In Illinois, financial compensation after a car accident can cover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain or suffering. Understanding Illinois car accident compensation and the car accident settlement process are key for your receiving justice when you have been injured in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.
Engaging an experienced car accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of auto accident cases. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we evaluate your accident, document your injuries, negotiate with the insurance company, and work tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, each case is unique and specific factors will determine the compensation available.
What Is Car Accident Compensation in Illinois?
According to Andrew S. Kryder, ESQ founding partner of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, “Every case is different and each person is affected differently by the accident that they’re in. But,” he continues,”broadly speaking, [there are] a few categories of car accident compensation: lost time from work, medical bills, pain and suffering, and many others depending on the facts of your case.”
Car accident compensation in Illinois is financial reimbursement awarded to victims of car accidents for the damages they’ve incurred. The goal of compensation for car accident victims is to restore them to their pre-accident financial status.
An Illinois car accident lawyer typically seeks economic damages such as medical bills, lost income, property damage and non-economic damages including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The amount of compensation from the personal injury lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages for car accident claims are quantifiable monetary losses incurred as a result of the accident. These include costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation services, future medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and property damage repairs.
Precise documentation is crucial to accurately calculate and to seek compensation for these expenses.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
A personal injury lawyer can seek non-economic damages; these are subjective, non-monetary losses related to the car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. These include pain and suffering damages, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma.
Unlike economic damages, these are not easily quantifiable and can vary significantly among cases.
Who Can Receive Car Accident Compensation in Illinois?
In Illinois, the individuals eligible to receive car accident compensation are those directly involved in the accident, experiencing either physical injury or property damage. This includes drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians or cyclists involved in the incident.
The specific compensation awarded depends on the particulars of the personal injury in each car crash case.
Who CANNOT Receive Car Accident Compensation?
In Illinois, individuals who are found to be at fault for the accident or those who intentionally caused the accident are not eligible to receive car accident compensation. Additionally, individuals involved in illegal activities at the time of the car accident claim may also be disqualified from receiving compensation.
How Does Illinois Law Determine Who Is at Fault for a Car accident?
According to the Illinois Department of Insurance, fault for a car accident in the state is determined through the doctrine of comparative negligence. This means that each party involved in the car accident settlement can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 20%. As long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you may still receive compensation.
What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance or Is Underinsured?
Illinois law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. However, there are cases where the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all damages. In these situations, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance company policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How Do I Know How Much Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Coverage I Have?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is typically outlined in your auto insurance policy. It’s important to review and understand your insurance claim coverage limits to ensure you have adequate protection.
What If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?
If you encounter difficulties with a car accident lawsuit when the other driver’s insurance company or your insurance company refuses to pay for compensation, it may be necessary to seek legal assistance.
An experienced car accident attorney can help navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident in Illinois, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Remain at the accident scene until law enforcement arrives.
- Check for injuries and call for medical assistance immediately.
- Move to a safe location to avoid further accidents.
- Call the police and get an official police report.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
- Take photos of the scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries sustained.
- Contact an attorney to hire legal representation.
How Is Car Accident Compensation Calculated?
The amount of car accident compensation in a personal injury claim in Illinois is determined by the damages incurred, which can include both economic and non-economic losses.
To calculate economic damages, precise documentation of expenses is crucial. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, may be more difficult to quantify and may depend on factors such as pain and suffering and the impact on quality of life.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident in Illinois, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you.
Our experienced auto accident attorneys are committed to ensuring you recover compensation that reflects the extent of your damages. With in-depth knowledge of Illinois’ car accident laws, an experienced car accident lawyer will guide you through the legal process and work tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
During a free case evaluation, our attorneys will review your accident details, assess the potential for compensation, and discuss your available legal options for pursuing a claim.