The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C.

Chicago Illinois Accident Lawyers

Call us: (312) 263-1080

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What is the statute of limitations for an Illinois car accident lawsuit?

In general, the statute of limitations for a car accident in Illinois is 2 years from the date of the car crash.  This means that, for example, if you were rear-ended while at a stop light in Chicago (or any other place in Illinois, for that matter), you would have 2 years from that date to file a lawsuit against any responsible parties.  The case does not have to be resolved by that time, and unfortunately, many cases last longer than 2 years – all that has to be done protect your rights is to have the lawsuit filed by that time.

However, even though the law gives you up tp 2 years in which to file a lawsuit, there are at least 5 good reasons to hire a Chicago personal  injury lawyer before the statute of limitations is about to expire.

There are a couple of exceptions to the 2 year statute of limitations for Illinois car accidents:

  •  If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle belonging to a local governmental entity, such as a park district, city, or county, the statute of limitations is only 1 year from the date of the car crash.
  • If a child under the age of 18 is involved in an accident with a car, such as being the passenger in a car or hit while riding a bike or hit by a car while a pedestrian, the child would have until his or her 20th birthday in which to file suit, or 19th birthday if a local governmental entity is involved.  See our article on handling cases for injured children for more information.

 

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Practice Areas

  • Auto Accident
  • Slip And Fall Accidents
  • Work Related Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Construction Accidents

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What our clients are saying

I would highly recommend Barry to anyone seeking an attorney.
—John

I would absolutely, unequivocally say that Barry Doyle is a top injury attorney.
—Cedric McL.

Barry took the time to make me feel that my case and my feelings were important to him. He’s not your typical attorney.
—Pam

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Skokie, IL

  • 4709 West Golf Road, Suite 1140
    Skokie, IL 60076
  • Phone: (312) 263-1080
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Chicago, IL

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    10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2160
    Chicago, IL 60603
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    15255 South 94th Avenue, 5th Floor
    Orland Park, IL 60462
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