Illinois requires all motorists to maintain liability insurance of at least $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 in property damage that covers the damage they cause to others due to their negligence. Despite this legal requirement, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that 16.3% of drivers in Illinois operate their motor vehicles without this mandated insurance. When drivers choose not to insure their vehicles, they put others at risk of being unable to cover accident-related injuries and losses.
The Geneva uninsured motorist accident attorneys at Feagans Law Group P.C. can review your insurance policies and the circumstances surrounding your accident. We offer free case reviews where we can explain your legal rights and options. Call us at (630) 940-2093 to schedule your case evaluation today.
What Is an Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim?
If you are involved in an accident where the at-fault driver has no insurance or are injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may have to make an uninsured motorist claim to recover compensation for your damages. Uninsured motorist coverage is automatically included in your auto insurance policy at the legal minimum requirements for bodily injury or death.
When you file an uninsured motorist claim, you file a claim with your own insurance provider instead of with the insurer that covers the at-fault driver.
Legal Options Following an Uninsured Motorist Accident
If you are filing an uninsured motorist claim, you do so with your own auto insurance provider. Even though the driver was uninsured, you could still pursue a claim against them. They could be personally responsible for paying for your damages. An experienced car wreck attorney in Geneva can also review the circumstances to determine if another party may be responsible for your damages, such as:
- Vehicle owners who negligently entrusted their vehicle to an unsafe driver
- Bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol to a drunk driver
- Employers who were responsible for accidents that occurred on the job
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Uninsured Motorist Crash
Even though you may be dealing primarily with your own insurer, this process can still be complex and frustrating. You will need to provide written notice of your claim and follow other technical steps. Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements or may try to request medical records to show you had a pre-existing injury so they can deny your claim. A lawyer can ensure that you take the proper steps during this process and don’t say or do anything that could harm your Geneva personal injury claim. Your lawyer can review your insurance contract, identify all applicable coverage, and handle communication with your insurance company. Lawyers can also represent accident victims in bad faith claims against their insurance providers if they are not treated fairly during the claims process.Â
Your lawyer may also be able to negotiate liens so that you receive more compensation from your claim. A lawyer can also help identify other legal options for recovery to maximize your claim.
Contact Our Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyers for Help
Just because someone else chose to break the law and not pay for insurance, you should not have to pay the consequences. The uninsured motorist lawyers at Feagans Law Group P.C. can help fight for the compensation you are due. Contact us today for a free consultation.