When someone’s reckless or negligent driving causes you to suffer serious injuries, you may not be aware of how costly the consequences can be. The cost of medical expenses alone can be several thousand dollars, and other costs can leave you with debts you can never pay off. The compensation you earn from your accident is supposed to help you cover these costs, but just what kind of compensation do you deserve for your injuries?
Economic damages
This is often the easiest type of compensation to pursue, as it is easy to add up the monetary expenses of your injury. These damages add up the costs of current and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and any other consequences of the accident that comes with a price tag or bill.
Non-economic damages
Some accident consequences cannot be measured in money. When your injuries keep you from walking your daughter down the aisle of their wedding, prevent you from enjoying your passion for skiing or irreparably damage your relationship with your spouse, the liable party should also compensate you for these or any other form of pain and suffering they caused.
Punitive damages
It is not enough for a reckless party to pay for the damages they caused; they should also experience consequences for their actions, which is why Illinois law allows for punitive damages. These damages act as an additional deterrent for reckless behavior and a message to others to avoid endangering others on the road.
How you can maximize your compensation
After a car accident, there is no guarantee that you will receive compensation that accurately reflects your injury’s current and future expenses. Instead of leaving things to chance, consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you earn the outcome you deserve in your compensation claim.