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Although Illinois state law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance, drivers do not always follow this law. Likewise, some drivers flee from the scene of accidents that they cause.
Situations such as these can leave you unable to pursue any insurance claims against these drivers, who either are unidentified or who have no assets from which to pay damages, for property damages and personal injuries. As a qualified Oak Lawn uninsured car accident lawyer could explain, however, you may still be able to seek coverage for your losses through your own uninsured motorist insurance policies.
In order to build and maintain a successful and effective claim, professional help may be necessary. If you are injured in a car accident with an uninsured or unidentified driver, a dedicated car accident attorney may be able to assist you throughout the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim.
Uninsured motorist insurance coverage protects individuals when they are involved in accidents with uninsured drivers, or when they fall victim to a hit-and-run. Another situation in which uninsured motorist insurance coverage may apply is when a motor vehicle strikes pedestrians or bicyclists.
Although the individuals in question were not driving or riding in a motor vehicle at the time of the accident, they can still claim benefits under their uninsured motorist insurance policy if the driver of the motor vehicle that struck them was uninsured. It is not necessary for individuals to be traveling in a motor vehicle to be covered by an uninsured motorist policy—in fact, family members of the insured may also receive coverage in many instances.
Most insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage as an option along with liability or comprehensive car insurance policies. Drivers who suffer injuries or damages in an accident due to uninsured or unidentified drivers may file a claim through their own insurance policies to pay for their medical expenses, property damages, and similar costs related to the accident. Alternatively, they may retain an Oak Lawn uninsured car accident attorney to do so for them.
It is important to note that seeking coverage under an uninsured motorist insurance policy does not diminish the responsibility of uninsured drivers. In most cases, the insurance company that holds the uninsured motorist policy for the injured parties would file a claim against the uninsured drivers seeking restitution for compensation paid out under an uninsured motorist policy. An experienced uninsured car accident lawyer in Oak Lawn may be able to help an individual plaintiff determine the options for coverage that may be available to them.
Individuals who sustain serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents can seek coverage under their own uninsured motorist policies for many of the same damages as they could by filing a personal injury action against the driver who caused the accident. Potential damages may include:
However, injury victims only have a limited time in which to file claims for compensation related to motor vehicle accidents. According to 735 ILCS § 5/13 204, injury victims in Oak Lawn have two years from the date of their injuries to file claims against all potentially liable parties or settle their claim(s) privately.
When you suffer injuries in a car accident with an uninsured driver, you may feel as if you have nowhere to turn for help with your medical bills and recovery costs. Fortunately, an Oak Lawn uninsured car accident lawyer may be able to assist you in reviewing your options for coverage, filing a claim against your uninsured motorist policy, and recovering compensation for your losses.
Whether you were the victim of an accident involving a negligent uninsured driver or a hit-and-run accident, you may have recourse to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Contact a skilled car accident attorney in Oak Lawn to explore the different possibilities for legal action in your case.