Frequently Asked Questions

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, pedestrian injuries, and other personal injury claims. If you wait too long, your case could be permanently barred. For claims involving government entities (like falling on a city sidewalk), deadlines may be shorter — sometimes as little as one year. It’s always best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Yes — especially if you’re injured. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts, even when the other driver was clearly at fault. They may offer low settlements, delay responses, or pressure you to sign away your rights. A Chicago car accident lawyer levels the playing field and fights for what you’re actually owed — including medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.

• Call 911 and file a police report
• Get medical attention immediately (even for minor symptoms)
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
• Exchange insurance info with all parties
• Don’t admit fault or apologize — even casually
• Contact a personal injury attorney before talking to insurance adjusters

Every detail you document can help support your auto injury claim later.

Rideshare cases are unique because coverage depends on the driver's status:

• If the Uber/Lyft app was off = driver’s personal insurance applies
• App on, no ride accepted = limited coverage applies
• App on, ride accepted or in-progress = $1M commercial policy covers your injuries
•  Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, we’ll determine which policy applies and handle the insurance companies for you.

Maybe. Illinois law doesn’t always require property owners to remove naturally accumulated snow or ice. However, if your fall was caused by negligent maintenance, poor drainage, icy puddles that refroze, broken railings, or a known hazard, you may have a premises liability claim. We’ve helped many clients injured in Chicago apartment buildings, stores, restaurants, and sidewalks.

The value of your case depends on several factors:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income or job impact
• Pain and suffering
• Whether you were partially at fault
• Long-term injuries or disability
• Emotional trauma or PTSD
• Insurance policy limits

We’ll evaluate everything and give you an honest estimate during your free consultation. Chicago car accident settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands — or more — depending on these factors.

It varies. Some auto accident cases settle in a few months. Others, especially those involving serious injuries or disputed fault, may take a year or more. Slip and fall or rideshare injury claims may also involve extended timelines. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and always work toward the fastest, fairest resolution.

Not always. Most cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement. But if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to file a lawsuit and fight in court. At Saperstein Law Group, P.C. we prepare every case as if it will go to trial — because that’s how we get results.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 and found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000. Fault is often contested by insurance — we fight to make sure blame isn’t unfairly shifted onto you.

You may still be covered under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Many Chicago hit-and-run victims recover compensation this way. These claims are often tricky and denied without legal help. We’ll review your policy and represent you in dealing with your insurer.

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

That’s okay — but don’t sign anything or accept a settlement before speaking with a lawyer. You could accidentally waive your right to full compensation. We can take over communication and negotiations at any stage.

That’s very common. Symptoms like whiplash, concussions, or back pain may not appear immediately. It’s important to seek medical care and document any delayed symptoms. You can still file a claim even if your pain started later.

Yes. If a loved one was seriously injured or is unable to represent themselves (e.g., due to age, disability, or severe trauma), you may be able to file a claim on their behalf as a legal guardian or personal representative.

Possibly. These claims are typically covered by the homeowner’s or landlord’s liability insurance — not your friend personally. We handle these situations with care and discretion so you can pursue fair compensation without causing unnecessary tension.

Any injury caused by someone else’s negligence may qualify, including:

• Neck and back injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Head injuries and concussions
• Knee, shoulder, or joint injuries
• Nerve damage
• Psychological injuries (like PTSD or anxiety)
• Wrongful death (on behalf of a loved one)

If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies, call us — it costs nothing to find out.

Yes. While we’re based in Chicago, we serve clients throughout Cook County and the surrounding areas, including Skokie, Evanston, Oak Park, Lincolnwood, Niles, Cicero, and more. We’re happy to discuss your case no matter where in Illinois your accident happened.

Don’t give up. Insurance companies often deny valid claims hoping people won’t fight back. We regularly help clients reverse denied claims and recover compensation through evidence, negotiation, or legal action.