What To Do After An Accident With An Uninsured Driver?

Many drivers are involved in car accidents each year, and these situations can often result in serious injuries, damage to vehicles and other property, and other issues that result in significant expenses. Most of the time, a car accident victim will be covered by the insurance policy of the driver who was at fault. However, some accidents may involve drivers who do not have insurance. If you are involved in such an accident, you may be left feeling helpless and alone, and you may be worried that you will be unable to cover expenses related to medical treatment. Fortunately, you do have options, and you will usually be able to receive coverage through your own car insurance policy.

Following an accident with an uninsured driver, an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, we will work with you to gather evidence demonstrating that a negligent driver or another party was responsible for an accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in the uninsured and underinsured arbitration process, if necessary. With our help, you will be able to obtain the justice and closure you need after a car accident.

Legal Options in Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

If a driver who was responsible for a car accident did not have insurance, victims will usually be covered by their own car insurance policies. In fact, liability insurance policies in Illinois are required to include coverage that addresses these situations. There are two types of coverage for accidents with uninsured drivers:

  • Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – This will address situations where the at-fault driver did not have auto insurance, as well as hit-and-run accidents in which the other driver cannot be identified but contact was made between your vehicle and theirs.
  • Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage – This will provide compensation when the at-fault driver had insurance, but due to the limits of their policy, the victim will be unable to fully cover the damages related to the accident.

The minimum policy limits for UM/UIM coverage in Illinois are $25,000 for bodily injuries for one person in an accident and $50,000 for bodily injuries affecting multiple people. However, additional coverage may be purchased that will provide higher amounts of compensation. This is often recommended, since the costs of medical treatment for a serious injury can easily add up to more than $25,000, especially if surgery or ongoing physical therapy is required.

When making an insurance claim in situations involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, it is extremely important to first contact an attorney. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and any coverage provided to policyholders will reduce their profits. Because of this, insurance adjusters will usually attempt to minimize the amount paid out, or they may even find reasons to deny a claim altogether. Your lawyer will contact your insurance company on your behalf and negotiate a settlement to get you the compensation you deserve. This will ensure that you will be able to receive the maximum amount of coverage possible that will fully address all of your damages.

Contact Our Schaumburg Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers

If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you should not try to deal with this situation on your own. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney at Vito & Dollenmaier Law, you can ensure that you will be able to receive the proper insurance coverage. We can also help you identify any other potential sources of compensation, such as lawsuits against the manufacturers of defective auto parts. We will not rest until you have the financial resources you need to move forward from your difficult experience. Contact us at 224-539-8821 to set up a free consultation. We will not charge you any legal fees until we successfully collect compensation on your behalf.