The process for recovering payment in car accident lawsuits can vary greatly from case to case. There are several factors that may influence victims’ paths to compensation such as the cause of their crashes, the extent of harm they suffered, and their degrees of fault.

Still, there are key elements that must be satisfied by every plaintiff. For your lawsuit to succeed, you must show that your crash was caused by the defendant’s negligent actions.

Furthermore, you have to establish the damages caused by your injury. Unfortunately, the defendant in your case will likely attempt to shift blame or assert that you were not badly injured.

Car Accident Lawsuits with Serious Injuries vs. Lawsuits with Minor Injuries in Chicago

The main difference between car accident lawsuits in Chicago with serious injuries and those with minor injuries is typically the number of damages being sought. Plaintiffs who sustain injuries like spinal cord damage, brain injuries, torn ligaments, and broken bones can incur a wide array of economic and non-economic losses that may be compensated for.

For example, those with serious injuries may incur a lot of medical expenses related to costly treatments and medication. Furthermore, victims who suffer severe harm may need to pay for long-term care. Thankfully, payment for these medical bills may be pursued.

Those who suffer serious injuries because of their crashes may sustain a high degree of lost income. Many crash victims have to spend time away from work while their injuries heal. Additionally, in severe cases, injured parties may be permanently restricted from performing certain work in the future. These damages can also be accounted for as part of plaintiffs’ car accident claims.

Compensation for such damages

Car accident lawsuits in Chicago with serious injuries can also involve greater non-economic losses. For instance, in addition to causing excruciating physical pain, serious injuries like spinal cord damage can lead to a great deal of emotional suffering. Victims may be unable to engage in familial relationships or participate in their favourite hobbies. After an accident, your car accident law firm will argue for compensation for such damages to be included in the victim’s claim.

There are many additional damages that may be incurred by plaintiffs with serious injuries. These cases may take longer to conclude because defendants’ insurers are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve. Meanwhile, drivers who sustain minor injuries may be able to reach settlement agreements and resolve their cases relatively quickly.

Considering Settlement Offers for Car Accident Lawsuits in Chicago

During most car accident lawsuits, defendants’ insurers will present plaintiffs with settlement offers before reaching trial. After accepting a settlement offer, the defendant of your lawsuit will reimburse you for an agreed-upon amount of monetary damages and your claim will be dismissed.

There are advantages to reaching a settlement agreement. You may save on certain costs associated with going to trial like expert witness fees and filing fees. Also, by settling before the trial, you may acquire payment sooner.

Sadly, defendants’ insurance companies regularly try to settle cases for less than they are worth. An experienced lawyer may be able to negotiate a fair settlement in your case. Still, if an adequate offer is not presented, you must go to trial to obtain the financial compensation you are owed. However, if your case does not succeed, you may receive nothing for the harm you endured.

Can You Win a Car Accident Lawsuit in Chicago if You Share Blame for Your Crash?

If you share the blame for your car accident in Chicago, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries. However, the amount of compensation you obtain may be limited. Your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Furthermore, if you are considered to be over 50% responsible for your collision, you will be prevented from recovering any compensation whatsoever.

How to Prove Another Driver is at Fault for Your Car Accident in Chicago

There are many different types of negligent behaviour that can lead to car accidents in Chicago. In most cases, collisions are related to drivers’ negligence. For example, crashes may happen because motorists are speeding, driving distracted, or driving drunk. However, other parties like car manufacturers and mechanics may also be held liable.

To win your car accident lawsuit, you must present evidence that proves the defendant is to blame for your crash. There are several types of evidence that may be used to accomplish this task. Common examples of evidence utilized by plaintiffs include police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and photos from crash scenes. For cases that are more complicated, expert witness testimony may be required to establish that defendants are at fault.

How Often Does It Happen?

Car accident statistics in Chicago paint a concerning picture of road safety in the city. In 2021 alone, there were 107,563 reported car accidents in the city, resulting in 25,504 injuries and 233 fatalities. These numbers represent a significant increase compared to the previous year, which saw 91,917 reported accidents, 21,045 injuries, and 199 fatalities.

The most common causes of car accidents in Chicago include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights or stop signs. These dangerous behaviours put not only the driver at risk, but also passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.

To address this issue, the city of Chicago has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving road safety, including speed camera installations, red-light cameras, and increased police presence on the roads. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and educational programs have been launched to promote safe driving practices and encourage responsible behaviour behind the wheel.

Despite these efforts, car accidents remain a serious concern in Chicago. It is important for all drivers to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and keep our roads safe for everyone.

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