Long Grove, IL (May 12, 2026) — On Monday, May 11, emergency units were dispatched to the scene of a serious two-vehicle accident at the junction of Lake Cook Road and Hicks Road.
Medical personnel provided on-site aid to those involved in the collision. While injuries have been reported, the extent and nature of those injuries have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
The cause of the wreck remains under investigation.
We hope that everyone hurt in this accident makes a full and rapid recovery.
How Does Illinois’ Modified Comparative Negligence Rule Affect Your Recovery?
In Illinois, your compensation after a collision depends on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver. Under the state’s Modified Comparative Negligence standard, understanding fault is a mechanical necessity to avoid minimized payouts. To protect your rights, you must secure the official Lake County Sheriff's report and consult a professional to ensure your role in the accident is not unfairly exaggerated by the other party's insurer.
Under Illinois law, you can only recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. If you are found to be the primary cause (51% or more responsible), you are legally barred from receiving any compensation. A lawyer acts as an advocate to investigate crash mechanics, such as speed and signal status, to prove the other driver’s negligence was the dominant factor.
If you are partially at fault (but under 51%), your compensation is reduced by your percentage of negligence. For instance, being 20% liable for a $100,000 claim reduces your recovery to $80,000. You have the right to a defense that challenges every point of fault. An attorney uses evidence like skid marks and black box data to minimize your liability, ensuring you keep as much of your settlement as possible.
Lastly, third-party witnesses often provide the only objective resolution to conflicting driver accounts. You have the right to have these statements officially documented and preserved. A lawyer can locate and interview bystanders to counter false narratives from the at-fault driver’s insurance. This independent testimony is often the deciding factor in preventing an unfair shift of blame onto an innocent victim.
At The Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, we know the local laws inside and out and can help so your case value isn't affected.
To speak with a car accident lawyer about your situation, you can contact The Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro at 847-243-8917 to discuss your next steps.
Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. so our team can promptly review and update the content to maintain accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney–client relationship and is not intended as a solicitation for legal services. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.
