AI tools typically work by taking a few inputs—age, relationship, medical expenses, wage history—and producing a “range.” The problem is that the most important drivers of value in real cases often aren’t captured well by generic models.
In Prospect Heights, common real-world complications include:
- Crash causation disputes (e.g., speed, lane position, signal timing, impaired driving, or sudden mechanical failure)
- Multiple potential responsible parties (drivers, employers, contractors, property owners, or maintenance vendors)
- Evidence gaps after the fact (video overwritten, dashcam angles limited, witnesses unsure or unavailable)
- Illinois-specific negotiation dynamics with insurance carriers that focus on litigation risk and proof
If a calculator assumes the “best case” facts—or doesn’t account for contested fault—it can push families toward the wrong expectations.


