Were you hurt in a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or any other injury in Chicago? Illinois grants you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you were 50% or more at fault, you may not receive any compensation at all. Call Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for a free case review.

Illinois Laws That May Affect Your Case

Illinois’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years. 735 ILCS 5/13-202 sets that deadline. If you miss it, then you sacrifice your entire case. Some insurance companies will drag things out, hoping the clock runs out before you call a lawyer.

Illinois’s modified comparative fault rule means fault in an accident could be split between more than one party. If your share is 49% or less, your recovery is reduced by that amount. But if an insurer pushes that number to 50% or higher? Your claim is barred entirely.

Adjusters use this tactic often. They’ll argue that you were speeding or that you didn’t pay attention to your surroundings. They may claim you didn’t disclose relevant information. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys fight on your behalf and challenge their story.

But if your injury involved a government vehicle or city property, you may have a shorter deadline. The Illinois Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-101) sets these terms. You have only one year from the date of injury to file a claim against a local government entity.

That is half of the standard window for personal injury claims. Speak with an attorney before you make any decisions about your next steps.

Chicago’s Roads and Why Accidents Happen Here

Chicago is the third-largest city in America. Sitting on Lake Michigan, the city moves millions of people every day. Unfortunately, some of its roads were never designed to handle the load. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recorded 1,337 fatalities in 2025. Common culprits include Interstate 290, the Dan Ryan Expressway, and Lake Shore Drive.

Interstate 290, also known as the Eisenhower Expressway, connects the western suburbs to downtown. Multiple interchanges, constant lane shifts, and heavy commuter volume create conditions for rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

Branching off I-90, the Dan Ryan Expressway is Chicago’s busiest highway. Up to 300,000 vehicles travel daily. That volume regularly produces rear-end crashes, multi-vehicle pile-ups, and highway-speed sideswipes. The stretch near the Loop is especially unforgiving.

Lake Shore Drive runs along the lakefront through the heart of Chicago. Heavy tourist and commuter traffic use it year-round. Frequent accidents occur because of sharp curves, shifting speed limits, and winter ice conditions. This is especially true in the stretch near Oak Street Beach.

After any crash on these roads, evidence disappears fast. Speak with an attorney before you talk to any insurance adjuster.

Serving Chicago and Cook County

Our Chicago Office

Our Chicago office is appointment-only. Learn what your case could be worth at 800-229-7989. There is no cost for an initial case review. You only pay our firm if we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.

We Also Serve Clients Throughout Illinois

Chicago is known for the world’s first skyscraper. But Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys continues to reach for new heights in personal injury. Chicago is our Illinois hub; however, we proudly represent injured clients across Illinois.

Our Chicago car accident and truck wreck attorneys handle cases throughout Cook County and across Illinois. We also represent clients in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and premises liability claims.