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In a car accident case, there are certain damages available to the person who sustained injuries. If the accident was someone else’s fault, that person is responsible for the medical bills, repairing or replacing the vehicle, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. A knowledgeable car accident attorney could be in the best position to advise a plaintiff as to the value of their claim and maximize their chances of recovery.
If you are now facing expensive medical bills, missed wages, or emotional trauma, a lawyer in Cicero could speak with you about recoverable damages in a car accident claim.
Economic damages are those which can be easily calculated and have a specific dollar amount associated with them. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. In order to calculate economic damages, one only needs to provide the actual bill or invoice.
Non-economic damages are those which are subjective and do not have a hard dollar amount attached to it. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. Every case has different facts which impact the amount of non-economic damages available. They are more difficult to calculate, as there is no universal formula to follow. Every case is different based on the injuries received. If a case does not settle out of court, it is up to a jury to decide the amount of non-economic damages awarded.
A personal injury case will only present the possibility of punitive damages in certain rare situations. Economic and non-economic damages are considered compensatory and are designed to account for anything that is meant to bring the plaintiff back to full health. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for willful or deliberate misconduct and to serve as a warning to others who might consider doing it. In a car crash scenario, it might mean that the defendant intentionally struck the plaintiff with their car. A skilled car crash lawyer in the area could discuss whether punitive damages could be recoverable in their case.
The law requires anyone operating a motor vehicle to have automobile insurance so that they can compensate another driver if an accident occurs. Most people do not have the financial capability to pay for damages if they do not have insurance.
Insurance companies typically pay for damages based on fault. If the accident is the fault of an individual, then their insurance company will be responsible for all of the damages owed. This includes damage to the vehicle or any other property which is damaged in the accident. However, if their insured does not hold any liability, the insurance company is not held responsible for any damages.
Illinois does not have a limit on the amount of non-economic damages that a plaintiff can be entitled to. However, there is often an unofficial cap based on how much money is available on the defendant’s insurance policy. A car crash lawyer in Cicero is sometimes able to win recoverable damages under the plaintiff’s own auto insurance in addition to the defendant’s.
The role of an attorney is to maximize the amount of the recovery using a variety of tactics. Because attorneys are often paid a percentage of the recovery, it is in their best interest to obtain the best result possible. Seek a consultation with a skilled lawyer today and determine your recoverable damages after a Cicero car accident.