Can You Recover Compensation for Permanent Disabilities After a Crash?

 Posted on February 13, 2026 in Car Accidents

You may be able to recover compensation for permanent disabilities after a car crash if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. These claims focus on the long-term impact the injury has on your health, ability to work, and daily life.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2.38 million people were injured in traffic accidents in 2022 alone. Serious injuries remain a major concern nationwide. If you are coping with lasting effects from a collision in 2026, understanding your legal options is an important step. Our Cook County, IL car accident lawyer helps injured individuals pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries.

What Is Considered a Permanent Disability After a Car Accident?

A permanent disability is an injury that is not expected to fully heal. It may limit movement, cause chronic pain, or affect thinking and memory. Some people lose full function in a part of their body. Others live with long-term nerve damage or mobility problems.

These injuries can change how you work, drive, or complete everyday tasks. When another driver’s careless actions cause this type of harm, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation.

How Do You Prove a Permanent Disability in a Personal Injury Claim?

Medical evidence is critical. Doctors must document the severity of your condition and whether further improvement is unlikely. This is often referred to as reaching maximum medical improvement.

Your claim may rely on treatment records, physician opinions, and sometimes expert testimony. Clear documentation helps show that your condition is lasting and not temporary.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Available for Permanent Disabilities?

Permanent injuries often lead to financial strain that continues long after the crash.

You may be able to recover damages for:

• Current and anticipated healthcare expenses
• Physical recovery programs and ongoing therapeutic care
• Income losses and limits on future employment opportunities
• Adaptive equipment and necessary changes to your living space
• Continued personal care or support assistance

How Is the Value of a Permanent Disability Claim Calculated?

Permanent disability cases focus heavily on future impact. The value of a claim often depends on how the injury will affect you over time.

Courts and insurance companies look at projected medical costs, expected future treatment, and how the injury limits your earning ability. If you cannot return to your previous job or must take lower-paying work, those financial losses may be considered.

Future expenses are sometimes the largest part of the claim. Ongoing therapy, medical equipment, and long-term care can add up over many years. Careful planning helps ensure these costs are not overlooked.

Why Might Settling Quickly After a Permanent Injury Work Against You?

Insurance companies sometimes try to resolve claims early. However, the full impact of a permanent disability may not be clear right away.

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, Illinois law generally gives injured individuals two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. That time can allow you to fully evaluate your medical condition before making a final decision.

Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot ask for more compensation later. Waiting until your condition is properly evaluated allows your legal team to better understand your long-term needs. Taking time to assess the full picture can help protect your future stability.

What Should You Do After a Bad Car Crash in Illinois?

The steps you take after a collision can influence your claim. You should consider:

• Carefully following your treatment plan
• Attending all follow-up appointments
• Keeping records of expenses and missed work
• Avoiding detailed discussions with insurance adjusters
• Speaking with an attorney before accepting a settlement

These actions help protect both your health and your legal rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orland Park, IL Car Accident Attorney

At Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., our firm is committed to helping injured individuals pursue fair compensation and move forward with confidence. Attorney Baker is a local lawyer who will always advocate for his clients and believes that no case is too big or too small.

When you work with our firm, your case will get his attention and will not be handed off to a paralegal or associate. You can expect focused and dedicated representation from start to finish. If you were seriously injured in a collision, contact our Cook County, IL car accident lawyer by calling 708-321-1223 to schedule a free consultation today.