After a car accident, discovering that the driver who hit you has little or no insurance can make an already difficult situation feel even more overwhelming. However, Illinois law provides protections for drivers in these situations in the form of uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. An experienced St. Charles car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.
At Feagans Law Group P.C., we have decades of experience helping St. Charles, IL residents pursue uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Why Hire Feagans Law Group P.C. For Your UM/UIM Case?
A St. Charles uninsured and underinsured motorist attorney can help you navigate all aspects of your uninsured motorist case. Clients in Illinois choose Feagans Law Group P.C. because:
- We run a family-operated practice where every client receives the personalized attention you’d want for a member of your own family.
- Our team began our legal careers working within the insurance industry. That background gives us firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate and dispute UM/UIM claims.
- We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across Illinois
- We are always accessible and communicative throughout your case.
Ready to talk through your situation? Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a St. Charles car accident attorney.
How a St. Charles Car Accident Attorney Can Help You With a UM/UIM Claim
Navigating a UM or UIM claim means going up against your own insurance company. You expect your insurer to be there in your time of need, especially after all the premiums you’ve paid. However, your insurer might challenge your right to compensation or undervalue your claim.
Here’s what an uninsured accident attorney in St. Charles can do for your case:
- Analyze your auto insurance policy to determine if your accident is covered by a UM/UIM policy.
- Gather and preserve critical evidence to build the strongest possible foundation for your claim.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company (so you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement).
- Accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including long-term needs like ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
- Prepare your case for arbitration or litigation if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.
One of the most important steps you can take after a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured driver is to speak with our car and motorcycle accident attorney in St. Charles. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you recover full compensation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
UM coverage is a benefit of your own auto insurance policy that protects you when the at-fault driver carries no insurance or cannot be identified (such as in a hit-and-run accident). UIM coverage applies when the responsible driver has insurance, but their policy limits do not cover the full extent of your losses.
UM/UIM coverage commonly applies when:
- The at-fault driver has no auto insurance policy at all
- The at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover your medical expenses and other damages
- You were injured in a hit-and-run, and the other driver was never located
- The other driver’s insurer denies their claim or disclaims coverage
- The at-fault driver was operating a stolen or unauthorized vehicle
In each of these situations, your own UM/UIM policy can step in and pay for damages that you might otherwise have to pay out of pocket.
UM Requirements in Illinois
Illinois law requires most drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy — unless they opt out in writing. The minimum required UM limits generally mirror the state’s bodily injury liability requirements: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, many drivers opt for higher limits.
What Compensation is Available Through UM/UIM Coverage?
UM and UIM coverage are designed to put you in roughly the same financial position you would have been in had the at-fault driver carried adequate insurance.
A successful UM/UIM claim may allow you to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment
- Physical therapy/ rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle and property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
The best way to determine the value of your claim is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in St. Charles.
Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation
Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver after a crash puts you in an unfair position, but you do have options. Feagans Law Group P.C. is here to help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Charles uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer. We’re here to help you rebuild your life.