Average Car Accident Settlement in Illinois [2024 Updated]

If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in an accident that someone else caused, it is natural to wonder about the average car accident settlement in Illinois and how much compensation you could foreseeably obtain from the at-fault driver. The reality is that your claim is unique, so it is important to find a trustworthy Madison County car accident attorney who can help you identify all the various forms of compensation you can seek to maximize your recovery.

Damages You Can Claim in a Car Accident

Illinois upholds the fault system for resolving car accident cases, meaning the driver at fault for causing an accident absorbs liability for all resulting damages. All drivers are required to have auto insurance that includes liability coverage. If they cause an accident, their insurance will pay for the resulting damages, but only up to the limits of the policy. If a driver’s insurance cannot fully cover the damage they’ve done, they are personally responsible for the remainder.

Damages most commonly cited in car accident cases include vehicle repair and replacement costs, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Economic damages like vehicle repair costs and medical expenses are more straightforward. You will need to produce records showing the total value of your economic losses and then prove they resulted solely from the accident.

Economic damages like your lost income may be more difficult to prove. If your injuries prevent you from working, or if you have been permanently disabled and will not be able to return to work in the future, your car accident attorney can help prove the full extent of your diminished earning capacity. You could potentially recover compensation for the future income you are no longer able to earn.

Pain and suffering are more subjective, and there is no limit to the amount a plaintiff can seek with their claim, nor is there a strict formula they must use to calculate pain and suffering. You have the right to seek financial compensation for the physical pain and psychological distress you experienced because of the accident. An experienced attorney can help determine a reasonable amount of pain and suffering compensation to seek with your personal injury claim.

Recovering From Your Car Accident

Do not be overly concerned about the average car accident settlement; ultimately, you have the right to seek full compensation for all the damages you suffered, and you may be entitled to more than you initially expected. The right attorney can help you prove fault for your accident and then guide you through the legal proceedings necessary for recovering your damages. They can also help resolve these proceedings more quickly than you may expect.

This usually begins with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, followed by a personal injury suit if they do not have insurance or if their insurance can’t fully cover your losses. Whatever your case may require, having experienced legal counsel on your side will dramatically improve your chances of success with the claim, and you will also be more likely to maximize your total compensation in a timely manner.

FAQs

Q: How Much Money Can I Claim in a Car Accident Settlement?

A: The amount of money you can claim in a car accident settlement depends on the severity of your damages. The driver at fault for causing the accidents absorbs liability for all resulting damages, including vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and any other losses the victim incurs. On average, a car accident settlement in the state yields more than the total economic losses to account for the victim’s pain and suffering.

Q: Can I Claim Compensation if I’m Partially Liable for an Accident?

A: Yes, you can claim compensation if you are partially liable for an accident under Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still claim compensation, but your total compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. For example, 10% fault means you lose 10% of the compensation won from the other driver. Fault over 50% prevents you from claiming compensation from any other party.

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents?

A: The most common injuries from car accidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and damage to the internal organs. It is also possible for a driver to suffer facial and dental injuries from airbag deployment, and multiple serious injuries are possible when an accident happens at high speeds. If you can prove another driver caused your recent accident, they will be liable for the cost of all the medical care you need to recover.

Q: What Happens if an At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance?

A: If an at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, you can claim against your own policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage option may provide some valuable initial recovery without incurring penalties like increased insurance premiums. If you do not have this insurance option, you will need to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault driver.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

A: You should hire a car accident attorney because you will be more likely to maximize your total compensation with their help. While you may have concerns about the average car accident settlement, the reality is that every claim is entirely unique, so it is vital that you have an experienced attorney review the details of your case and help you assess the full extent of the damages you can seek from the at-fault driver.

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, has successfully represented many car accident victims throughout the state. If you have been injured in an accident someone else caused, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for the damages they inflicted. The quicker you start working with an attorney, the more likely you will be to succeed with all the recovery efforts you attempt. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.