How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Chicago, IL?

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline comes from Illinois’ statute of limitations for injury claims and applies to many car, pedestrian, and other personal injury cases.

If your claim involves a local government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle or a dangerous condition on public property, shorter deadlines often apply, commonly one year for many claims against local public entities, along with additional procedural requirements.

Acting promptly helps your legal team preserve important evidence, including witness statements, accident scene documentation, and medical records, and supports proper filing within the required timeframe.