How to Increase a Car Accident Settlement

When someone comes to us after a car accident in Chicago, whether on Lake Shore Drive, the Dan Ryan, or a neighborhood intersection in Logan Square, they’re often overwhelmed with medical bills, insurance pressure, and uncertainty about what comes next. One of the first things we help our clients understand is how to increase a car accident settlement, because the steps taken in the days and weeks after a crash can significantly affect the final outcome.

As a Chicago-based firm focused on personal injury, we guide car accident victims through every stage of a car accident claim, from securing treatment and organizing medical documents, to negotiating with the insurance company, to building the strongest possible claim for fair compensation. Our goal is to help you understand your rights, your legal options, and the strategies that may increase the settlement amount you ultimately receive.

How We’ve Helped Illinois Car Accident Victims Increase Settlement Values

As a Chicago car accident attorney team, we’ve represented clients throughout Cook County who needed help proving the full extent of their injuries, documenting every category of damages, and pushing back against insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. Below are examples of how we’ve helped clients increase car accident settlements in cases involving severe injuries, high medical expenses, and life-changing losses.

$4,000,000 wrongful death settlement for the family of a passenger on a work-related trip

We represented Daniel’s family after he was killed when a company vehicle lost control on I-90. In building the claim, we reconstructed the accident scene, gathered employment documentation, and showed the emotional and financial impact of his loss. The seriousness of the crash, Daniel’s contributions to his household, and clear negligence by the party responsible helped increase the settlement value.

$3,200,000 settlement for a disabled man struck in a crosswalk

Our client Marcus was crossing near a CTA bus stop in Bronzeville when a distracted driver failed to yield. He suffered significant orthopedic injuries requiring surgery and physical therapy. We collected solid proof of the driver’s fault, including surveillance footage, imaging, and expert reports, showing permanent limitations and future medical needs, all of which increased the settlement value.

$2,000,000 settlement involving injuries from a rollover collision

Our client Elena was injured in a rollover crash in Naperville after another vehicle swerved into her lane. She sustained spinal injuries, chronic pain, and long-term mobility restrictions. Using black box data, crash reconstruction, and detailed medical records, we demonstrated lasting impairment and substantial future lost wages, which increased the total compensation recovered.

These cases highlight how powerful evidence, clear documentation, and a strong understanding of Illinois law can help victims receive fair settlement outcomes. To increase the settlement value of any car accident case, the following steps you take after the crash are critical.

Seek Medical Attention

One of the most important steps in increasing a car accident settlement is seeking prompt medical attention. Delays or gaps in treatment allow an insurance company to argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash.

We advise our clients to:

• See medical professionals immediately
• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Report new or worsening symptoms
• Save every document tied to medical expenses, treatment notes, referrals, and imaging
• Avoid gaps in care that insurers use to minimize injuries

The clearer your medical records, the stronger your personal injury claim becomes.

Document the Accident Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, collect as much information at the accident scene as possible. This helps us reconstruct what happened and build a strong case.

Useful documentation includes:

• Photos and videos of property damage, your injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and surrounding conditions
• Witness contact details
• Any statements made by the other party
• The roadway’s layout, weather, and lighting

These details can support liability findings and force insurers to offer more money during negotiations.

File a Police Report

Police reports play an essential role in proving fault, resolving disputes, and establishing a credible, objective record. Insurance adjusters rely heavily on them when evaluating a car accident settlement, and courts often consider them as reliable documentation of the basic facts of the crash.

A police report is especially important if the crash involved a drunk driver, as officers document observations that strengthen liability findings. Reports also help us apply Illinois car accident laws more effectively, as well as the rules of comparative negligence.

Avoid Discussing the Case with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters may appear friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Casual comments such as “I’m fine” or “I feel better today” can later be used to argue that your injuries were minor. Recorded statements often harm a personal injury case, especially when victims are still overwhelmed or unsure of the accident details.

We always recommend letting your personal injury lawyer communicate directly with the insurer to avoid misunderstandings that reduce your settlement value.

Do Not Admit Fault in Any Form

Even a simple apology can be interpreted as admitting fault. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence system, any percentage of fault assigned to you reduces your compensation, and if you’re over 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.

This rule comes from 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which explains how fault apportionment works in personal injury cases. Avoiding unclear language or partial admissions protects your ability to receive fair compensation.

Gather Evidence

Strong evidence allows us to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries, financial losses, and long-term limitations.

Relevant items include:

• Medical records
• Diagnostic imaging (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans)
• Repair estimates for property damage
• Employment files showing lost wages
• Surveillance footage and security video
• Dashcam footage
• Black box data
• Pain journals
• Photographs documenting recovery

Collecting all the necessary evidence strengthens your negotiating position under Illinois traffic laws and helps maximize compensation for your personal injury settlement.

Identify the Full Range of Present and Future Damages

Insurance companies focus on immediate medical costs, but we look at every category of damages: past, present, and future.

These may include:

Economic Damages

• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Surgeries, medical treatment, and rehabilitation
• Future needs, including ongoing therapy
• Assistive devices
• Future lost wages
• Long-term accommodations
• Replacement services

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement

Understanding these categories is essential for calculating a car accident settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, ensuring that you get paid for all the damages you’re entitled to under the law.

Avoid Rushing the Settlement Process With the Insurance Company

Insurers often make an initial offer quickly, hoping accident victims settle before knowing the full picture of their injuries. But accepting too early can prevent you from recovering the maximum amount.

We encourage clients to wait for the insurers final offer until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) so we can accurately assess future care needs and long-term limitations.

Evaluating whether to accept, reject, or counter a settlement offer requires a clear understanding of medical progress, economic losses, and long-term prognosis.

Be Cautious on Social Media

Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely search social media for anything they can use to undercut your injuries. Even innocent photos, check-ins, or comments can be used to argue that you’re less injured than claimed.

Until your civil lawsuit is resolved, avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities.

Leave a Good Impression if the Case Moves Toward Litigation

If your case moves into litigation or mediation, credibility matters. We help clients present themselves clearly, consistently, and honestly. Adjusters, mediators, and juries evaluate:

• Your consistency in reporting symptoms
• Your organization and treatment history
• Whether you follow medical advice
• Your clarity and honesty
• How your injuries affect daily living

A strong, credible presentation increases leverage and may encourage the insurer to offer fair compensation.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer to Help You Reach a Fair Settlement

An experienced attorney plays a major role in maximizing car accident settlements. We negotiate with the insurance company, collect evidence, build damages, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare your claim as though it may go to court.

Having a car accident lawyer signals to insurers that you’re serious about recovering the maximum compensation available under Illinois personal injury law.

Promptly File Your Car Accident Claim

Filing early helps preserve evidence, maintain leverage, and protect your right to compensation.

The car accident statute of limitations in Illinois is governed by 735 ILCS 5/13-202, which generally gives adults two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can bar your claim entirely, no matter how strong the evidence is.

Book a Free Consultation

As a Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney, we help our clients document injuries, negotiate with insurance companies, build powerful evidence, and pursue the fair settlement they deserve. We handle these matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation. You’re not alone, we believe in your case.