DuPage County Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Last updated on March 19, 2025

Each year, many families in Illinois suffer the devastating loss of a loved one due to fatal car accidents. According to the 2022 Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) report, there were 1,147 fatal crashes in Illinois, with 21% involving alcohol. These tragedies occur on city streets and highways, including high-risk areas such as Aurora Avenue and South Eagle Street, Warrenville Road, Illinois Route 59, Illinois Route 34 (Ogden Avenue), and Washington Avenue. Fatal accidents have a profound impact, not only emotionally but also financially, with each fatality estimated to cost $1,920,290.

At Marker & Crannell Attorneys At Law P.C., we understand the deep pain and financial burdens families endure after a fatal crash. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-respected by judges and peers alike. Our firm has been voted best of Naperville – a testament to our dedication and excellence in legal representation.

Understanding The Causes Of Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car crashes happen in different ways, and understanding these causes can help strengthen your case:

• Time of day: According to IDOT, the highest number of fatal crashes occur between 6 p.m. and midnight when visibility is low and impaired driving is more common.
• Location: Many deadly accidents occur on state and U.S. routes, including Interstate 88, state Route 59, Illinois Route 34 (Ogden Avenue), and Washington Avenue in DuPage County.
• Cause of death: Many fatalities result from speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI).
• Victims: Fatal crashes often involve pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who are especially vulnerable.

Understanding the details of your case is critical to holding the right parties accountable. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts and investigators to gather crucial evidence and build a strong case.

What Compensation Is Available After A Fatal Accident?

Losing a loved one in a fatal crash comes with overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. Illinois law allows families to seek compensation through wrongful death claims, which can cover:

• Medical expenses: Any hospital bills, emergency care or treatment costs incurred before death.
• Funeral and burial costs: The high costs of laying a loved one to rest should not be a burden on the grieving family.
• Loss of income: If the deceased was a provider, families can recover compensation for lost wages and future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, mental anguish and the loss of companionship are factored into the damages. If the decedent survives for any period of time before passing, a survival claim allows the estate to recover for the pain and suffering the decedent experienced prior to death.
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence (such as DUI-related fatalities), reckless conduct, or intentional conduct, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer. It is important to note that insurance companies do not provide coverage for punitive damages.

The time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois is generally two years from the date of death, but certain factors can alter this deadline. A knowledgeable car crash attorney can assess your case and help you take timely legal action.

Why Work With Marker & Crannell Attorneys At Law P.C.?

Choosing the right lawyer is crucial when facing large insurance companies and corporate legal teams. Marker & Crannell Attorneys At Law P.C. attorneys have secured settlements and verdicts for families in DuPage County and surrounding areas. What makes us different?

• Proven case results: Our attorneys have successfully represented families in high-stakes wrongful death cases. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts to help families rebuild their lives.
• Voted best of Naperville: Our track record speaks for itself – clients trust us because we take cases to trial and secure favorable results.
• Extensive network of experts: We collaborate with leading accident reconstructionists, medical professionals and financial experts to build strong cases and maximize compensation.
• We take cases to trial: Insurance companies know which firms will take a case to trial – and which ones settle for less. We are trial-tested attorneys who fight aggressively for our clients, refusing to accept lowball offers. This doesn’t mean we take every case to trial, but it means we are prepared to if that’s what it takes to obtain full and fair compensation for our clients.
• Personalized legal representation: Every case is unique, and we treat each client with the attention, compassion and dedication they deserve. You are not just another case number to us – you are a family in need of justice. Our lawyers don’t dabble in personal injury cases, this is all we do. Spending our life’s work focusing on one area of law has allowed us to become experts in our field.

If your loved one has been in a fatal car accident, our attorneys are here for you. You are in the right place.

Get The Justice Your Loved One Deserves

A fatal car accident can leave families shattered, but you do not have to face this battle alone. At Marker & Crannell Attorneys At Law P.C., we fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and big businesses accountable in DuPage County, Illinois.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, call 630-912-6009 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Let our attorneys help you seek justice and secure the compensation your family deserves.