Collision involving Mother & Daughter resolved by Cronauer Law

In May 2024, a mother and her daughter were driving in rural DeKalb County when their lives were changed in an instant. Another driver suddenly turned left in front of them, violating Illinois traffic law and causing a violent crash. Both were transported by ambulance to the emergency room, where they began extensive treatment for their injuries.

Injuries and Impact

• The mother suffered severe injuries to her right foot and ankle, including stress reactions, traumatic neuritis, ligament sprains, and chronic pain. These injuries left her unable to drive for more than seven months and limited her ability to care for her family and perform daily household tasks.
• The daughter, a minor, sustained a displaced fracture in her thumb, multiple abrasions, hip and shoulder pain, and is now at risk of developing arthritis in her thumb. Together, their medical bills exceeded $90,000. Beyond medical costs, both also lost the ability to contribute essential household services during recovery.

Recovery Across Multiple Policies

Cronauer Law worked to maximize the family’s financial recovery by pursuing every available insurance policy. The mother recovered the full limits of two available auto policies, while the daughter received compensation through both liability coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. In total, nearly $170,000 was secured across multiple policies. This layered recovery made a meaningful difference in the family’s ability to cover medical bills, replace the value of lost household services, and compensate for pain and suffering. Without examining all policy options, much of this compensation could have been left on the table.

Settlement Outcome and Minors’ Funds

The family secured a settlement across multiple insurance policies, ensuring compensation for both the mother’s and the daughter’s injuries. When a minor receives settlement funds, Illinois law requires that those funds be handled differently than adult settlements. The purpose is to protect the child’s long-term interests. Typically, the funds are:

• Sometimes supervised by the court, depending on the amount.
• Placed in a restricted bank account or structured settlement until the child turns 18.
• Accessible only with court approval if early withdrawals are needed for the child’s direct benefit.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to financial losses, both endured ongoing pain, emotional distress, and disruption of their normal lives. Illinois law recognizes that victims of negligence deserve compensation not only for medical bills but also for pain, suffering, and loss of normal life. Cronauer Law is well equipped to represent those seeking compensation.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Collisions like this raise complex questions of liability, insurance coverage, and damages. Insurance companies may dispute medical bills or attempt to minimize payouts. Having strong legal representation ensures that injured victims are not pressured into unfair settlements and that all avenues of recovery are pursued. At Cronauer Law, we investigate every aspect of an accident, reviewing crash reports, medical records, and insurance coverage, to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our attorneys negotiate directly with insurance companies and, when necessary, present cases before a jury to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.

What Injured Passengers Should Do After an Accident

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Ensure a crash report is filed at the scene.
• Gather evidence, including photos of injuries, crash scene, and vehicles involved.
• Do not accept a settlement without legal advice.
• Consult an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
• Do not give statements to insurance companies regarding specific facts related to the crash.
• Do not sign any authorization forms provided by insurance companies.

Moving Forward

This case demonstrates the physical, emotional, and financial toll that negligent driving can inflict on families. No victim should face these hardships alone or accept less than they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, contact Cronauer Law today for a free consultation. Our team is committed to helping accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, household losses, pain, and suffering.