Uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois can fill the gap when you’re injured in a car accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance to cover your damages.
As a responsible driver you carry the minimum requirements for car insurance in Illinois. Not all drivers are as responsible as you, and many carry only the bare minimum in coverage, if they carry insurance at all. If you’re in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver your Chicago auto accident lawyer can help access additional coverage.
What is under or uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois is an important additional coverage option on your car insurance policy that could make a difference in an injury claim. When you are injured by another driver in a car accident their insurance policy typically offers you a settlement to compensate for your damages. But what about uninsured drivers?
If you carry uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois your insurance policy will step in to provide compensation where the other driver’s policy fails. This means you can still be compensated for your losses even if the other driver had no insurance whatsoever. Consider it extra protection that you will be compensated if you are injured due to another drivers’ negligence.
When you file your car accident claim your lawyer will review your insurance policy and that of the other driver. If they do not have valid insurance, or if their policy limits are too low to provide adequate compensation for your injuries, your uninsured motorist coverage will be effective.
When does underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois matter?
Pedestrians and bicyclists who carry uninsured motorist coverage in Illinois will benefit from this additional protection. This coverage also applies to relatives who reside with the named insured on your car insurance policy. If your child was injured by an uninsured motorist your coverage would pay for their injuries as well.
Remember that your insurance travels with you, and if you find yourself injured in a car accident in a no-fault state, your uninsured motorist coverage still applies. In these states, insurance claims are usually handled by your own insurance, rather than that of the other driver.
Hit-and-run cases are also important when carrying uninsured motorist coverage. Your Chicago auto accident lawyer cannot help you file a claim against a driver who doesn’t exist. When you have no other party to file against due to their fleeing of the scene your own insurance must handle the burden of your damages.
Don’t Downplay the Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois
Your Chicago auto accident lawyer can only go as far in seeking compensation for your injuries as your insurance policies allows. If the other driver does not have adequate limits for their insurance policy you could be looking at thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills.
