.6, an insurance company must promptly and reasonably investigate your auto insurance claim. If they fail to gather critical evidence, such as police reports, photos, or witness statements, they aren’t doing their job. This lack of effort can delay your claim, lead to an unfair denial, or result in a low settlement offer that doesn’t reflect your losses.
When insurers neglect their responsibilities, it’s the injury victim who suffers. A Chicago auto insurance claim lawyer can help ensure your claim is properly investigated and push for the compensation you’re owed.
The Insurance Company Keeps Demanding More Evidence
If the insurer keeps asking for more documentation—after you’ve already submitted medical records, photos, and other proof—it may be a tactic to delay or avoid paying your valid claim. Repeated requests can wear down injury victims, hoping they’ll give up or accept a low settlement out of frustration.
This approach is unfair and can jeopardize your financial recovery. Don’t let unnecessary delays force you into a bad decision. A Chicago insurance attorney can step in, handle the communication, and push for the compensation you deserve under law.
The Insurance Company Doesn’t Return Your Calls or Emails
If your insurance company stops responding to your calls or emails, it’s more than just frustrating—it may be a sign they’re mishandling your claim. In Illinois, insurers must respond within a reasonable timeframe, and ongoing silence can violate your rights as a policyholder.
Ignoring you could be part of a delay tactic to stall your claim or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. A Chicago lawyer can ensure your case gets the attention it deserves. Insurers are much more responsive when a legal professional is involved.
The Insurance Company Keeps Delaying Your Claim
Long delays are a standard tactic insurers use to avoid paying car accident claims. They may keep asking for more documents, change adjusters, or give vague updates to drag the process out for weeks or even months. Meanwhile, you’re left dealing with medical bills, lost income, and ongoing stress.
Under 215 ILCS 5/154.6, unnecessary delays can amount to bad faith handling of your claim. If you’ve been waiting too long for answers or payment, it’s time to get help. A lawyer can push the insurer to act and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim Without a Reason
If your claim is denied without a clear explanation, that’s a red flag. An insurance company must provide a written reason when denying a claim. If they fail to do so or give a vague or unjustified response, it may be considered bad faith (215 ILCS 5/154.6).
This behavior delays your recovery and violates your rights as a policyholder. A lawyer can review the denial, hold the insurer accountable, and help you pursue the fair compensation you may still be entitled to.
The Insurance Company Approves Your Claim but Won’t Negotiate
Some insurance companies approve your car accident claim but drag their feet when discussing payment. They may delay negotiations, offer far less than your damages are worth, or refuse to respond altogether. This tactic is meant to wear you down and push you toward accepting a low settlement.
Having an attorney on your side changes the equation. An attorney knows how to apply pressure, keep the process moving, and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law. Don’t settle for less than what your claim is worth.
The Insurance Company Hasn’t Sent You Payment
You’ve settled, signed the paperwork, and expected your check, yet weeks go by, and the insurance company still hasn’t paid. This delay isn’t just frustrating—it’s unacceptable. Once a claim is settled, the insurer must issue payment within a reasonable time.
If they stall after agreeing to a settlement, it may be another form of bad faith (215 ILCS 5/154.6). If you’re still waiting for payment, it’s time to take legal action. A Chicago lawyer can demand immediate compliance and, if necessary, pursue penalties or additional compensation for the delay.
Mistakes Made by Victims Without a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Speaking to the other driver’s insurance company on record.
Giving a recorded statement may seem harmless, but insurers often use your own words to minimize or deny your personal injury claim. It’s always safer to let your attorney handle communications.
- Taking a fast settlement without legal advice.
Quick payouts can be tempting, but accepting too early may prevent you from claiming future medical expenses or lost income. Once accepted, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation.
- Waiting too long to seek medical care.
Delaying medical treatment after a car accident creates gaps in your record. Insurers may argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
- Signing a release form without understanding the consequences.
Signing a release of all claims ends your right to seek more compensation, even if new injuries develop. Be cautious before agreeing to any paperwork from the insurance company.
- Ignoring existing medical liens or insurance liens.
Under 770 ILCS 23/10, healthcare providers and insurers have a legal right to repayment from your settlement. Failing to address this could leave you owing money.
- Paying medical bills in full without negotiation.
An attorney can often reduce the total owed through lien negotiations, leaving more of your settlement in your pocket.
- Overlooking your own policy’s medical payments or underinsured motorist coverage.
Many don’t realize their auto insurance includes Med-Pay or underinsured coverage (215 ILCS 5/143a-2), which can help cover treatment costs when the at-fault party involved has little or no coverage.
- Missing the deadline to file a claim.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury actions in Illinois must be filed within two years of the accident. Waiting too long could lead to permanently losing your right to sue.
These mistakes can cost you time, money, and a chance at fair compensation. A skilled attorney can help you avoid them and protect your rights from day one.
How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling car accident claims and insurance disputes throughout Illinois. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries, severe injuries, or significant property damage, our team understands how auto insurance companies operate—and we know how to hold them accountable.
From the start, we take the burden off your shoulders. Our personal injury law firm in Chicago handles all communication with the insurance company, gathers critical evidence to support your personal injury claim, and negotiates aggressively on your behalf.
Whether it involves your own insurance or the defendant’s insurance company, we work to secure the full and fair recovery you deserve.
Illinois Car Insurance FAQs
Is car insurance required for all Illinois drivers?
Yes. Under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, every driver must carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and personal property damage caused to others in a car accident. Driving without coverage can lead to fines, license suspension, and other penalties.
Do Illinois insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes. Illinois requires all auto policies to include uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, which protects you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance. This coverage helps pay medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
What other types of coverage are available beyond the minimum?
Additional options include underinsured motorist, medical payments (Med-Pay), collision, comprehensive, towing, and rental reimbursement. These cover your own medical treatment, vehicle damage, and extra costs not paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Am I obligated to report an accident to my insurer?
Yes. Most car insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accident, even if you’re not at fault. Failing to report on time could lead to a denied claim or delayed coverage.
How does the insurance company figure out who was at fault?
The insurance company investigates using police reports, photos, witness statements, and damage assessments. They evaluate which party violated traffic laws or caused the car accident to determine legal liability and claim responsibility.
Can I still file a claim if I was partly to blame?
Yes. Under Illinois’ comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of blame.
What does it mean when my car is declared a total loss?
A total loss means the car’s repair cost exceeds its market value. When this happens, the insurance company may offer a lump sum payment instead of covering repairs based on the car’s actual cash value.
Consult a Chicago Car Insurance Claim Attorney Near You!
If your car accident insurance claim is being delayed, denied, or underpaid, don’t wait—your time to act may be limited under Illinois law. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, property damage, or unfair treatment by the insurance company, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Our Chicago insurance lawyers offer a free consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We understand Illinois clients’ challenges and have experience handling disputes with local and national auto insurance carriers in personal injury cases.
Let our team fight for your full compensation while you focus on recovery. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Explore your legal options and let us fight for your best interests.
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“Jonathan Rosenfeld was recommended to me by my friend, I wasn’t sure what to do the insurance company said I wasn’t going to get any cash back, but I hired Jonathan and he got a huge settlement for me.iwould recommended him to anyone who needs help”
— Joe
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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.