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Can I Bring a Claim for Damages Against an Uninsured Illinois Driver?
In Illinois, it is unlawful to drive without auto insurance. Motorists are expected to carry their insurance cards at all times and may be asked by police officers to show proof of insurance during a traffic stop or after an accident. Unfortunately, some people do not take this requirement seriously and choose to drive without insurance. If you are injured in an accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be worried about how you will recover compensation for your losses. Fortunately, there may be a way to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other expenses even if the other driver does not have insurance.
Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Motorists
An uninsured motorist claim arises when a driver without insurance causes an accident thorough negligence or wrongdoing. Uninsured motorist claims often involve an at-fault driver who was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly, or was too preoccupied with a cell phone or other distraction to drive safely. Bicyclist and pedestrian accidents may also involve an uninsured motorist. In many cases, an uninsured motorist claim results from a hit and run. The uninsured driver is likely fearful of the consequences of driving and injuring someone without insurance, which is why he or she fled the scene of the accident. If the at-fault driver in a hit and run cannot be identified, there is no way to seek compensation from his or her insurance company. Underinsured motorist accidents involve an at-fault driver who has auto insurance that does not cover the damages caused in the accident.
Bringing a Claim Against Your Own Insurance Company
Car insurance companies in Illinois are required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UMI). If you have purchased “full coverage” auto insurance, you also receive UMI. An uninsured or underinsured driver claim is brought against your own auto insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for offering payouts that do not even come close to compensating an injured person for his or her losses. If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver, do not settle for partial compensation. Speak to a personal injury attorney who can advocate on your behalf and get you the full compensation you need and deserve in order to properly recover.
Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer
The knowledgeable lawyers at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. have over 85 years of combined legal experience helping clients get the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact one of our skilled Lake County personal injury attorneys to learn more about your options for recovering compensation. Call our office at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Source:
https://www.illinoisvehicle.com/insurance-basics/uninsured-motorist-coverage/
Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.
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