When Serious Car Crashes Lead to Lifelong Injuries in Illinois

 Posted on August 23, 2025 in Car Accidents

Every driver in Illinois knows that traffic accidents happen. But when a collision leads to catastrophic injuries, the impact goes far beyond the scene of the crash. Families may find themselves overwhelmed with emergency medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and the harsh reality that life may never return to normal. These cases are not about fender-benders or short-term discomfort. They are about life-altering harm that requires skilled legal action to remedy.

As of August 2025, Illinois courts continue to recognize personal injury claims for serious crash-related harm under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which governs comparative negligence. That law means an injured person may recover damages if they were less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. For victims with lifelong injuries, every dollar of compensation can make the difference between ongoing medical care and financial ruin.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car crash, call our Decatur, IL personal injury attorneys today. Our firm understands from first-hand experience how insurance companies try to get out of paying for cases, even when the victim is clearly deserving. 

What Are the Most Serious Injuries that Happen in Bad Car Accidents?

While any accident can cause trauma, some injuries change the course of a person’s life permanently. Common examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head trauma, which can cause memory loss, impaired speech, or reduced mobility

• Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or full paralysis

• Severe burns from vehicle fires or explosions

• Multiple fractures or crushed limbs that may require amputation

• Wrongful death cases, leaving families without their loved ones

These injuries often demand lifelong medical treatment, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and in-home care. The costs can reach into the millions, far beyond what most insurance policies willingly pay without legal pressure.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Catastrophic Injury Claims 

Insurance carriers do not want to pay out large sums, even when the victim’s suffering is undeniable. They may try to argue that an injury was preexisting, minimize the need for future medical care, or pressure families into accepting quick settlements that are far below what is truly needed.

This is where the experience of an attorney like Todd A. Bresney becomes critical. Before representing injured individuals, Mr. Bresney worked for large insurance companies and corporations. He knows exactly what insurers look for when evaluating claims and the tactics they use to deny or undervalue them. That perspective allows the firm to anticipate defenses and build strong cases that stand up in court. Attorney Bresney focuses exclusively on litigating difficult cases of serious injuries and wrongful death. 

How Experienced Attorneys Handle Lifelong Injury Cases

When a crash leads to catastrophic harm, the legal strategy must account for both current and future needs. A skilled personal injury lawyer will look for evidence, including accident reconstruction and black box data when available. This helps the attorney and reconstruction experts determine what led to the accident and how much fault, if any, the client shares. 

A skilled attorney will also work with medical experts when necessary to establish the full extent of injuries and the cost of future care. This includes calculating damages such as lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Finally, when insurance companies give lowball offers or try to place blame on the victim, a good attorney will negotiate aggressively with insurers but prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

Contact a Peoria, IL Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in a car crash, now is the time to take action. Call 888-826-8682 to speak with a Decatur, IL personal injury attorney at Kanoski Bresney. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you.