Hit-and-Run Crashes, UI/UIM Claims, and Personal Injury

 Posted on December 18, 2024 in Car Accidents

Illinois laws require all drivers to have auto insurance policies. Drivers must also remain at the scene of an accident until law enforcement and first responders arrive and release them. Unfortunately, many drivers violate both of these laws.

If you are injured in a car accident caused by another motorist, you deserve compensation, but your insurance claim will be complicated. A skilled Barrington, IL personal injury lawyer knows how to overcome the challenges.

What Auto Insurance Coverage Does Illinois Require?

Although you can purchase additional coverage, Illinois law requires all drivers to have auto liability insurance with these minimum limits:

• $25,000 injury or death per person

• $50,000 injury or death per accident

• $20,000 property damage

All auto insurance companies are required to offer their policyholders optional coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UI/UIM). If you have this type of coverage, it can provide payment if someone without insurance is responsible for an accident that injures you, damages your vehicle or property, or kills someone.

Although they are not breaking the law, underinsured drivers who choose only the bare minimum auto insurance may not have enough coverage to pay all damages if they cause a collision. Their choice of minimal insurance may indicate financial strain, making it unlikely they can pay the difference between their coverage limits and your damages out of pocket.

Whether an at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, you can file a claim against your own insurer if you purchased UI/UIM coverage. You might think they will pay you fairly since you are their policyholder, but they are in business to make and keep profits. If they see an opportunity to deny or minimize your payout, they will probably take it.

What If the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?

Hit-and-run drivers are breaking the law, but that does not help you get the compensation you deserve. Typically, if the driver remains unidentified, your own UI/UIM coverage should apply. You should still be prepared for challenges that could prevent you from collecting as much compensation as you deserve.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Hit-and-Run and UI/UIM Accident Claims?

Whether your collision was caused by a fleeing driver, one without auto insurance, or one with minimal coverage, you will likely still need to fight with your own insurer for coverage. A lawyer who understands the intricacies of these situations can advise you on how they could affect your compensation claim.

We may be able to locate and identify the hit-and-run driver. If not, we will help file your claim against your own coverage. Regardless, we know what to expect from insurers in these cases and how to outmaneuver them. Protecting your best interests is our goal, and that means helping you secure the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Consult an Experienced Lake County, IL Car Accident Lawyer

You need to select the right lawyer to handle your car accident claim if you expect optimal results. Call Barrington Injury Attorneys at 224-900-HURT or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation with one of our highly effective Cook County, IL personal injury attorneys.