According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, it is estimated that over the course of their driving career, the average person will be involved in about three to four accidents. For most people, these accidents may be relatively minor, although they might necessitate steep repair costs.
For others, these accidents could be very serious and may require extensive medical care and vehicle repairs or replacements. If you suffer such damages due to someone else’s negligence, an accomplished DuPage County car accident lawyer may be able to help you recover appropriate compensation. Should you choose to retain one, your dedicated personal injury attorney could also help determine who is liable, what damages might be eligible for compensation, and what a fair settlement might be in your case.
Compensation for Damages
Most plaintiffs may file a lawsuit after a car accident for two main purposes: to seek some measure of justice, and to receive payment for the damages they have suffered. Whether the complaint is satisfied through settlement negotiations or goes all the way to court, plaintiffs of a car accident may be able to seek the following types of compensation from a defendant:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss or decrease in future earning abilities
- Legal expenses
- Travel expenses
When a settlement is reached, or if a court returns a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, their compensation could be given in a one lump sum, or a monthly or yearly allowance. Plaintiffs could discuss all these possibilities with their DuPage County lawyer in order to decide how best to approach their car accident case.
When Multiple Parties are Liable
In many car accident cases, more than one party, including the plaintiff in some cases, could be held liable for the accident.
As per 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois is a comparative fault state. Comparative fault directs the jury to assign a percentage of fault to each party, which is then used to determine what they owe the plaintiff. If the plaintiff is found liable to any degree, their percentage of fault could be deducted from the award they would have received—unless they are found 51 percent or more liable, in which case they would receive nothing at all.
Comparative fault is also a concept used in determining what a fair settlement is for the plaintiff. plaintiffs who were in injured in a car accident and are curious as to how comparative fault might impact their case could contact an experienced car accident lawyer in DuPage County.
Contacting a DuPage County Car Accident Attorney
If you were recently involved in a car accident, you may be feeling quite overwhelmed or even helpless. Your medical bills may be piling up and your boss might be wondering when you will return to work. You may even find it difficult to keep up with everyday life due to the pain you are in.
A seasoned DuPage County car accident lawyer who understands how stressful your life is right now could work with you to further your best interests. They could send the parties who caused your accident a comprehensive settlement demand. If the involved parties cannot agree on the settlement, your attorney may be more than happy—and more than ready—to take your case to trial.
When you hire an attorney, make sure you get one who will go to work with your best interests in mind. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the services available to you.