Did you know according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 300,000 car accidents within the state in 2022 (1)? Of those 300,000 incidents, about 20% resulted in an injury (1). 

What should you do if you have been hurt in a car accident in the state of Illinois? A Chicago personal injury lawyer  can help you file a claim and get compensated for your injuries.  

Am I Eligible for Compensation? 

The Illinois legal system spells out exactly who is legally responsible for car accidents within the state. Illinois follows an “at-fault” system, which means the driver at fault is legally responsible and pays for damages. 

What if you weren’t a driver? In Illinois, passengers, pedestrians, and any one else who may have been affected by the accident are allowed to file claims. Typically, when you want to file a claim, you also need to have proof. 

What type of Claims can I file? 

Generally, there are three types of damages you can file a claim for: economic damages, non-economic damages, and loss of enjoyment. 

Economic Damages 

Economic damages are straight forward- the person responsible for the accident is for paying for the loss of finances you experienced due directly to the accident. This can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and loss of wages. 

But, in order to file this type of claim you would need documented medical bills from your physician or physical therapist or even a note from your employer stating that you have been unable to work since the accident. 

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages are damages that do not have a financial cost attached to them. These include any sort of pain and suffering or mental distress caused directly from the accident. This can include diagnosed mental health issues from the accident. 

In order to file these types of claims, you will need proof that the accident was significantly distressing. This can be done with victim statements or with documents from a mental healthcare professional. 

Loss of Enjoyment: 

Loss of enjoyment means that after the car accident you have loss the ability to enjoy things you used to- such as hobbies. This type of claim can be used when you have faced physical injuries that are so severe your quality of life has changed after the accident. 

When and Why Should I Consult a Lawyer? 

There are many advantages that come with hiring a car accident attorney. 

First, attorneys know the system- they understand the legal process better than you or me. This can be extremely helpful when your claim is difficult. For example, if there isn’t true fault or if injuries are severe, having a lawyer on your side can help you navigate the legal system. 

Second, using Lawyers for personal injury claims often leads to better outcomes for your settlement. SInce lawyers are experts in this field, they have the ability to fight for you and give you your highest potential compensation. 

Third, personal injury lawyers can offer your peace of mind. While you are recovering from the accident, lawyers can work behind the scenes and make sure your claim gets rolling as soon as possible. This allows you to focus on healing. Further, this allows your lawyer to get your claim quicker than you would since you do not have to wait until you are recovered in order to start the claim process. 

A Chicago car accident lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation. 

What if I can’t afford a personal injury lawyer? 

Lawyers tend to operate on contingency fees. This means that lawyers do not make money unless you get your payout. Then, they collect their fees from your settlement. This means the financial burden is taken off of you while your lawyer works out your claim. 

Final Say

Car accident attorneys can offer you peace of mind when filing economic, non-economic, or loss of enjoyment claims due to a car accident. 

In order to get the most out of what you are entitled to, it might be best to hire a personal injury attorney. This is especially true in cases where fault is gray, there are severe injuries, injuries are more than just physical, or if you just want the most out of your settlement. 

When filing a claim make sure you have gathered the proof needed for your claim. This will help your personal injury attorney make faster work of the settlement. 

Given that most attorneys work based off contingency fees, the question of hiring a personal injury attorney is a no brainer- you have nothing to lose but a settlement to gain. 

Resources:

https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-safety/roadway-safety/illinois-roadway-crash-data/facts-and-statistics/crash-facts.html