How much does it cost to hire Dean for a car accidents case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Dean offer a free consultation?

Dean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Dean's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Dean take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

Dean is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dean will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Dean?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Dean accepting new car accidents clients right now?

Dean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Dean Caras, Car Accidents Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Civil Rights, and Dog Bites · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatCaras Law Group

Chicago, IL

Practicing car accidents in Chicago since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
7: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Civil Rights Dog Bites General Litigation Medical Malpractice +7 more →

Are you Dean Caras?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Dean Caras is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Civil Rights, and Dog Bites. Dean has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Caras Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Civil Rights · Dog Bites

Handles Car Accidents, Civil Rights, and Dog Bites matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Dean's practice areas in Chicago

Dean concentrates on car accidents, civil rights, dog bites, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dean handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes car accidents matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dean agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes civil rights matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dean agrees to represent you.

Dog Bites cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes dog bites matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dean agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dean agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois

Dean takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dean agrees to represent you.

Biography

Dean Caras, car accidents attorney serving Chicago

Education: American University (B.A., International Studies, 1982)

Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1985)

Admitted to the Bar: 1985 Illinois and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

1986 New York

1992 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

2000 U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit

2001 U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Member: SuperLawyers – Chicago 2007

Areas of specialty: Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents, Wrongful Death, Workers’ Compensation, Civil Rights, Railroad Injury.

Dean's approach to car accidents cases

Education: American University (B.A., International Studies, 1982) Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1985) Admitted to the Bar: 1985 Illinois and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois 1986 New York 1992 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York 2000 U.S. Court of Appeals Seventh Circuit 2001 U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Federal Claims Member:…

The kind of cases Dean takes

Dean reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, civil rights, and dog bites matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Dean studied and practices

Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
J.D. · 1985
American University
B.A. International · 1982

Jurisdictions

Dean's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Federa
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1992 · ACTIVE
New York
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1985 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1985 · ACTIVE

Dean studied at J.D. in Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and B.A. International in American University.

Law school and academic background

Dean completed J.D. in Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and B.A. International in American University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dean runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Dean Caras's office in Chicago

Dean's primary office is at 320 W. Illinois Street, Suite 2312, Chicago, IL, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Caras Law Group

320 W. Illinois Street, Suite 2312

Chicago, IL 60654

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Dean Caras — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Dean. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Chicago.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dean Caras claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Dean Caras — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dean usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Dean charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dean will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dean

Dean discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dean confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Dean's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Dean Caras

How much does it cost to hire Dean for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dean offer a free consultation?
Dean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dean's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Dean's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dean take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Dean is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dean will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Dean?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dean accepting new car accidents clients right now?
Dean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Car Accidents attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Dean handles car accidents matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Dean's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.