Buffalo Grove Auto Accident Lawyer

Protecting Auto Accident Victims in Buffalo Grove and Surrounding Communities

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in Illinois, and residents of Buffalo Grove are no exception. Every day, drivers along Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove Road, and Milwaukee Avenue are exposed to heavy commuter traffic, distracted drivers, and high-risk intersections. While many traffic accidents are minor fender benders, others result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever.

At SJ Injury Law, we represent victims of auto accidents throughout Buffalo Grove and the surrounding suburbs. Whether a distracted driver struck you, rear-ended you in stop-and-go traffic, injured you in a multi-vehicle collision, or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, our firm is committed to fighting for your rights under Illinois law. We understand how overwhelming the days and weeks after a crash can feel, and we are here to provide guidance, support, and aggressive legal advocacy.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove’s location along major suburban corridors makes it a hub for commuter traffic and a frequent site of collisions. Dundee Road, especially near Buffalo Grove Road, is one of the busiest and most hazardous stretches in the village, with a high frequency of rear-end and side-impact crashes. Buffalo Grove Road itself is a north-south commuter artery where high speeds and frequent stoplights increase risks. Milwaukee Avenue carries heavy commercial traffic, including trucks, which adds another layer of danger.

Neighborhood roads near schools, shopping centers, and parks also create hazards for pedestrians and bicyclists. Even parking lots at places like The Grove Shopping Center have been the scene of serious crashes involving inattentive drivers. These local realities underscore why Buffalo Grove residents need attorneys who understand not only Illinois accident law but also the roads and intersections where these incidents happen.

Local Courts and Hospitals

Auto accident lawsuits from Buffalo Grove are typically filed in either Cook County or Lake County, depending on where the crash occurred. Victims often find their cases heard at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse (Cook County) or the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan. Both courts have specific filing procedures and requirements, which our firm navigates regularly.

Injured victims are often transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, or Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. These facilities provide critical emergency and trauma care, and the medical records generated there are vital in proving the severity of injuries.

Illinois Laws That Affect Auto Accident Claims

Illinois law provides important protections for auto accident victims, but these protections must be pursued carefully.

• Statute of Limitations – Victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to recover compensation.
• Comparative Negligence Rule – Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you may recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but recovery is barred if you are more than 50 percent responsible. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Illinois Vehicle Code – The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) governs traffic rules, including prohibitions on distracted driving, DUI laws, and road rules. Many accident claims arise directly from violations of these laws.
• Wrongful Death Claims – When a crash results in death, families may seek justice under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) for funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional harm.

Understanding these statutes and applying them to your case requires an attorney who is well-versed in both state law and local court procedures.

Types of Auto Accidents in Buffalo Grove

Auto accidents in Buffalo Grove occur in many different ways. Some of the most common include:

• Rear-End Collisions – Common on Dundee Road and Buffalo Grove Road, where sudden stops often lead to crashes.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes – Frequently occur at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups – More likely on high-speed roads or during poor weather conditions.
• Distracted Driving Accidents – Often caused by texting, phone calls, or in-car distractions.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving – Still a major problem across Illinois, with devastating consequences.
• Commercial Vehicle Collisions – Crashes involving delivery trucks or semis on Milwaukee Avenue can cause catastrophic injuries.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents – Increasingly common in suburban areas, leaving victims to pursue uninsured motorist coverage.

Each type of crash presents unique liability issues, and an attorney’s role is to investigate thoroughly and prove fault.

Common Injuries From Buffalo Grove Auto Accidents

The injuries sustained in auto accidents are often severe. Whiplash, back injuries, and herniated discs are frequent in rear-end crashes. Fractures and broken bones occur in nearly every type of accident, especially in high-speed collisions. Victims may also suffer head and brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can cause long-term memory loss, headaches, and cognitive difficulties.

More serious crashes can cause spinal cord injuries, leaving victims with partial or complete paralysis. Internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding may not be visible immediately, but can be life-threatening. Victims may also face burns, lacerations, and amputations in catastrophic crashes, particularly those involving trucks or multi-vehicle pileups.

Beyond the physical injuries, many victims experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety about driving. These conditions are real and compensable under Illinois law when properly documented and substantiated.

Stages of an Auto Accident Claim

An auto accident claim in Buffalo Grove follows several key stages. The process begins with an investigation, which includes obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and securing traffic camera or surveillance footage. In severe cases, we may work with accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash occurred.

The next stage is filing the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or, if necessary, filing a lawsuit in Cook or Lake County court.

From there, the case enters negotiation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, claiming injuries are exaggerated or that the victim contributed to the crash. Skilled negotiation backed by strong evidence is critical.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to litigation, involving discovery, depositions, expert testimony, and pre-trial motions. If necessary, the case may proceed before a jury, where we present evidence and advocate for justice on behalf of our clients.

Ultimately, the case is resolved through either a settlement or a trial verdict, with compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Why Victims Need Legal Representation

Auto accident cases may seem straightforward, but they are actually legally complex. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose sole job is to pay as little as possible. Victims who attempt to handle their claims alone often face delays, lowball offers, or outright denials.

At SJ Injury Law, we build each case from the ground up. We collect accident reconstruction evidence, subpoena phone records when distracted driving is suspected, and consult with medical experts to prove the extent of injuries. We also account for damages beyond immediate medical bills, including loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation expenses, and long-term pain and suffering.

Illinois law creates additional hurdles, including comparative negligence arguments and procedural requirements, in Cook and Lake Counties. Our attorneys know how to overcome these challenges and ensure that every detail of your case is fully developed.

Why Choose SJ Injury Law

Attorney Keith Shindler has recovered more than $155 million for injury victims across Illinois and Wisconsin. With offices in Schaumburg and Milwaukee, SJ Injury Law has both local presence and regional strength.

We are deeply familiar with the local roads, hospitals, and courthouses that shape Buffalo Grove accident cases. Insurance companies are aware of our reputation for thorough preparation and our willingness to take cases to trial, which often results in stronger settlement offers for our clients.

Just as important, we put our clients first. You will not be passed off to junior staff or left wondering about the progress of your case. Our team provides regular updates, personal attention, and the reassurance that your case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves. 

Our motto says it all – Let Us Help You Claim Your Justice®! We are also proud to represent Spanish-speaking clients. Se Habla Español.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Grove Auto Accidents

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Car Accident In Illinois?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Claims filed after this period are usually barred.

What Compensation Could I Recover?

Victims may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation, property damage, pain and suffering, and permanent disability. Families in wrongful death cases may recover funeral expenses and loss of support.

What If The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Blames Me?

Illinois’ comparative negligence law allows recovery if you are less than 51 percent at fault. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate to minimize any blame assigned to you and maximize your compensation.

What If The At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured Or Fled The Scene?

You may still pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our firm helps clients in filing these claims and exploring other potential sources of recovery.

Will My Case Go To Trial?

Many auto accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case for litigation from day one. If a trial becomes necessary, we are fully ready to present evidence in court.