Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents in Chicago

Finding answers to complicated questions after a car accident in Chicago can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.  At Coplan & Crane, our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of injury victims.

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Protect your rights.  Contact Coplan & Crane.  Call (800) 394-6002 and schedule a free case evaluation.  This may be your only opportunity for justice.  Seize it.  Contact us today.


What are the common causes of car accidents in Chicago?

Car accidents in Chicago happen for a wide range of reasons, and always when you least expect them.  Many drivers involved in accidents tend to blame the road conditions or other external factors, but statistics show that driver error is a major factor in car crashes.  The following is a list of some of the common causes of car accidents in Chicago:

  • Drunk driving
  • Speeding
  • Texting while driving
  • Asleep at the wheel
  • Reckless driving

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What are common car accident injuries in Chicago?

People involved in car accidents often sustain serious, life-threatening injuries.  Knowing what to do after a car accident involving serious injuries can be overwhelming.  Our law firm works with drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others who have sustained a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries and concussions)
  • Neck injuries (including whiplash and herniated disks)
  • Back injuries
  • Face injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
  • Broken bones
  • Psychological injuries

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What determines who’s at fault in a car accident in Chicago?

To determine who’s at fault in a car accident, investigators examine whether both drivers were reasonably careful at the time of the accident.  Making this determination can be extremely complicated.  Most cases are rarely clear cut, even if one driver clearly caused the car accident.  That’s why it’s important you have an experienced attorney on your side, looking out for your best interests.

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Should I call the police if I’m involved in a car accident in Chicago?

Yes.  Ask the Chicago Police Department to send a police officer to investigate your car accident.  A police officer who investigates the crash will create an official accident report, a document that can be used as evidence later on to support your personal injury claim.

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Should I ask for a copy of the police report for my Chicago auto accident?

Yes.  Police reports for car accidents contain a great deal of information.  Make sure the facts are correct.  Before you leave the scene of your accident, ask the investigating police officer for his or her name, badge number, and the phone number to call to obtain a copy of the report.  Once you have a copy of the report, review it and make sure the facts are correct.  If you disagree with any information in the report, contact us.  We can help set the record straight.

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What if the other driver who caused my car accident doesn’t have insurance?

Auto insurance is mandatory in Illinois.  If the driver who caused your car accident doesn’t have insurance, tell the police when you call them.  Also, tell us when you contact Coplan & Crane.  We know how to take legal action against uninsured drivers.  We may be able to help you file a claim on your own insurance policy to make sure you’re fairly compensated for your accident.  You have legal options.

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What should I do if I’m a victim of a hit-and-run car accident in Chicago?

  • Contact the police immediately.
  • Do not follow the hit-and-run driver.  You could jeopardize your safety.
  • Write down as much information as you can about the other driver, including
    • Car color;
    • What type of car;
    • License plate number;
    • Visible damage to other vehicle;
    • Any details you can remember about the driver.
  • If your accident happened several days ago:
    • Schedule an appointment with a doctor, even if you were evaluated by paramedics at the scene of the accident and feel fine.  You could have a life-threatening injury that is not immediately apparent.
  • Contact us.  We have years of experience successfully handling hit-and-run car accidents in Chicago.  We know what evidence to look for, and we know how to get results.

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Should I contact my insurance company after my Chicago car accident?

Yes, you will need to contact your insurance company.  However, keep your comments to a minimum.  Simply state you were in a car accident.  You can offer facts such as the names of people involved and the time and place of the accident, but do not discuss fault.  Dealing with insurance companies – even your own – after a car accident can be an extremely complicated process.  That’s because most insurance companies only care about one thing: paying injury victims as little as possible.  Protect your rights.  Contact us.

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Can I negotiate for more money after my Chicago car accident?

Yes.  Insurance companies often make lowball offers to injury victims after a car accident.  What many injury victims don’t realize is they have the right to ask for more money after an accident.  If you feel an insurance company has not made a reasonable offer to you after your car accident, contact Coplan & Crane.  Insurance companies don’t intimidate us.  We know how to negotiate with them, and we have the case results to prove it. 

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Why should I hire Chicago auto accident attorneys at Coplan & Crane?

The reason is simple – we work tirelessly for every car accident victim.  Whether you were injured in a head-on accident on Michigan Avenue or a speeding accident on I-88 or I-90, we can help you get your life back on track.

Our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys thoroughly investigate every case and aggressively search for the facts some law firms overlook.  We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to win your case.

Make your case matter.  Contact us.  Call (800) 394-6002 and schedule an appointment.  This may be your only chance to be fairly compensated for your car accident.

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