Attorneys for Uninsured Motorist Accidents & Injuries

When someone has been in a car accident, they can typically file a claim with the at-fault parties’ car insurance company, get their car repaired, and may be able to recover compensation for personal injuries as well as lost wages and medical bills.

In other cases, things are not so simple. When an at-fault party does not have insurance to cover the damages that were sustained as a result of an accident, then additional problems may arise. If the victim of a negligent accident does not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, the victim will have to pay out-of-pocket in order to cover their damages and medical expenses.

Many drivers believe that if they have auto insurance, it will cover their damages resulting from any type of accident. “Full coverage,” generally refers to only having liability coverage to protect the insured driver in the event that they are at fault for an accident. Full insurance coverage typically includes comprehensive and collision coverage to repair or replace the insured’s vehicle in case of theft or damage.

If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault with an uninsured driver (or they are underinsured), it’s important to have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, commonly called “UM/UIM coverage.

Common damages may include but are not limited to the following:

• medical expenses,
• emergency room expenses,
• future related medical costs,
• pain and suffering,
• emotional distress,
• lost income,
• loss of future wages stemming from an inability to work,
• loss of a normal life,
• loss of companionship,
• reconstructive surgery expenses,
• loss of consortium,
• wrongful death and
• other non-economic damages or punitive damages.

Request Free Consultation

Uninsured vs. Underinsured Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects victims if they have been in an accident with an at-fault driver who does not carry liability insurance.

Underinsured motorist coverage, refers to coverage that has liability limits that are too low to cover damages or medical expenses in the event of a serious accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance is liable for all damages up to the policy limit. Underinsured motorist coverage will cover the excess amount up to the limits the policyholder selects.

Uninsured Motorist Claims for Hit-and-Run Crashes

Many people who are injured as the result of hit-and-run drivers are extremely concerned that the negligent driver will never be caught. The good news is that even if the driver is never brought to justice, the victim can usually recover compensation through an uninsured motorist accident claim with his or her own insurance company.

All liability insurance policies in Illinois are required under state law to automatically include uninsured motorist at the legal minimum coverage requirements for death or bodily injury that requires medical care, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and more. The only exception to this rule is if the consumer specifically selects lower policy limits in writing.

Uninsured motorist (also referred to simply as UM) coverage can provide many of the same types of compensation that a victim of a hit-and-run would attempt to seek from the negligent motorist. While people may feel more comfortable dealing with their own insurers, it is critical to remember that all insurance companies are businesses that make money by paying as little as possible to resolve injury claims.

Following any hit-and-run crash, you will always want to seek legal advice from an uninsured car accident attorney. An attorney might not only be able to help locate the at-fault driver, but the lawyer will definitely be able to protect all of your rights and know how to negotiate for maximum compensation if you must submit an uninsured motorist insurance claim.