Rear-End Accident

Representing Victims of Rear-End Accidents in Chicago

A Chicago rear-end accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation by fiercely negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. A rear-vehicle collision can result in serious injuries, and you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical treatment. Contact us today for a free case review and learn about your legal rights.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Rear-End Cases in Chicago

• $10,145,000 product liability claim due to a faulty seatbelt
• $1,600,000 for a rear-end collision resulting in a back injury
• $1,400,000 for semi-truck rear-end crash

Important Chicago Laws About Rear-End Car Accidents

The Illinois Vehicle Code prohibits drivers from following other vehicles too closely (§625 ILCS 5/11-710). A general rule of thumb is that while driving on the highway, there should be at least a car length between each vehicle so drivers have room to react if they need to stop suddenly.

Chicago Municipal Code §9-40-150 echoes this, stating that no driver should follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable or prudent. The code doesn’t state exactly how far this is, as it depends on things like speed, weather, and traffic conditions.

Following too closely could be considered negligent driving, which can result in a fine between $500 and $1,000 (§9-40-140).

Causes of Rear-End Crashes in Chicago

Common causes of rear-end car accidents include:

• Following Too Closely: Failing to provide enough space between cars can push the back vehicle into the car in front.
• Distracted Driving: If someone is texting and driving at 55 mph, they have essentially driven the entire length of a football field with their eyes closed. This can easily lead to a rear-end crash.
• Drunk Driving: While the legal BAC limit in Illinois is 0.08% (§625 ILCS 5/11-501), impairment starts at much lower concentrations. Reaction time impairment is evident at just 0.03%, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
• Speeding: The faster a car speeds, the less time a driver has to respond to changing road conditions and the more likely they are to rear-end someone.
• Reckless Driving: Over the years, Chicago has been subject to hundreds of illegal street takeovers. If an innocent driver gets caught in the middle of these drag racing events, it can easily lead to a car crash.
• Weather: A Chicago rear-end collision can sometimes be due to the rear driver hitting a patch of black ice and losing control of their vehicle.

Common Car Accident Injuries Caused in a Rear-End Accident

Rear-end auto accidents can cause severe injuries, especially if the rear car is going at high speed. Common injuries include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Being hit from behind can result in whiplash, including neck and back injuries.
• Broken Bones: Drivers and passengers may hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or front seat, which can break legs, arms, wrists, and collarbones.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, contusions, scrapes, and lacerations are common due to flying debris.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Hard jolts from behind can make the car occupant slam their head against their seat, resulting in a brain injury.
• Amputations: Rear-end car accidents with larger vehicles, like truck accidents, can result in severe trauma, which may require amputation.
• Burns and Disfigurement: Spilled fuel can ignite and cause burns.

How a Lawyer Proves Liability for Rear-End Car Accident Cases in Chicago

In most cases, the rear vehicle is presumed liable for failing to leave enough following distance, but this is not automatic. To pursue a personal injury claim, we must establish four factors of negligence.

• Duty of Care: The negligent driver was responsible for acting safely, including keeping a safe distance between vehicles.
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault party failed to uphold this duty of care.
• Causation: The accident was primarily caused by this breach of duty.
• Damages: Injury victims suffered losses like lost wages and medical bills.

What is My Rear-End Accident Claim Worth?

In personal injury law, there is no agreed-upon settlement amount. A reasonable settlement offer depends on criteria such as injury severity, expenses, available evidence, clear liability, and available insurance coverage.

You deserve compensation, and we will fight hard to ensure you get everything you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn what your case may be worth.

Potential Compensation in a Chicago Rear-End Crash Case

Compensation you may receive includes:

• Past and future medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Vehicle damage
• Other property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages
• Punitive damages, if awarded by the court

What to Do After a Rear-End Accident?

To preserve your legal rights after a rear-end accident, you must act quickly. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Check for injuries and move to a safe location.
• Contact the police with your exact location, such as by Roosevelt and Halsted, or near Rosehill Mausoleum.
• Get details from the at-fault driver, other drivers, and witnesses.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Do not speak to insurance companies or other third parties without a lawyer present.
• Contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer right away.

How Our Chicago Law Firm Investigates Your Rear-End Claim

We will thoroughly investigate your claim and guide you through the personal injury claims process to ensure nothing is missed. This includes:

• Obtaining the Chicago Police Department report;
• Gathering accident evidence from other parties;
• Interviewing witnesses;
• Working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary;
• Evaluating your damages through available evidence.

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

In Illinois, the personal injury lawsuit statute of limitations is 2 years (§735 ILCS 5/13-202). As this is a short period, you should contact a Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible so we can begin building a case and negotiating with insurance providers.

Why You Need a Chicago Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance adjusters don’t want to pay car accident claims, even for rear-end collisions where liability is clear. You need a fierce advocate on your side to ensure negligent motorists are forced to pay their fair share. With our years of experience and familiarity with insurance tactics, we help you gain maximum compensation while also handling all legal paperwork on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Accidents in Chicago

How to Win a Rear-End Collision Case?

To win a rear-end collision case, you need to work with a skilled Chicago car accident attorney, gather as much evidence as possible, and meticulously document your expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Rear-End Car Accident?

The average cost is between $200 and $2,000, though it may range up to $10,000 depending on your car model and the severity of the crash.

What Are the Two Most Serious Outcomes of a Rear-End Collision?

The most serious outcomes of a rear-end collision are spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Sadly, some individuals also pass away from these accidents.

What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for Rear-End Claims in Chicago?

Most personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they take a portion of your settlement to cover their legal fees. You will not have to pay anything upfront.

Contact a Chicago Rear-End Attorney Near You for a Free Consultation

Our award-winning law firm fights on behalf of injury victims in Chicago and Cook County. We have an A+ BBB rating and are a Super Lawyers-rated firm, offering you peace of mind as you recuperate from your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

I was rear ended and my best friend recommended Mr. Rosenfeld. He and his staff were very attentive, detailed and always there for me when I had questions about the case. They were able to get me a great settlement and quickly. Which was awesome because it helped me pay my bills! I highly recommend them for anyones car accident!

– Lena Cirone

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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

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Champaign, Elgin, Peoria and throughout Illinois.

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.