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Differences Between a Minor and Major Car Accident

Posted on June 30, 2022 in

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of consequences. These unfortunate events can happen at any time, in any place, significantly impacting a person’s financial, emotional, and physical well-being.

While any collision can be burdensome, there are significant differences between a minor and major car accident. These differences are clearest in the extent of the vehicle damage, the severity of the injuries, and the financial impact of the collision.

The Severity of the Injuries

Any car accident can lead to an injury. However, people involved in major car accidents tend to suffer more serious harm than those involved in minor collisions.

After a minor car accident, drivers and passengers are likely to experience relatively minor injuries that are treatable and pose no threat to their lives. A major accident can lead to serious and life-threatening injuries, including brain damage and spinal cord injury.

The Extent of the Vehicle Damage

Minor accidents are more likely to result in minor vehicle damage, such as a broken mirror or a dent in the body. This damage is relatively inexpensive to fix compared to other types of repairs.

However, major car accidents often result in extensive and expensive vehicle damage. Sometimes, vehicles involved in serious accidents are declared as totaled. Drivers often need to pay for thousands of dollars in repairs and may need to replace their vehicles entirely.

The Financial Burden of the Collision

Major car accidents result in more financial loss than minor accidents. People involved in major accidents will likely pay more for medical care and vehicle repairs. They may need to spend longer periods of time away from work and may be unable to return to work due to permanent complications.

Minor car accidents generally result in less financial hardship when compared to a major collision. However, a minor accident can still result in hundreds and even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket losses.

Your Legal Options after an Illinois Car Accident

Any type of car accident can result in serious hardships. If you are involved in a collision on Illinois roads, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable for the losses that you endured.

Illinois is a fault-based accident state, meaning that negligent drivers are financially responsible for any accidents that they cause. If you are injured by another motorist, you could pursue one of three types of claims:

  • You could file a claim under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
  • You could file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court.
  • You could file a claim under your own insurance coverage, if you hold policies like uninsured motorist coverage.

By filing a claim, you could recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. You could also recover damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering that you endured. In order to secure this compensation, you will need to prove that the other driver caused your accident.

Speak to an Experienced Attorney

Whether you were involved in a major collision or a minor accident, you deserve justice for the losses that you sustained. In these situations, you need a Chicago accident attorney on your side who can advocate for your maximum compensation.

After your accident, contact a lawyer who can represent your case. Your attorney will evaluate your case and help you identify your optimal path to recovery.