If you were injured in a Chicago car accident, you may take comfort knowing that the at-fault party’s insurance company will pay for damages. But what happens if you get hit by someone without insurance? Or what about a hit-and-run where you don’t even know who caused the accident
Illinois law requires all drivers to possess at least a minimum amount of auto liability insurance, also known as Uninsured Motorists coverage. If a person is caught driving without insurance for the first time, they will pay a $1,000 fine. However, if they cause an accident, their mistake can lead to many other people having to pay for repairs and medical bills. Those drivers need to be held responsible.
If you were involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, don’t panic. An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney will fight for your legal right to pursue compensation and diligently represent you. The lawyers at Langdon & Emison will investigate all parts of your case and discover evidence to build up your lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Let Langdon & Emison hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. Call (312) 872-3389 today for a free consultation.
Uninsured Driver Statistics
Uninsured driving is a national concern affecting hundreds of thousands of people and their families every year. The Insurance Research Council found that in 2015, 13% of drivers (about one in eight) were uninsured. That number continues to rise, especially in Illinois.
The Prairie State has an estimated 13.7% of drivers who are uninsured. That’s more than the national average, and only 16 states have higher rates of uninsured drivers.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In Illinois, all drivers must carry uninsured motorist protection. This is part of your car insurance policy and will help pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs if you’re involved in an auto accident with an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage helps prevent injured victims of car accidents paying out of pocket for damages they didn’t cause. This policy also comes into play if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver’s identity is unknown.
In Illinois, you must have the following minimum liability insurance amounts:
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$20,000 for damage to another person’s property
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Underinsured Motorist Coverage
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$25,000 for injury or death of one person
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$50,000 for injury or death of two or more people
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage differs from uninsured motorist policies. This policy covers you and your passengers’ injuries if the at-fault driver’s auto insurance doesn’t fully cover your expenses. This type of coverage is useful as the cost of healthcare and vehicles increases.
Suing An Uninsured Driver for Damages
If the at-fault driver of an auto accident either doesn’t have insurance or carries an insufficient amount, they can be held personally liable for injuries and damages caused in the accident and for damages exceeding the policy limit.
It’s also unlikely that your insurance policy will cover the total amount of damages. Medical payments are fairly limited and don’t cover other expenses, such as lost income from missing work. The best way to recover the compensation you need is by hiring a car accident lawyer in Chicago at Langdon & Emison.
It’s important that you understand the implications of taking someone to court. In Illinois, you must file a lawsuit within the specified statute of limitations (the deadline). If you don’t file in time, your case will be thrown out and you may never receive the compensation you need.
If you decide to take legal action against the at-fault driver, you need to file:
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Within two years of the date of the accident for injuries
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Within five years of the date of the accident for property damage
The claims process is confusing and can be difficult, so it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney. You should also understand that insurance companies often deny and delay claims – you need an experienced, relentless legal team who won’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Call Langdon & Emison, Chicago auto accident lawyers at (312) 872-3389 for a free case consultation.
Chicago Uninsured Driver Lawyers
Only an experienced legal team can prove who was at fault in the accident that caused your injuries and vehicle damage. The uninsured driver attorneys at Langdon & Emison will communicate with your insurance company and negotiate to receive the highest amount of compensation possible. If the insurance company fails to follow through with their duty of protecting you, we’ll take the at-fault driver to court.
You should be able to concentrate on recovering from your injuries; don’t let an uninsured driver or an obstinate insurance company stop you from doing so. Call Langdon & Emison’s Chicago office at (312) 872-3389 or contact us for a free case consultation.