No one plans for a car accident. The severe injuries you sustain can leave you with medical bills, health care expenses, and time away from work that you and your family can’t afford. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you need for your recovery.
Call (312) 701-0090 to schedule a free consultation and get the compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Car Accident?
Contact an Attorney at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC Today
Meet Your Chicago Car Accident Attorney: Mark L. Karno
Mark L. Karno is the founding attorney of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC and a respected trial lawyer representing injury victims across Illinois and Florida. From the firm’s Chicago office, he leads a legal team focused on helping individuals and families pursue justice after serious accidents.
With more than four decades of legal experience, Mark handles complex cases involving motor vehicle negligence, trucking accidents, and premises liability. He is also actively involved in professional legal organizations and regularly contributes to discussions on civil litigation and trial practice. Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Awards & Memberships
Why Choose Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC For Your Chicago Car Accident Claim
Proven Experience – Our Chicago car accident attorneys have been protecting the rights of car accident injury victims and their families for over 30 years.
Results – We have obtained numerous multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are committed to helping you secure the maximum compensation for your claim.
Personalized Attention – From the moment you contact our Chicago car accident lawyers, you will receive the personalized attention you deserve and need. We understand that every car accident and every client is unique. We will customize a legal strategy for your specific needs.
Affordability – Our firm will handle your Chicago car accident case on a contingency-fee basis and will pay all costs associated with pursuing your claim upfront. You will pay nothing until we secure compensation for you.
If you or your loved one suffered a severe injury, you may be able to seek damages from the other driver or the company that is responsible for those injuries. Our lawyers help car accident victims recover compensation for costs like medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation and funeral expenses.
What Are Common Causes Of Auto Accidents In Chicago?
Traffic is almost always a problem when driving anywhere in the city. Once even the smallest backup happens, it is not uncommon for the risk of motor vehicle accidents to increase. Some of the most frequent reasons for car accidents in Chicago include:
Distracted driving, such as texting while driving or using a cellphone while behind the wheel
Drunk driving or impaired driving
Drivers who fail to stop leading to rear-end collisions
While you may do everything possible to avoid being involved in a collision, things can happen even if you are constantly practicing safe driving habits. If you are injured due to another’s negligence, you need to make sure you speak to a law firm before you make any decision about your case.
Dealing With The Aftermath Of A Car Crash
The immediate moments after an accident are often critical for the future of your personal injury case. If you or a loved one may have a claim, take photos documenting the condition as it existed at the time of the injury. Then, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to connect your injuries to the crash. Waiting too long to see a doctor could have a very negative impact on your case.
After getting medical care, you might be overwhelmed by all the things you will need to take care of as a result of the accident, and that is where our car accident lawyers can help. We can work with you to address all the issues that are causing you stress and help you get back on track.
What Is The Role Of The Insurance Company In An Auto Accident Case?
Anyone who has been in a crash, especially one where injuries resulted, is going to have to deal with one or more insurance companies. The adjusters will be calling and trying to get you to agree to their settlement proposals. They have a vested interest in getting you to release your injury claims before you have the opportunity to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer.
If you are injured in an accident, after seeking medical treatment, your next move should be to reach out to a law firm experienced in personal injury cases. Knowing what your case is worth can help you get fair compensation to meet your expenses connected to the crash, including medical bills and long-term care costs.
Who Can I Sue After A Car Accident Involving An Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist?
While Illinois law requires motorists to have insurance in order to operate a motor vehicle on the state’s roadways, not all drivers follow this rule or have adequate coverage. If you are injured in one of these accidents, there are still things you can do to collect the compensation you are entitled to receive.
In many cases, your own insurance policy will include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to help you make up any shortages connected to the accident. To get a better view of your options in these situations, you need to talk to one of our Chicago uninsured/underinsured accident lawyers as soon as possible to protect your potential injury claim.
“Do not hesitate to call them.”
Upon contacting Mark L. Karno & Associates, we knew that we were in great hands. Each step of the process was advised to us. Mark is a wonderful person, as are his paralegals. Do not hesitate to call them.
Marlene Nowakowski – Google Review
Who Is Liable For My Chicago Car Accident Injuries?
Liability for your damages depends on the cause of your accident. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago car accident lawyers carefully investigate your accident to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties, ensuring the at-fault parties are held accountable and maximizing the available sources of compensation to pay your damages.
In many Chicago car accident claims, there are multiple liable parties. Some potentially liable parties include:
The at-fault driver– If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, they will usually be liable for your injuries.
The vehicle’s owner– The vehicle owner may be held responsible for your damages in some cases.
A negligent auto repair shop– If an auto repair or maintenance shop failed properly repair or maintain a vehicle and that failure contributed to your accident, the repair shop or negligent mechanic may also be liable.
An employer– If an at-fault driver was on the job at the time of your accident, their employer may also be liable for your damages.
Vehicle manufacturers– If a defective car part, such as faulty brakes or airbags, caused your accident or contributed to the severity of your injuries, a manufacturer may be liable.
Government entities– If a dangerous road condition, such as poorly maintained roads, dangerously designed roads, or malfunctioning traffic signals, contributed to your accident, a government entity may be at fault.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence model that allows fault to be apportioned among multiple parties by percentages. Even if you are partially (less than 51%) at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation from the other at-fault parties. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
How Much Is My Chicago Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your Chicago car accident claim depends on the specific facts of your case. In a successful Chicago car accident claim, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working.
Lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income.
Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings.
Other financial losses and costs incurred due to your accident and injuries.
Other intangible costs and losses incurred due to your accident and injuries.
In rare Chicago car accident cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. However, Illinois law only allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct is especially egregious.
At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago car accident attorneys work tirelessly to recover all available types of damages to maximize your recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File a Chicago Car Accident Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations is a law that establishes a deadline for seeking compensation for damages in a car accident claim. If you miss your deadline, you will not be eligible for compensation.
The Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is two years from the accident. However, there are exceptions to the two-year deadline, so you must promptly consult an experienced Chicago car accident attorney to determine your filing deadline.
Another reason you should quickly seek the help of a car accident attorney is to help preserve vital evidence that may soon be lost, destroyed, or diminished. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago car accident lawyers take fast action to help identify and gather evidence essential to building your strongest case.
“I’m very grateful to Mark Karno & Associates. They got me what I deserved!”
Tracey O’mann
What Should I Do After a Chicago Car Accident?
The actions you take after a car accident can dramatically affect your health and the strength of your case. If you have been involved in a Chicago car accident, taking the following steps can help protect you:
Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
Call the police and report the accident, even if your accident seems minor. You will need an official police report for your claim.
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
Take photos or video footage of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Even if you do not feel injured, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not admit fault and do not provide a recorded statement until you have consulted an experienced Chicago car accident attorney.
Keep all documents related to your accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Consult an experienced Chicago car accident attorney before accepting any settlement offers or signing any documents from the insurance company.
Following these steps can help protect your health and your right to seek compensation for your damages. The attorneys at Mark L. Karno & Associates are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Chicago Car Accidents Attorney?
A skilled attorney can carefully investigate your car accident to help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties. They can take fast action to help preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed and uncover the evidence needed to build your strongest case.
Your attorney can help establish and accurately value all your current and future damages so you know what a fair settlement of your claim would be. They can negotiate a fair settlement for your case as quickly as possible. And if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial to seek the compensation you are entitled to.
Being represented by an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of securing maximum compensation for your damages.
$2.1m
Auto Accidents
Facts: An 8-year-old child and a 2-year-old child were occupants in their relative’s vehicle. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Interstate 80, during a snowstorm…
Facts: An 8-year-old child and a 2-year-old child were occupants in their relative’s vehicle. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Interstate 80, during a snowstorm in Bureau County, Illinois, when the driver lost control of her vehicle, crossed the center median and came to a rest in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 whereupon it was then struck by another vehicle.
Client’s Injuries: The older child was deceased at the scene. The younger child suffered a right occipital skull fracture, extending down to the condyle; severe traumatic brain injury; posttraumatic hydrocephalus; left temporal intracranial hemorrhage and contusion; subdural hygroma (interval development); ruptured spleen; bleeding in the left chest cavity; left proximal femur fracture; bronchial trauma; respiratory failure; and left liver lobe laceration.
The next of kin of the deceased child received $450,000.00. The younger child, who was hospitalized for nearly two years, received the remaining $1,650,000.00.
$1.15m
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was a passenger in an SUV that was stopped for a red light when it was rear-ended by a van while exiting…
Facts: Our client was a passenger in an SUV that was stopped for a red light when it was rear-ended by a van while exiting Midway Airport.
Client’s Injuries: Disk herniation at C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 requiring an anterior cervical discectomy, decompression and fusion with plating on two occasions. After the second operative procedure, our client continued to have pain issues that were not resolving, resulting in a diagnosis of permanent nerve damage at C-6 and complex regional pain syndrome.
$997.5k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was traveling northbound in the right lane on a public highway when the defendant who was also traveling northbound made a right-hand…
Facts: Our client was traveling northbound in the right lane on a public highway when the defendant who was also traveling northbound made a right-hand turn from the left lane in an attempt to turn onto the eastbound intersecting street.
Client’s Injuries: Right knee injury which developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
$800k
Auto Accidents
Facts: In the early morning, our client was awakened to a sound of what she described as rainfall which seemed to be coming from the…
Facts: In the early morning, our client was awakened to a sound of what she described as rainfall which seemed to be coming from the basement of her duplex apartment. As she got up, she began walking on the hardwood floors toward the stairs leading to the basement to check on her daughter was asleep downstairs. However, before reaching the stairs, she was caused to slip and fall on water that had emanated from the kitchen due to the kitchen sink pipes that had burst. Our client had previously notified the property manager multiple times of the issue with the kitchen sink pipes.
Client’s Injuries: Cervical disc herniation requiring a multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and spinal fusion.
$750k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was operating a CTA Flex bus which was stopped at a bus stop when her vehicle was struck from behind by a…
Facts: Our client was operating a CTA Flex bus which was stopped at a bus stop when her vehicle was struck from behind by a Tractor Trailer.
Injuries: Our client received extensive injuries to her neck and back including a cervical fusion 7 the doctors recommended she undergo a micro discectomy to her lower back.
$653.7k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was a passenger in an automobile that was stopped for a red traffic light at North Avenue and Ashland Avenue when it…
Facts: Our client was a passenger in an automobile that was stopped for a red traffic light at North Avenue and Ashland Avenue when it was rear-ended by a CTA bus.
Client’s Injuries: Aggravation of pre-existing lumbar disk disease and lumbar stenosis that had been operated upon one year prior to this collision, resulting in a revision surgery consisting of a decompressive laminectomy from L2-S1 with pedicle screw instrumentation and posterolateral fusion. The client also suffered from a postoperative infection.
$500k
Auto Accidents
Facts: While on active duty as a Chicago police officer, our client was operating an SUV that was struck by another vehicle that disobeyed a…
Facts: While on active duty as a Chicago police officer, our client was operating an SUV that was struck by another vehicle that disobeyed a stop sign.
Client’s Injuries: Headaches and hearing problems; left shoulder contusion resulting in a left avulsion scapular fracture, a shoulder labral tear derangement, traumatic acromioclavicular shoulder joint osteoarthritis, a shoulder strain and suspraspianatus tendinopathy causing severe should pain, tenderness and swelling; a left forearm contusion resulting with 8×4 cm abrasion and a radial fracture causing a large opened wound, an elbow fracture; a chest wall contusion causing left rib fractures sharp left side torso pain, shortness of breath, tenderness, stiffness, swelling and dizziness; a foot contusion and a 5th metatarsal base fracture on the right foot resulting in sharp right foot pain radiating into the toe, swelling and the need to wear a cast, a cam walker boot, cane, and use of crutches.
$475k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was employed as a car salesman in Libertyville, IL. A fellow employee had requested that our client accompany him in order to…
Facts: Our client was employed as a car salesman in Libertyville, IL. A fellow employee had requested that our client accompany him in order to pick up a car at another dealership and drive it back to their employer’s dealership when the vehicle was rear ended by the Defendant.
Client’s Injuries: Neck and back pain; cervical and lumbar strain; contusion of the lower back; injury affecting the posterior neck and C-spine including myofascial pain syndrome; radiculopathy; chronic pain; anxiety; depression; cognitive deficits; history of brain injury; difficulty ambulating; and, balance impairment.
$350k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was a pedestrian crossing Ashland Avenue on Division Street when she was struck by a Doordash delivery driver. Client’s Injuries: Fractures to…
Facts: Our client was a pedestrian crossing Ashland Avenue on Division Street when she was struck by a Doordash delivery driver.
Client’s Injuries: Fractures to the Superior Lateral left Orbital Rim with extension to the sinus region; depressed fracture of the inferior orbital wall; fractures of the anterior and posterior wall of the left maxillary sinus; fracture through the nasal arch with additional fractures in the remaining septum; and fractures in the left periorbital, left pre-maxillary and nasal bridge. Our client was also diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a brain bleed, and serious facial scarring.
$275k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was traveling northbound on Lake Shore Drive on his Yamaha motorcycle when he was rear-ended by the defendant’s vehicle causing him to…
Facts: Our client was traveling northbound on Lake Shore Drive on his Yamaha motorcycle when he was rear-ended by the defendant’s vehicle causing him to fly off the motorcycle and sustain injuries. The defendant attempted to claim that our client merged directly in front of him at which point he was unable to stop in time. Our client denied ever merging into the defendant’s lane of traffic.
Client’s Injuries: Acute comminuted displaced fracture of the distal shaft of the right tibia requiring debridement and open reduction surgery.
$273.5k
Auto Accidents
Facts: At the intersection of 34th Street and 61st Court in Cicero, Illinois. The plaintiff, Alicia Padilla, was traveling eastbound on 34th Street and the…
Facts: At the intersection of 34th Street and 61st Court in Cicero, Illinois. The plaintiff, Alicia Padilla, was traveling eastbound on 34th Street and the defendant Mussa Muhammed was traveling northbound on 61st Court at the time of the occurrence. It was alleged that the Mussa Muhammad failed to yield the right of way to Alicia Padilla.
Client’s Injuries: Ruptured intervertebral disc at L4-L5 requiring a lumbar laminectomy.
$250k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was driving down a road when the defendant, suddenly and without warning, made a left hand turn, striking our client and his…
Facts: Our client was driving down a road when the defendant, suddenly and without warning, made a left hand turn, striking our client and his vehicle.
Client’s Injuries: Fractured hip which required surgery.
$250k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Lake Shore Drive when he was struck head on by the defendant’s motor vehicle.…
Facts: Our client was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Lake Shore Drive when he was struck head on by the defendant’s motor vehicle.
Client’s Injuries: Cervical spine strain; sprain and lumbos-sacral spine strain/sprain; right shoulder strain/sprain with rotators cuff injury; low back pain syndrome.
$200k
Auto Accidents
Case Name: Robert Ruyle v. State Farm Insurance Company American Arbitration Association Case No.: 51 2000 01398 04 Facts: A retired high school shop teacher…
Case Name: Robert Ruyle v. State Farm Insurance Company American Arbitration Association Case No.: 51 2000 01398 04
Facts: A retired high school shop teacher was driving an automobile that was stopped for a red light at Lincoln and Veterans’ Parkway in Bloomington, Illinois, when it was rear-ended by a car operated by another driver. Our client incurred $70,531 in medical bills and incurred an additional $129,000 in damages for contractors he had to hire to finish a home remodeling project that he was engaged in at the time of the collision. Shelter Mutual Insurance Company had previously paid its entire $50,000 policy limits.
Client’s Injuries: Broad based disk protrusions at C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 and C7-T1 with bilateral neural stenosis and encroachment upon the thecal sac; spurring at C3-C4 to the right side with compression to the right neural foramen with facet joint arthropathy, degeneration/desiccation of the L2-L3, L4-L5 and L4-S1 intervertebral disks, 3mm right paracentral herniation of the L5-S1 disk, hypostasis of 2nd and 3rd finger of left hand, and chronic C8 radiculopathy in the right arm. As a result of the injuries that he sustained in this occurrence, he underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7.
$145k
Auto Accidents
Facts: Our client was traveling southbound on Clinton Street in downtown Chicago and was approaching an intersection with a green light. The Defendant who was…
Facts: Our client was traveling southbound on Clinton Street in downtown Chicago and was approaching an intersection with a green light. The Defendant who was traveling westbound on Tilden and who had a stop sign, pulled out directly in front of our client causing our client to strike the Defendant’s vehicle.
Client’s Injuries: Fracture of the right distal radius which required surgical repair.
$110k
Auto Accidents
110,000 ($100,000 policy limits from one driver and $10,000 from another driver) Facts: Our client was traveling southbound on a public highway while the first…
110,000 ($100,000 policy limits from one driver and $10,000 from another driver)
Facts: Our client was traveling southbound on a public highway while the first Defendant was traveling northbound. Suddenly and without warning, a second Defendant was traveling westbound and had a collision with the first Defendant which in turn, collided into the vehicle being operated by our client.
Client’s Injuries: Sprains and strains of shoulder and upper arm, superior glenoid labrum lesion.
With decades of personal injury litigation experience, our lawyers know how to thoroughly investigate motor vehicle accidents and build a solid, evidence-based case with the right experts and recover the compensation you and your family need.
We provide every client with straightforward, pragmatic advice on settling your auto accident case or filing a lawsuit and taking it to trial. We are fully prepared and have the resources to take your case as far as it needs to go.
Our personal injury law firm represents clients from Chicago and communities throughout Illinois. We take each injury case on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid until you do.
Contact the law offices of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers.
