When Do Big Payout Verdicts Happen in Illinois Car Accident Cases?

 Posted on February 13, 2026 in Car Accident

Big payout verdicts in Illinois car accident cases usually happen when injuries are severe, fault is clear, and the long-term impact on the victim is significant. Courts tend to award higher compensation when the evidence shows that a crash permanently affected a person’s health, ability to work, or quality of life. When these long-term effects are clear, the potential value of the claim often increases.

According to recent data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 303,913 motor vehicle crashes in a single year, including more than 63,000 injury crashes. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a crash in 2026, understanding what drives higher compensation can help you prepare. Our Palatine, IL car accident lawyers help injured individuals pursue results that reflect the true scope of their losses.

What Factors Typically Lead to Large Car Accident Verdicts or Settlements?

Higher verdicts are usually tied to the seriousness of the harm and the strength of the supporting evidence. While every case is different, courts look for clear proof that the injury created lasting consequences.

Cases are more likely to result in substantial payouts when they involve:

Permanent disabilities or disfigurement

Traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage

Multiple surgeries or long-term medical care

Loss of future earning ability

Strong evidence showing the other driver was clearly at fault

When these elements are present, juries may recognize the full impact of the crash and award compensation accordingly.

Can You Still Get Compensation if You Are Partially at Fault?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means you may recover damages if you are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. The amount you are deemed responsible for will be subtracted from the total value of your damages.

For example, if your damages are valued at $1 million but a jury finds you 20 percent responsible, the final recovery would be reduced by that percentage, and you’d recover $800,000. Because fault plays such a large role, building a strong case is critical.

Do Catastrophic Injuries Often Result in Higher Personal Injury Claims?

Serious injuries often lead to higher payouts because they can change nearly every part of a person’s life. Many people need ongoing medical care, special equipment, or daily support after the injury.

Courts usually look at both current expenses and the costs a person is expected to face in the future. If the injury makes it hard to work or live independently, the financial strain can increase dramatically.

The impact of a severe injury often lasts long after the hospital stay. Some people require years of treatment or must adjust to permanent limits. Because of this, verdicts often reflect the long-term effects of the injury, not just the immediate costs.

How Do Non-Economic Damages Increase a Personal Injury Claim?

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not come with receipts, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced enjoyment of life.

Illinois does not cap damages in most personal injury cases, which allows juries to evaluate the full personal impact of an injury. When testimony clearly shows how a crash changed someone’s daily life, it can significantly influence the final award.

What Role Does Evidence Play in High-Value Personal Injury Cases?

Strong evidence helps juries understand exactly what happened and why compensation is justified. Medical records and expert testimony can help support your claim. Crash reconstruction and witness statements can also provide important proof.

Clear evidence also makes it harder for insurance companies to argue that your description of your injuries is exaggerated or that your injuries are unrelated to the crash. The more complete the documentation, the easier it becomes to demonstrate the true cost of the harm.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois law generally gives injured individuals two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Delaying action can make it more difficult to collect evidence and find witnesses while details are still fresh.

Starting the process sooner gives your legal team more time to investigate, review records, and build a well-supported case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rolling Meadows, IL Car Accident Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we are committed to helping injured people pursue compensation that supports long-term recovery. Our local attorneys value our communities and the clients we serve. We bring decades of combined experience and have secured millions of dollars in verdicts. We are ready to handle challenging injury claims and will advocate for your best interests.

If you were injured in a crash, contact our Palatine, IL car accident lawyers. Call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options.