Damages in Chicago Truck Accidents

The devastation of a truck crash can cause permanent injury or disability, altering the course of your life or your loved one’s. While you are trying to heal and rebuild, you may also face the challenge of dealing with insurance companies and evaluating your legal options. The sheer expense of a collision often makes it necessary to seek damages in Chicago truck accidents during this difficult time. At Kaveny Sarmas, our truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Damages Resulting From Truck Crashes

Large truck accidents are far more likely to seriously injure those who were not in the truck, including car passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, or anyone else on the road. When these accidents are fatal, the victim’s loved ones are often left with staggering costs, including funeral expenses, cremation or burial costs, and unpaid medical bills from their fight for survival.

Accident survivors may be unable to return to work for an extended period, if at all. Chicago truck accidents can also result in losses such as:

Extensive emergency treatment and follow-up medical procedures, including surgeries
Physical therapy and/or rehabilitation appointments, which may occur weekly or even more often
Immobilization or low mobility, requiring additional domestic help, childcare, and other expenses
A period of adaptation with mobility aids, such as crutches, canes, or wheelchairs, for short-term or permanent use

If your injuries have affected your ability to work or perform daily tasks, seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney is critical.

The Challenges of Pursuing Compensation After a Truck Collision

The trucking company’s insurance carrier will often investigate the accident with the goal of assigning as much fault as possible. They may attempt to deny the claim outright, but if not, they will seek reasons to reduce its value. This can have a significant impact on the damages you may recover after a Chicago truck collision.

In Illinois, a victim can only recover the full value of their injury claim if they are found to bear 0 percent of fault for the accident. Partial responsibility will reduce their recovery amount, and individuals who are more than 50 percent at fault are barred from recovering anything under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/2-1116. That is why a successful claim often requires guidance from a skilled attorney.

How Can Attorneys Calculate Damages Following a Truck Crash?

Chicago accident lawyers calculate damages after a truck collision using three categories:

Economic (or special) damages: measurable losses such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages or income
Non-economic (or general) damages: intangible losses, including pain and suffering
Punitive damages: though rare in accident cases, these are awarded to punish those who act “with evil motive” or “reckless and outrageous indifference”

Our legal team can calculate economic damages by documenting medical bills and invoices, along with pay stubs and tax returns to demonstrate the income a victim will lose from missing work. Calculating non-economic damages involves estimating a victim’s pain and suffering and the length of their recovery. Attorneys can use journals, photos, and accounts from friends and loved ones as evidence of a victim’s distress.

Consult a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney About Damages

Pursuing compensation after a serious collision is about more than just money. Securing damages in Chicago truck accidents can help you rebuild your life and move forward. Our managing partner, Beth Kaveny, has been recognized as one of Illinois’ top lawyers by prioritizing relationships. We will listen to you, learn about your experience, and protect your rights to recover compensation.