What Happens When the Illinois Driver Who Hit Me Does Not Have Car Insurance?
According to the latest data compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, 11.8% of all Illinois drivers are operating their vehicles without car insurance.
While that statistic could be worse, ranking 24th in the country in uninsured motorists places Cook County residents at risk of being seriously injured in a car accident with a driver who does not have the insurance coverage necessary to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
What happens then? Are Illinois car accident victims required to pay for their recovery needs out of their own pockets?
At the Mancini Law Group, P.C., our car accident attorneys in Chicago pursue all available financial resources for our clients’ injuries and full recovery needs, including reviewing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and, when necessary, the personal assets of the uninsured driver.
Here is how we help ensure you get the medical care and time away from work you need, even if you were injured in a collision with a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run driver in Illinois.
By Law, How Much Insurance Coverage Should Illinois Drivers Carry?
Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage caused during a traffic collision.
The minimum car insurance requirements in Illinois include:
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$25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and up to $50,000 per accident
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$20,000 for property damage
Unfortunately, just because uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required by law does not mean all drivers comply. If you were injured in a crash with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run motorist, our Chicago personal injury lawyers will still pursue maximum justice and maximum results for your case.
First Line of Financial Recovery: Your Insurance Policy
In Illinois, all drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage.
This coverage allows our Chicago car accident attorneys to pursue compensation through your own insurance policy for medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs related to the accident.
Keep in mind that insurance companies often attempt to delay, undervalue, or deny claims, even when coverage clearly applies.
Our Illinois car accident lawyers aggressively pursue insurance companies for the full compensation you need to recover after an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver or a hit-and-run accident.
If insurance coverage is insufficient, we may also pursue the at-fault driver personally, once identified, for additional damages.
Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver for Additional Damages Not Covered by My Insurance Policy?
Yes. If the at-fault driver in an Illinois auto accident does not have enough insurance — or any insurance at all — they may be held personally liable for damages that exceed policy limits.
If you have been injured in a crash involving an uninsured driver, underinsured driver, or hit-and-run driver in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys at Mancini Law Group P.C. by phone at (773) 745-1909 or online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Your need for justice is our passion.
