{"id":1967,"date":"2024-06-24T06:02:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T06:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-660259-4601660.cloudwaysapps.com\/?page_id=1967"},"modified":"2024-10-17T12:28:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T12:28:14","slug":"uninsured-underinsured-driver-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.collinslaw.com\/illinois-car-accident-lawyer\/uninsured-underinsured-driver-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Uninsured \/ Underinsured Driver Accident Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Illinois Uninsured \/ Underinsured Driver Accident Lawyer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Illinois law requires motorists to carry car accident insurance. However, there are some motorists who are willing to risk hefty fines and penalties for failing to acquire insurance. The Insurance Research Council<\/a> reports that 11.8% of motorists in Illinois in 2019 were uninsured. Other drivers carry the minimum car insurance required by state law, which is often not enough to cover a serious car accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver you are in danger of being uncompensated for the damages caused by the crash. However, it is completely unfair for you to be penalized because another motorist fails to buy insurance as required by the state. This is why our Naperville car accident attorneys<\/a> pursue uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illinois law acknowledges the rights of car accident victims who are injured by uninsured drivers, granting them the ability to file claims with their own insurance policies to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. Our office regularly handles these types of cases, and our Naperville car accident lawyers are experienced in making UM and UIM claims. Give us a call at (630) 527-1595<\/strong> to see if you qualify for this legal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Claims Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are involved in a car crash where the responsible driver lacks insurance coverage, an uninsured motorist claim (UM claim) may become necessary. This type of claim is filed with your own insurance provider if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. You also have the option to pursue an uninsured motorist claim if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and sustain injuries. If you drive a car in Illinois, you are required to have a minimum of $25,000 of uninsured motorist insurance. This insurance will compensate you for your injuries, while your collision insurance covers the damage to your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some accidents, the at-fault driver may have insurance - but the coverage is below your attorney\u2019s demand for compensation. This can happen when a driver has only acquired the minimum $25,000 required coverage in Illinois<\/a> and your injuries are substantial. In such circumstances, car crash victims may have the option to file a second claim known as an underinsured motorist claim (UIM claim). However, underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Illinois, so you must check your auto insurance policy to see if you have it. If you do have UIM insurance, filing a claim with your insurance provider offers the opportunity for a more substantial financial recovery compared to solely pursuing the at-fault driver after an auto accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, consider a scenario where you are involved in a car accident and the at-fault driver only has the $25,000 state minimum insurance. You have underinsured motorist coverage, on top of the mandatory insurance. You sustain injuries valued at $45,000. In this case, the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance will cover the first $25,000, and your UIM claim with your insurance provider will cover the remaining $20,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Automobile Insurance Coverage is Required in Illinois?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At present, Illinois law requires all motorists to carry the following minimum insurance coverage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n