Can a Truck Accident Claim Include Future Medical Care in Illinois?

 Posted on February 05, 2026 in Truck Accidents

A truck accident claim in Illinois can include compensation for future medical care when injuries are expected to require treatment beyond the initial recovery period. It’s common for truck crashes to cause severe harm, and many people face long-term or permanent medical needs.

Early federal safety data shows that 17,140 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the first half of 2025, including truck accidents. As of 2026, Illinois courts continue to allow injured people to seek damages for care they will reasonably need in the future.

If you are dealing with lasting injuries after a truck crash, Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can help. Our Chicago, IL truck accident lawyers can explain how future medical costs may be included in your claim.

What Does Future Medical Care Mean in a Truck Accident Case?

Future medical care refers to treatment you are expected to need after your case is resolved. This includes care that goes beyond emergency treatment or the first round of recovery.

In truck accident cases, future care is a common issue that comes up when calculating the value of a claim because injuries are often serious. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and major orthopedic injuries may require ongoing treatment for years. Illinois law allows compensation for these future needs when doctors can reasonably predict that the care will be required.

When Can Future Medical Costs Be Included in an Illinois Truck Accident Claim?

Future medical costs can be included when there is medical support showing that additional treatment is likely. You do not need to wait until you receive the care, but the need must be more than a guess.

Courts look at whether doctors have identified ongoing or future treatment needs and whether those needs are linked to the truck accident. The stronger and clearer the medical evidence, the more likely it is that future care will be included in the claim.

What Types of Future Medical Care Are Common After Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often cause injuries that do not fully heal with short-term treatment. Many people need care that continues well into the future.

Common examples of future medical care include:

• Follow-up surgeries or medical procedures
• Physical therapy or occupational therapy
• Ongoing pain management or prescription medication
• Medical equipment, mobility aids, or in-home assistance

These costs can add up quickly, which is why future medical care often plays a major role in the value of a truck accident case.

How Are Future Medical Expenses Proven in Illinois?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial trucks are subject to strict safety regulations because of the serious injuries that can result when large trucks are involved in crashes, which often leads to long-term or ongoing medical needs.

Future medical expenses must be proven with strong medical evidence and expert opinions. Insurance companies and courts will not simply take estimates at face value.

Doctors may provide opinions about what treatment will be needed and why. In more serious cases, medical experts or life care planners may be used to explain long-term needs and estimate costs over time. This documentation helps show that future care is reasonable and necessary.

Does Illinois Law Limit Recovery for Future Medical Care?

Illinois does not place a general cap on economic damages like medical expenses. This includes both past and future medical costs. If the evidence supports the need for future care, there is no automatic legal limit on recovery.

Illinois law recognizes that future damages may be awarded when they are supported by evidence. This makes strong medical documentation especially important when seeking compensation for long-term care.

That said, future care must still be proven. The injured person must show that the treatment is related to the truck accident and that the cost estimates are reasonable.

Why Do Insurance Companies Dispute Future Medical Care Claims?

Insurance companies often challenge future medical care claims because they can significantly increase case value. They may argue that future treatment is uncertain, unnecessary, or related to a pre-existing condition.

Insurers may also push for early settlements before long-term needs are clear. Accepting an early offer can leave injured people responsible for future medical bills out of their own pocket.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago, IL Truck Accident Attorneys

At Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC, we understand how overwhelming long-term medical concerns can be after a serious truck accident. Our attorneys bring diverse backgrounds and a unique approach to practicing law. We work collaboratively, and our partners are directly involved in every case, no matter how large or small. That hands-on approach helps ensure future medical care is fully considered and properly supported.

If you were injured in a truck accident and are worried about future medical treatment, call 312-236-6324 to schedule a free consultation with Chicago, IL truck accident lawyers today.