Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Chicago
Direct Attorney Care Backed by More than $250 Million in Settlements & Verdicts
When a loved one is killed in a car crash, life changes in an instant. You may be planning a funeral, answering questions from police or insurance companies, and trying to support your family, all while dealing with profound grief. In this moment, understanding your legal options can feel overwhelming.
At Driscoll Law Group, our attorneys work directly with families pursuing justice and financial recovery after fatal crashes. We guide families through wrongful death claims and develop a strategy around the circumstances of each case. As a small, family-operated law firm based in the Chicago area, we focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases. We also provide service in Spanish for families who prefer to communicate that way.
We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the crash and your family’s legal options. Call (312) 626-3008 to begin.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Potential factors in a fatal car accident include:
- Reckless or high-speed driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, including texting or using in-car technology
- Running red lights or failing to yield at intersections
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Improper lane changes or unsafe passing in heavy traffic
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance that contribute to loss of control
When we take on a fatal car accident case, we review each factor involved in the collision. A cause identified in an initial police report may require additional review before civil liability is determined, and we evaluate the available evidence carefully before drawing conclusions.
Wrongful Death Claims in Illinois
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a civil action may be brought when a death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have supported a personal injury claim had the person survived. Fatal car accidents frequently give rise to these claims. No criminal charge or conviction is required for a family to pursue a civil wrongful death case.
The action is generally brought by the deceased person’s personal representative, who is an individual authorized to act on behalf of the estate, for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin. We take the time to explain how that process works and what it means for your family specifically.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
Claims arising from a fatal accident can address the financial and personal losses connected to the death. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act recognizes both pecuniary injuries, such as lost financial support, and non-economic losses including grief, sorrow, and mental suffering. While no recovery can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, compensation can help ease the practical burdens that follow.
Depending on whether a wrongful death or survival action applies, recoverable losses may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering
- Loss of companionship
A survival action may be relevant for losses the deceased person sustained between the crash and their death. The recoverable amounts depend on the facts, available evidence, and applicable Illinois law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in IL?
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, an action generally must be commenced within two years from the date of death. The applicable deadline can vary, however, depending on the defendant, the type of claim, and other facts specific to your situation. A family should obtain case-specific legal advice before relying on any deadline calculation.
Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar a claim. Speaking with our Chicago fatal car accident attorneys promptly can preserve important evidence and clarify the timeline that applies to your case.
Direct Attorney Involvement from a Family-Operated Firm
Choosing a lawyer after a loved one’s death is a deeply personal decision. Many families want a team that knows them by name, answers their calls, and understands what they are going through. Driscoll Law Group is a small, family-operated firm based in the Chicago area.
Our structure allows our attorneys to work directly with each family and remain accessible throughout the case. We take time to explain options, prepare you for important steps, and respond when new questions arise. Sean P. Driscoll has been licensed since 2006 and has received Super Lawyers recognition every year from 2017 through 2026, Rising Stars recognition from 2009 through 2016, and recognition by Best Lawyers. Courtney M. Driscoll has been licensed since 2014 and has received Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognition from 2019 through 2026.
Our track record includes securing more than $250 million in settlements and verdicts for clients.
If you’re looking for personal legal guidance after a fatal crash, talk with us about what happened. Call (312) 626-3008 to speak with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
You may have a wrongful death case if your loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct. During a free consultation, we review the crash details, available reports, and your family’s situation to help you understand whether a claim is possible.
Who in My Family Can Bring the Claim?
Under Illinois law, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally brings the wrongful death action for the benefit of eligible surviving beneficiaries, which can include a spouse, adult child, or parent. Eligibility and how any recovery may be distributed depend on the family structure, estate administration, and applicable Illinois law. We explain how this works and help you understand who may serve in that role.
Will Your Attorneys Handle My Case Personally?
Yes. As a small, family-operated firm, our attorneys work directly with the families we represent. You’ll meet directly with a lawyer rather than communicating only with staff, and we remain involved throughout the case. We keep you informed and answer questions throughout your case.
Choose a Firm That Gets Results
A Proven History Of Success
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$3,100,000 Auto Accident
Car accident settlement involving a commercial vehicle.
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$1,450,000 Auto Accident
A 58-year-old male suffered multiple injuries when his vehicle was struck.
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$725,000 Auto Accident
Settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
Investigating a Fatal Car Accident in Chicago
Establishing how a crash occurred and who bears legal responsibility requires a careful review of the available evidence. We evaluate the circumstances of a fatal collision when handling a case and develop strategies tailored to the specific facts involved.
An investigation may draw on a range of materials, including police reports and crash scene documentation, witness statements, photographs of the vehicles and roadway, medical and toxicology records, vehicle inspection findings, and available electronic or surveillance data. Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Records may be discarded, footage may be overwritten, vehicles may be repaired, and witnesses’ memories may fade. Acting promptly helps preserve the information that may matter most.
The investigation should address two questions: how the crash happened and how the death has affected the surviving family members. Both inform the scope of a potential claim.
Potentially Responsible Parties & Insurance Considerations
Not every fatal collision involves a single at-fault driver with a straightforward insurance policy.
Depending on the facts, potentially responsible parties may include:
- A negligent driver
- An employer whose employee was operating a vehicle at the time
- A vehicle owner
- An entity connected to a defect or maintenance failure
- Other parties whose conduct contributed to the crash
Liability is evaluated from the evidence and applicable law rather than assumed from the fact that a death occurred.
Insurance issues add another layer of complexity. Communications with insurers, recorded statements, early settlement offers, and coverage disputes can all affect how a claim proceeds. We handle insurer communications, review requests for recorded statements and settlement offers, and examine coverage questions.
Our practice includes serious personal injury and wrongful death matters involving contested liability and complex claims.
Talk to a Chicago Fatal Car Accident Attorney at No Cost
After a fatal crash, a family’s most pressing questions are often immediate: whether a claim exists, who can bring it, what evidence needs to be preserved, and what happens next. A free initial consultation can help answer those questions, identify the legal paths available, and give your family a clearer sense of what to expect.
We serve clients in Chicago, Harwood Heights, throughout Illinois, and across the United States. Our firm provides service in Spanish. As a small, family-operated firm, our attorneys work directly with the families we represent.
To speak with our team about a fatal car accident in Chicago, call (312) 626-3008 or reach out through our contact page to discuss what happened and your family’s next steps.
Reviews & Testimonials
Our Firm Puts You First
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"I was extremely fortunate to have them representing me."
I was very pleased by the dedication of the Driscoll Law Group in my case. Sean, Courtney, and Laurence Van Der Horst were extremely professional from the very beginning of my case.
- Karen G. -
"Compassionate, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable."
I’m incredibly grateful for his hard work and the professionalism of the entire Driscoll Law team. If you need an attorney who genuinely cares and delivers results, this is the firm to call.
- Dwayne P. -
"I was very happy with his dedication to me and am very pleased with the result."
My family and I were provided security for our future as a result of Sean’s hard work.
- John R. -
"Sean put tremendous efforts into our personal injury case."
Sean’s knowledge of the Law and procedure was extremely impressive. The way he handled our case throughout the process assured us at all times that he always cared for our wellbeing and best interests.
- Robert E. -
"His confidence and experience were desperately needed in the midst of the most difficult experience of our lives."
I have no doubt that his skill as a trial lawyer during the two week trial allowed me and my family to be awarded fair compensation that will last for the rest of our lives.
- Blaine W. -
"Highly recommend."
If I even need help again in his area of expertise I am 100% giving him a call.
- Nicholas R. -
"He will fight tooth and nail for you and your family to get the compensation that you deserve."
Sean Driscoll is a bull when it comes to getting the justice his clients deserve. He will fight tooth and nail for you and your family to get the compensation that you deserve.
- Tom S. -
"Communication was frequent and transparent."
As my lawsuit ended Mr. Driscoll was very helpful and informative in leading me in the right direction that was best for my future.
- David J.
The Right Firm Makes a Difference
Why Clients Choose Driscoll Law Group
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24/7 Help AvailableWhenever you need our lawyers, we're here to help you.
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Providing Service in SpanishLegal support provided by a Spanish-speaking team.
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Hundreds of Millions Recovered for Injured VictimsWork with a law firm that has a history of success.
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We Provide Free ConsultationsLearn how our injury lawyers can help during a free consult.
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Personalized Service and AttentionOur clients work directly with their attorney.
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A Boutique Firm With Big ResultsWe've recovered over $250 million on behalf of our clients.