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 our Cook County residents in danger of being seriously injured in a collision with someone who does not have the insurance coverage necessary to pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and property damage they will need to fully recover.

What happens then? Are injury 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 will pursue all available financial resources for our client's injuries and full recovery needs, including turning our attention to their insurance coverage, and possibly, to the uninsured drivers personal assets.

Here is how we can help ensure your get the care and time away from work you need, even if you have been hurt in a crash with a motorist with little or no 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, which will cover injuries or property damage that occurs during a collision.

The minimum vehicle liability insurance required in Illinois includes:

$25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person; and up to $50,000 per accident

$25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person; and up to $50,000 per accident

$20,000 for damage to property of another person

Unfortunately, just because underinsured and uninsured insurance coverage is required by law does not mean everyone in the state of Illinois is going to comply. If you have been injured in a collision with a driver who has admitted they do not have car insurance or with a hit and run driver, our skilled personal injury lawyers in Chicago will still pursue the maximum justice and maximum results for your case.

First Line of Financial Recovery: Your Insurance Policy

In Illinois, all drivers must carry underinsured and uninsured motorist protection.

This coverage is important because it will allow our car accident attorneys to turn to your insurance coverage to cover your accident's expenses, including medical care, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs associated with your collision.

Keep in mind, your insurance company is like all insurance companies in that they never want to pay for the expenses associated with an accident, even when the coverage is outlined in your policy.

They will still fight to delay, undervalue, or even deny the claim.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys will aggressively pursue your insurance company for the complete coverage you need to fully heal if you have been involved in a collision with an underinsured/uninsured driver or were the victim of a hit and run accident.

If your insurance coverage is not enough, we may also pursue the liable party personally — when he or she has been identified — for the additional damages.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver for Additional Damages Not Covered by My Insurance Policy?

If the at-fault driver of an auto accident in Illinois does not have enough or any insurance to cover the damages they caused our clients during a collision, they can be held personally liable for injuries and additional costs associated with the crash that exceeds their or our client's insurance policy limits.

If you have been injured in an accident with an underinsured, uninsured, 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 to discuss your case today. Your need for justice is our passion for justice.