After an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may wonder how to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Drivers, pedestrians and hit-and-run victims can file a claim through their uninsured/underinsured insurance policy.
The Chicago car accident lawyers at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, represent accident victims, including those harmed by uninsured/underinsured motorists. We are known for securing maximum compensation for the injured, helping prevent economic burdens and injury complications.
Schedule a free consultation with Chicago uninsured/underinsured accident attorney who offers decades of successful experience and can help you make informed decisions — call (312) 701-0090.
Car Accident With An Uninsured Driver?
Contact an Attorney at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC Today
Why Choose Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC
- Experience– We have been protecting the rights of injury victims for over 40 years.
- Integrity– We won’t take your case unless we believe it has merit and that we can help you secure maximum compensation for your damages.
- Results– Our results speak for themselves. We have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.
- Compassion– We genuinely care about your well-being and about helping you move forward after an accident by securing the full value of your claim.
Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
Illinois follows a fault-based insurance model for car accidents. In no-fault states, you seek compensation from your own insurance provider regardless of who is at fault. However, in Illinois and other fault states, the at-fault driver and their insurer are responsible for the damages.
Illinois requires all motorists to carry the following minimum amounts of liability coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury involving one person in an accident.
- $50,000 for bodily injury involving two or more people in an accident.
- $20,000 for property damage in an accident.
Although auto insurance is mandatory, many motorists still drive without coverage. Even when motorists carry insurance, the minimum required coverage may be insufficient in a severe car accident.
Illinois law also requires uninsured motorist limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, which covers you for bodily injury when an at-fault driver has no insurance or when a hit-and-run driver injures you. If you purchase higher limits of uninsured motorist coverage, you are also required to have underinsured motorists coverage.
What Are My Options If The At-Fault Driver Has No or Insufficient Insurance?
You may have other options if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. An experienced Chicago uninsured or underinsured motorist lawyer can help determine how you should proceed to maximize your chances of recovering full compensation.
Some potential options for recovering damages after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist include:
- Filing a claim with your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance provider.
- Filing a claim with your collision insurance.
- You may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the driver was on the job at the time of the accident, you may have a valid claim against their employer. The owner of the vehicle could also be partially liable.
- Other parties could also be liable. For example, if defective or negligently maintained equipment contributed to your accident, you may have a valid claim against a manufacturer or a maintenance/repair business.
An experienced Chicago uninsured or underinsured motorist lawyer can help identify and pursue all your available options for recovering compensation for your damages.
Why You Should Consult an ExperiencedChicago Uninsured or Underinsured Accident Lawyer
An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can investigate your crash to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties, and maximize the sources of compensation to pay your damages.
Your attorney can help you file a claim against your UM/UIM carrier for compensation when the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their coverage is insufficient. A skilled uninsured/underinsured accidents lawyer can help establish the full value of your damages and protect you against the insurance company’s attempts to deny or devalue your claim.
Your lawyer can also help identify other sources of compensation to pay your damages, including determining what other assets and sources of income the at-fault party may have that could be used to pay your compensation.
Your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your damages are much greater when a Chicago uninsured or underinsured motorists lawyer represents you.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury and may have a claim, take photos to preserve the condition as it existed.
What Is UM/UIM Insurance?
It is an insurance coverage that protects drivers and pedestrians when the at-fault party either lacks adequate insurance or has no coverage. State law mandates that insurance policies must include this coverage.
For a hit-and-run accident, you may not know how to proceed, especially if the at-fault driver flees. In these situations, your uninsured motorist coverage helps you recover compensation for injuries, medical bills and property damage.
Filing An Underinsured Claim
In cases where the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough, you can pursue an underinsured claim. This allows you to receive the full benefits of your UM/UIM coverage and recover the difference between the other driver’s policy limits and the actual cost of your damages.
UM/UIM insurance covers bodily injury limits, compensating victims for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to note that property damage is usually covered under collision coverage rather than uninsured/underinsured insurance, so reviewing your policy is key to maximizing benefits.
Filing an uninsured or underinsured claim can be more complicated than you might expect. A personal injury lawyer can help you through the legal process, protect your rights and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Settle For Less
If you were hurt in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, seeking professional legal help is essential. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, we can improve your chances of recovering full compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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