What to Ask for in a Car Accident Settlement

Knowing what to ask for in a car accident settlement can make a major difference in how much you ultimately receive. Between medical bills, missed work, and car repairs, it doesn’t take long for the costs to add up. You deserve to be fully compensated, but accepting the insurance company’s first offer could leave you with far less than you need to recover.

Illinois personal injury law holds the at-fault driver and the insurance company responsible for covering the injuries they cause. That includes every part of your recovery, such as medical treatment, lost income, and ongoing effects. 

What a Settlement Can Cover

A fair settlement goes far beyond your emergency room visit. Injured victims should push for a compensation package that reflects the full physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crash. To receive a sufficient car accident settlement, here’s what to ask for:

Medical Care 

Costs from ICU stays, diagnostic testing, and immediate surgical intervention should all be factored in. Even major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medicine can be considered in car accident settlements.

Rehabilitation and Follow-up Care

Many accident victims need physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or occupational therapy to support recovery. The top rehab centers to consider after a car accident are Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. 

Lost Wages

Accident victims who missed work, had reduced hours, or were unable to return to their jobs because of long-term injuries can cover these losses with a car accident settlement. 

Every part of your recovery matters. Car accident victims who include the above categories are more likely to secure the compensation they need to move forward, especially if their insurance company refuses to cover expenses. 

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process with an insurance company to receive the compensation you deserve. 

Car Accident Medical Treatment: What Should Be Covered?

Medical expenses are often the largest category in any car accident settlement. In Chicago, emergency room visits alone can cost thousands, which doesn’t include ambulance transport, imaging, surgery, or follow-up visits.

Make sure your settlement includes the following:

• Emergency room and ambulance fees
• Hospital stays and surgical procedures
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Prescription medications and pain management

Even if you have health insurance coverage, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is legally responsible for these medical expenses. Unfortunately, many insurers try to minimize these costs. 

It’s critical to work with a car accident attorney who can help protect your rights and make certain you receive compensation to cover medical costs that insurance companies refuse to cover.

Recovering Lost Income

Many injured victims are unable to return to work for days or even weeks after a serious accident. In some cases, injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.

When negotiating your car accident settlement, be sure to include:

• Reduced earnings from missed work;
• Smaller paychecks from reduced hours or lower-paying duties;
• Loss of future earning capacity if you’re no longer able to work in the same job or field.

In Illinois, both current and future income loss are recoverable under state personal injury laws. Documenting your income and time missed with pay stubs and employer letters can strengthen your claim.

If the insurance company is refusing to give you fair compensation, an experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a settlement that covers your lost earnings. 

How to Demand Maximum Compensation After An Auto Accident Settlement

The insurance company’s first offer is rarely the best one. In fact, it’s usually designed to settle quickly and cheaply before you understand the full scope of your injuries.

Here are some ways to push for more money in your car accident settlement:

• Gather detailed medical records and itemized bills;
• Save all documentation of the accident, including the police report;
• Keep a daily journal describing your symptoms, limitations, and pain;
• Ask for expert assessments from medical professionals or vocational experts;
• Work with an experienced lawyer who can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Illinois law does not cap non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which gives accident victims room to pursue the maximum compensation available. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1115.2, your pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are fully compensable.

A motor vehicle attorney can help you negotiate with your insurance company and win a settlement that gives you just compensation.

Can You Reject a Low Settlement Offer?

Yes. If the insurance company offers less than what your claim is worth, you are not obligated to accept. In fact, rejecting a low offer is often the first step toward receiving a fairer settlement.

Before accepting any settlement offer:

• Review the terms with a car accident lawyer.
• Ask for a written explanation of how the insurance adjusters calculated the amount.
• Provide additional evidence to support a higher amount.
• Be prepared to negotiate or even take legal action if needed.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the insurance company claims you were partly at fault, your settlement can be reduced. A skilled attorney can help push back against unfair blame and keep your compensation intact.

Should You Settle or File a Lawsuit To Get More Money

Most car accident settlements are reached without going to trial. However, if negotiations stall with the insurance company, filing a lawsuit may lead to a better result.

Some reasons to consider legal action:

• You have high medical bills, and the insurance company refused to pay.
• The settlement offer doesn’t cover lost wages or future medical care.
• Your injuries have had a lasting effect on your quality of life.

It’s important to remember that Illinois has a two-year deadline for filing injury lawsuits. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to recover damages from your car accident.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you weigh your options. Filing a lawsuit can be a powerful way to pressure insurers to offer more money.

Get a Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident isn’t easy. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, insurance adjusters, and the stress of rebuilding your life. A strong settlement offer can give you the financial support you need to move forward, but getting it requires preparation.

 An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can:

• Identify the full value of your car accident settlement.
• Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Pursue additional damages through a lawsuit if necessary.
• Get more money to cover pain and suffering.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we win. If you were injured in a car accident in Chicago, you deserve fair compensation. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how to build a strong claim for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our form to discuss your settlement options with an attorney today.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.