If you were hurt in a car accident or big truck accident, you’re probably wondering, “How much is my case really worth?”

There’s no easy answer, but the thing that mostly decides exactly what your case is worth are any damages. Damages can include:

• What your injuries have cost you (medical care, surgeries, etc.)
• Physical damage to your vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Any laws broken by the person you’re suing.

In a car or big truck accident, damages are paid to you by the individual who caused your accident – or the company they work for if they were driving a company vehicle.

Your damage award can be agreed upon after a settlement between your personal injury attorney and the person responsible and/or their insurance companies. If no settlement can be reached, damages can be awarded to you during a jury trial.

If you were hurt in a car or big truck accident in Springfield-Decatur, Champaign-Urbana, Danville or anywhere in Central Illinois, call the personal injury attorneys at Schiro & Themer for help right away.

Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Most damages from car accidents or big truck accidents are known as “compensatory.” This means that an attempt is made to put a dollar amount on all the ways you have been affected by the accident or personal injury.

Here’s a list of some of the ways compensatory damage is determined:

• If you were unable to work after your injuries, you may entitled to compensation for wages you would have been earning. Additionally, if you’re unable to return to work, you may be entitled to some of the lost money you would have made in the future.
• Pain and Suffering. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and/or discomfort you suffered from your accident and for any ongoing pain associated with your accident.
• Medical Treatment. Any costs for medical care you’ve received as the result of your injuries is included in compensatory damages. The same is true for any medical care you will need after your settlement or trial.
• Property Loss. If your car (and any valuable items in it) was damaged as the result of your accident, you’re most likely entitled to repairs or the fair value if your car is totaled.
• Emotional Distress. Usually associated with more serious accidents, emotional distress damage are meant to compensate you for the psychological impacts of your injury including fear, sleep loss and anxiety.

In addition to compensatory damages, there also damages known as punitive. Punitive damages are awarded if the negligent party was deemed extremely egregious or careless in the personal injury incident. The goal of punitive damages is to punish the defendant for bad conduct. Since punitive damage awards are usually in the millions of dollars, most states have set a cap on punitive damages.

If you were hurt in a car or big truck accident, don’t wait to contact an attorney for help. The insurance companies may attempt to get you to accept a quick check or take a settlement for much less than you deserve. Our attorneys will make sure you get all the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for help.