Accidents Involving Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

Uninsured drivers lack auto liability insurance for bodily injury or property damage. In Illinois, an alarming number of drivers take to the road without adequate insurance. Current statistics show that approximately 12 percent of Illinois motorists are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute. While driving without coverage is illegal and can lead to penalties, it still leaves victims of accidents caused by uninsured drivers without immediate recourse for their injuries and damages.

If you have injuries and expenses from a crash with a negligent and uninsured driver, pursuing compensation is challenging without legal assistance. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we focus on helping injured clients recover justice from those liable for their pain. We help you understand the options for seeking money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Our car accident lawyers have a vast understanding of Illinois auto insurance law. For a free consultation, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today.

Why You Should Use an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Lawyer

Recovering compensation from a negligent driver without insurance is a daunting task. You may not know your rights or how to seek compensation. A dedicated uninsured or underinsured motorist lawyer can help you by:

  • Reviewing your automobile insurance policy to identify your coverage and benefits 
  • Assessing your injuries and losses for compensation
  • Pursuing all viable avenues of compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver
  • Determining whether there are other ways to get your medical and other expenses covered
  • Filing a detailed insurance claim for you, including all necessary documentation
  • Negotiating a settlement 
  • Representing you in court if necessary

Even though uninsured motorist coverage is required in Illinois, your insurance company might be reluctant to offer adequate compensation for your losses. Many insurers try to settle as cheaply as possible. A qualified attorney who handles uninsured crashes can objectively assess your case and seek the benefits you’re owed for your medical expenses. 

With decades of experience, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is a trusted name in personal injury law. Their impressive record of case results for car crash victims includes:

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has recovered $2.5 billion for clients, with more than 350 settlements and verdicts of at least $1 million. We aggressively negotiate for every dollar you could receive. With our award-winning law firm by your side, you get the time and space to focus on recovering from your injuries or taking care of an injured loved one. 

What Are Illinois Minimum Insurance Requirements?

There are many types of car insurance. To comply with the Illinois minimum liability insurance requirements, drivers must carry $25,000 bodily injury per person, with a $50,000 total limit per accident, and $20,000 for property damage to the other person’s vehicle. 

Although required insurance minimums ensure some protection for injured motorists, it is easy to see how a severe crash could quickly exhaust the policy limits. 

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM) pays for medical expenses if you suffer injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver or a liable driver without insurance. According to Illinois insurance requirements, insurance companies must offer UM coverage. Currently, state uninsured motorist bodily injury minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You may buy higher limits to pay for claims that exceed those amounts for additional premiums.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can protect you from underinsured coverage expenses. According to the Illinois Department of Insurance:

  • If the underinsured motorist’s coverage doesn’t cover all your medical expenses, your UIM coverage pays the overage up to your policy’s limits.
  • You must carry UIM insurance if you purchase more than the state’s required limit of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM).

How Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

For accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM or UIM policy. The process looks like this:

  • Another driver causes an accident that injures you.
  • Determine whether the at-fault driver has insurance, no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover your accident-related medical expenses.
  • If there is no insurance or insufficient coverage, file a claim with your insurance provider under your own automobile insurance policy for uninsured and underinsured drivers.
  • Your insurance company reviews the accident details, corroborates evidence, and assesses the extent of your injuries and medical expenses.
  • Based on their assessment, your insurer determines and pays the compensation amount, ensuring it doesn’t exceed your policy’s limits.

If you do not have UM or UIM coverage, consider other legal avenues to recover the remaining amount. This might include the liable driver’s employer if they were driving a company car. An uninsured driver might have other financial assets that could be reached through a third-party lawsuit. 

Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run Crashes?

Your uninsured motorist policy pays for injuries if you are the victim of a hit-and-run. You must report the crime to the police before filing a claim.

In Illinois, if a driver causes a crash due to negligence or wrongdoing, they are responsible for your expenses. Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) is a crime. Although law enforcement agencies will do their best to locate the driver, some hit-and-run drivers remain unidentified. If you get hurt in a hit-and-run, you have a few legal avenues to pursue compensation:

  • File a claim under your UM coverage
  • Sue the at-fault driver (if identified) 
  • File a claim under your MedPay policy or health insurance to pay for medical care

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for Help with Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Case

Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists can be complex and distressing. Most people lack the knowledge, resources, or time to fully explore their options for pursuing compensation. 

A car accident attorney with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you navigate this challenging terrain with confidence. We are familiar with Illinois auto insurance regulations and have an exceptional track record for recovering compensation through insurance settlements or verdicts. 

You deserve a strong legal advocate by your side to give you the support necessary to reach the best possible outcome. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation.