Many drivers assume that insurance will cover them after a crash. Unfortunately, not every driver adheres to the law or carries sufficient coverage. If you are in a crash in Illinois and an uninsured or underinsured driver is to blame, the situation can feel overwhelming.
Medical bills, lost income, and pain do not disappear just because they lack coverage. Our experienced Rockford car accident lawyer provides trusted legal guidance to clients in these cases. We explain options to protect yourself and your family after an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Illinois Statutes require all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage. This includes uninsured motorist coverage, which steps in to help offset costs when an at-fault driver ignores the law and doesn’t have an auto insurance policy in place.
Coverage for underinsured motorists is required as well and helps prevent you from paying out of pocket when the other driver’s policy limits are too low to fully cover your losses. Both can help reimburse costs caused by a Rockford car accident, which often include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, ongoing care, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages during recovery and any reduced future earning ability due to ongoing impairments.
- The pain, suffering, and long-term limitations.
- Future medical care tied to the injury.
Your own insurance company becomes the source of compensation in these claims. However, even though it is your insurer, disputes can still arise over fault, damages, and policy limits. These claims must be handled carefully to avoid delays or undervaluation.
What You Need to Do After a Crash with an Uninsured Driver
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), over 15 percent of all motorists lack insurance coverage. If you are injured in a car accident in Rockford with one of these drivers, or if they lack enough coverage to cover your losses, take precautions to protect yourself and your rights in a claim. Follow these steps:
- Report the crash to the police immediately, get contact information for other drivers, and ask for a copy of the crash report.
- Gather evidence at the scene of the accident, if possible, such as photos, videos, and witness information.
- Seek medical treatment, follow doctor recommendations, and keep copies of all medical bills and records.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, but get legal guidance before giving recorded statements.
Illinois law imposes deadlines for pursuing uninsured motorist claims. Get legal help right away, as waiting too long can jeopardize your rights to compensation.
Contact Our Rockford Car Accident Lawyer To Protect Your Rights in a Claim
Injured by an uninsured and underinsured motorist? At Tuite Law, we can help identify all available coverage, calculate the full value of your losses, and push back against unfair claim decisions.
Our legal team has represented injured individuals and families throughout Winnebago County since 1958. If you are in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact us today and request a consultation with our experienced Rockford car accident lawyer. Call Tuite Law at (815) 965-5777 and request a consultation with our Rockford car accident lawyer today.
