What Damages Are Available After a Car Crash?

 Posted on January 22, 2025 in Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents often produce injuries or fatalities. Some cause both. For example, on January 7th, an Oak Lawn collision claimed the life of a father and critically injured his 7-year-old daughter. Felony charges, including aggravated driving under the influence (DUI), reckless homicide, and DUI causing death, were brought against the driver who reportedly caused the crash.

A car accident claim can recoup accident-related expenses and provide compensation for other impacts on the victim’s life. Eligible survivors can bring a wrongful death action to cover various losses. An experienced Orland Park, IL personal injury lawyer can handle your case to optimize results.

What Are Damages in Personal Injury Cases?

You will see "damages" used to describe specific accident-related losses, but it can also refer to the money claimants may receive for these losses. Damages are divided into categories based on their nature. Compensatory damages are meant to make the victim "whole" financially and are calculated based on the victim’s losses. These are further classified as economic or non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

If you are injured in a car accident, you will incur various expenses. Economic damages are calculated to diminish the financial loss suffered as a result of the crash. Not only do these damages reflect current losses, but they can also cover some future financial losses. Typical economic damages after a car accident include:

• Current and future medical treatment expenses

• Costs associated with ongoing care

• Property damage

• Vehicle or home modifications required for a newly acquired disability

• Current and future lost income

This category of damages is exact, using bills and estimates to calculate the amounts.

Non-Economic Damages

Because non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, they are harder to prove and quantify. Many accident victims experience pain and suffering, PTSD, permanent disfigurement, and similar adverse effects on their emotional and mental states.

Insurance companies usually argue about paying these damages, saying your injuries were not a result of the accident or they do not significantly impact your life. Your lawyer knows how to prove their existence, place an accurate monetary value on them, and fight to keep insurers from shortchanging you.

Punitive Damages

Sometimes called exemplary damages, punitive damages are not always available. When they are, the purpose is to punish the at-fault party further and deter similar future behaviors rather than compensate the victim. Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s behavior in causing the injury was malicious, intentional, or reckless.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you qualify to file survival and wrongful death claims, you can recover damages that address both the victim’s losses and your own. Funeral and burial expenses are typically included, in addition to providing funds to reflect the financial and other losses caused by the death. These losses may include companionship, support and guidance, services, inheritance, and benefits, such as healthcare coverage.

Do I Qualify for Compensation After a Car Accident?

In Illinois, you can pursue compensation as long as you meet the requirements under the state’s modified comparative negligence law. You need to prove your injuries and damages were caused by someone else’s intentional act or negligence, which often requires an investigation. Your attorney will evaluate your eligibility and conduct a detailed investigation to preserve supporting evidence for your claim.

Contact a Diligent Orland Park, IL Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you choose Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. to represent your interests, Attorney Barker will handle your case personally. His determination, dedication, and experience can make a measurable difference in the outcome. Contact us online or call 708-321-1223 to schedule a free case review with our skilled Cook County, IL personal injury attorney.