Illinois Car Accident Lawyer
Serving Injured Victims and Families Across Illinois for Over 75 Years
Trusted Since 1945 | Record Verdicts | No Fee Unless We Win
When you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash anywhere in Illinois, you deserve a law firm with the experience, integrity, and results to stand up for you.
At Phillips Law Offices, we’ve represented accident victims throughout the state — from Chicago and Naperville to Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford — for more than seven decades.
Founded in 1945 by John D. Phillips, our firm has grown into one of Illinois’ most respected and experienced personal injury law firms. Today, Steve Phillips, his sons Stephen and Michael Phillips, and their legal team continue the legacy of fighting relentlessly for injured people and their families.
“Our family has fought for injured Illinois families for over 75 years — and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
— Steve Phillips, Managing Partner
📞 Call (312) 346-4262 for a Free Consultation or Contact Us — No Fee Unless We Win
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices
Experience. Results. Integrity. Compassion.
When you hire Phillips Law Offices, you’re hiring a team that has:
- Over 75 years of continuous service to Illinois families
- Hundreds of millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
- A record-setting $25 million verdict for a family whose loved one was killed by a drunk driver
- Respected trial attorneys who teach, lecture, and lead in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- A proven record handling everything from catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases to everyday auto collisions
We handle every case as if it were our only one — because to you, it is.
Understanding Illinois Car Accident Law
When you’ve been hurt in a crash, understanding how Illinois car accident law works can make all the difference in your recovery. Illinois follows specific rules for determining fault, assigning responsibility, and setting time limits for filing claims. Knowing these basics — and having an experienced attorney guide you — ensures that you protect your rights and don’t lose valuable compensation.
Illinois Is an At-Fault State
Illinois operates under an at-fault insurance system, which means the driver who caused the crash is legally responsible for paying for the resulting injuries and property damage. Their insurance company must compensate victims for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs.
If you’re injured in a car accident, your attorney will file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer — not your own — and work to prove negligence. Evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, medical records, and witness statements can all play a critical role in establishing who was at fault.
Because insurance companies often dispute or delay legitimate claims, having a skilled Illinois car accident lawyer on your side from the beginning helps you level the playing field and protect your rights.
Comparative Negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)
Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the crash — as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds that your case is worth $100,000 but also finds that you were 20% responsible, your final award would be $80,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto victims to minimize payouts. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics through thorough investigation, expert testimony, and careful case preparation, ensuring that fault is assigned accurately and fairly.
Statute of Limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
Illinois law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and missing it can permanently bar your claim — even if your injuries are serious and the other driver’s fault is clear.
There are limited exceptions. For example, minors and individuals under legal disability may have additional time to file. But for most adults, the two-year clock begins on the day of the crash.
Because vital evidence — such as vehicle data, surveillance footage, and witness memories — can fade quickly, it’s best to contact a lawyer immediately after an accident. If you’re unsure whether your deadline has passed, reach out to Phillips Law Offices for a free consultation with an experienced Illinois car accident attorney who can review your situation and preserve your rights.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Illinois
Based on decades of courtroom experience — and as shared in our Navigating Negligence podcast — here’s what we tell every client:
1. Check for Safety First
Move yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way. Do not stay in the roadway to take photos.
“We’ve seen too many cases where a disabled vehicle was struck again by a distracted driver. Get off the roadway. Safety first.”
2. Call 911
Report the accident to police and request medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later.
3. Document the Scene
Take wide-angle photos of all vehicles, skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
“There’s no such thing as too many photos. Physical evidence doesn’t lie.”
4. Contact Your Own Insurance Company — Not Theirs
Notify your own insurer promptly.
Never speak to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting your lawyer.
5. Speak to an Experienced Illinois Car Accident Attorney
Before giving any statement, signing any form, or accepting any settlement, call Phillips Law Offices. We’ll protect your rights and preserve your case.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM/UM) in Illinois
Thousands of Illinois drivers are uninsured or carry only the state minimum of $25,000 — which barely covers an emergency room visit.
We strongly recommend carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. This coverage steps in if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
“It’s worth every dime. Too many families learn too late that the other driver only had the minimum coverage.”
— Steve Phillips
Common Causes of Illinois Car Accidents
Our firm has handled virtually every type of crash imaginable, including:
- Distracted driving (texting, cell phone use, eating, or grooming)
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Unsafe lane changes and tailgating
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Commercial truck and rideshare collisions
No matter how it happened, we know how to prove fault, preserve evidence, and recover maximum compensation.
Real Case Results
$25 Million Record Verdict – Wrongful Death
A 40-year marriage ended tragically when a drunk driver, overserved by two restaurants, killed our client’s husband. The jury returned a record-setting $25 million verdict — one of Indiana’s largest wrongful death verdicts, achieved by our Illinois team.
$550,000 Settlement – Surgical Error After Car Crash
A 32-year-old man injured in an auto collision underwent back surgery at the wrong spinal level. After three weeks of trial, we secured a $550,000 settlement just before closing arguments.
Each case tells the same story: relentless advocacy, honest communication, and justice for our clients.
⚖️ Our Attorneys
At Phillips Law Offices, our team carries forward three generations of dedication to justice. Each attorney brings a unique blend of courtroom experience, compassion, and relentless advocacy for the injured.
Stephen D. Phillips leads Phillips Law Offices with more than four decades of experience as one of Illinois’ preeminent trial lawyers. A former President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, he is nationally recognized for his record verdicts and leadership in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
Stephen is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers, honors limited to the most accomplished trial attorneys in the world.
His practice includes catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, aviation, product liability, trucking, and construction accident cases. Known for his tireless preparation and integrity in the courtroom, Stephen has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of injured individuals and families across Illinois.
A third-generation attorney, Stephen J. Phillips represents clients in serious injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. He combines deep compassion for victims with the sharp trial instincts developed through years of hands-on litigation.
Stephen earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Michigan.
As host of the firm’s Navigating Negligence podcast, Stephen helps educate Illinois residents on injury law and safety. His calm leadership and attention to detail make him a trusted advocate for clients during life’s most difficult moments.
Michael Phillips focuses his practice on auto accidents, catastrophic injuries, and complex personal injury litigation. Recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Michael brings energy, precision, and modern strategy to each case.
He has been nominated to the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Advocates, where he contributes to advancing plaintiff advocacy statewide.
Clients and colleagues alike praise Michael for his empathy, courtroom preparation, and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.
For nearly 30 years, Terry Quinn has been a cornerstone of Phillips Law Offices, representing clients in serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Illinois.
He is widely respected for his experience in medical malpractice, trucking and auto negligence, product liability, and construction accident litigation.
Terry is an active member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice.
His reputation for thorough preparation and persuasive advocacy has earned him the respect of judges, peers, and clients across the state.
Alec Mesrobian is an integral part of the Phillips trial team, focusing on complex injury and wrongful death cases.
He earned his J.D. from UIC School of Law and his undergraduate degree in Justice and Law from American University.
Alec plays a critical role in case investigation, legal research, motion practice, and trial strategy, ensuring that every client receives thorough, detail-oriented representation.
📍 Phillips Law Offices
161 N Clark St, Suite 4925
Chicago, IL 60601
📞 (312) 346-4262
What Our Clients Say
At Phillips Law Offices, our greatest measure of success is the trust our clients place in us. Every case we take on represents a real person, a real family, and a real story of recovery. Here’s what a few of our clients have shared about their experience working with our firm:
The entire team did a phenomenal job.
“The wife of a close friend was injured in a serious car crash downstate several years ago. With the statute of limitations about to expire, she was referred to Phillips Law Offices and hired them just days before the deadline. Despite the challenges, Steve Phillips and his team took immediate action, gathered the evidence, and fought tirelessly for her case. After months of strategic work and tough negotiations, they secured a significant award for her injuries. Watching the professionalism, compassion, and persistence of the entire team left a lasting impression. I would recommend Phillips Law Offices to anyone who needs serious, experienced lawyers who genuinely care about their clients.”
— Jonathan Schatz
Steve Phillips and his staff were fabulous.
“My son and I were injured in an auto accident on Christmas Day while driving to a family dinner. Another driver ran a red light at Damen, Elston, and Fullerton, pushing our car into oncoming traffic. I suffered broken ribs and was overwhelmed by the situation. After asking around, several family members — who are attorneys themselves — told me to call Steve Phillips. From our first conversation, I knew I was in good hands. Mr. Phillips and his staff were caring, responsive, and handled every aspect of the case. They made sure we received proper medical care and guided us through every step until the case was resolved. I am deeply grateful for their professionalism and kindness during such a difficult time.”
— Theresa Proietto
I’ve known Steve Phillips for over 30 years.
“I first met Steve Phillips through his father, John, back in the early 1980s. Over the decades, I’ve watched Steve become one of the premier trial lawyers in Illinois — perhaps in the entire country. When my daughter was in a rear-end collision a few years ago, my first call was to Steve. He immediately assured me that his team would take care of everything, and that’s exactly what they did. They gathered the facts, assessed the injuries, and managed the process seamlessly. My daughter received the medical care and settlement she needed to move on with her life. As a father, I can’t express enough gratitude for the peace of mind we felt knowing Steve and his team were handling it all.”
— David C. Legner
Each of these stories reflects what we strive for in every case — exceptional legal representation, honest communication, and a deep commitment to our clients’ well-being.
📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident anywhere in Illinois, contact Phillips Law Offices today for a free consultation at (312) 346-4262.
Experience. Compassion. Results. That’s our promise.
Serving Clients Across Illinois
From our Chicago office, Phillips Law Offices proudly represents clients in communities statewide:
- Cook County: Chicago Car Accident Lawyer, Oak Park, Evanston
- DuPage County: Naperville, Wheaton, Elmhurst
- Lake County: Waukegan, Gurnee
- Will County: Joliet
- Kane County: Elgin, Geneva, Bartlett
- Central & Southern Illinois: Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, Belleville, Champaign
Wherever your accident occurred — we’ll fight for you.
Illinois Car Accident FAQs
What should I do right after a crash?
Move to safety, call 911, take photos, and contact your own insurer. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most car accident injury claims in Illinois must be filed within two years from the accident date (735 ILCS 5/13-202).
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. Factors include injury severity, medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects. We’ll evaluate your case honestly and fight for full compensation.
How much does it cost to hire Phillips Law Offices?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis — No Fee Unless We Win.
Why Experience Matters
When you’ve been injured in a car crash, the insurance company has trained adjusters and defense lawyers protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours.
For over 75 years, the Phillips family has built a reputation for trial excellence, honest advocacy, and unwavering dedication to clients across Illinois.
“We’ve been entrusted with the lives of people. That’s not something we take lightly.”
— Stephen Phillips
If you or a loved one has been injured, let our experience work for you.
📞 Call Phillips Law Offices at (312) 346-4262
Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win