Chicago Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident, you are probably experiencing financial strain in addition to the physical pain of your injuries. Even minor collisions can result in expensive hospital bills and time away from work. Victims of drivers with inadequate insurance coverage or no auto insurance at all may worry that they will never receive the compensation they need to cover their losses. The Bradley Law Firm understands how insurance companies operate and we know how to ensure that victims get the fair compensation they deserve.
Illinois Insurance Requirements
All motorists in Illinois are required to have auto insurance. Drivers must obtain:
- $20,000 minimum coverage for an injury or death of one person
- $40,000 minimum coverage for injury or death of more than one person
- $15,000 minimum coverage for damage to someone’s property
Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in a suspension of your license plates, a $500 fine and a mandatory $100 fee to reinstate your registration.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
Drivers who lack any type of insurance are referred to as "uninsured motorists." Drivers who do not have sufficient insurance to meet the minimum requirements or to cover the damages caused by an accident are referred to as "underinsured." Victims of underinsured drivers do have options available to them. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a driver without proper insurance coverage, please contact an Chicago traffic accident attorney to discuss your options.
UIM Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies have uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of coverage protects the victims of drivers who do not have insurance. If you have UIM coverage, you can deal directly with your own insurance company to receive compensation for your losses. A Chicago car accident attorney can help you review your policy and determine how your auto insurance policy might apply to an auto accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Accident Damages
When requesting a payment from an insurance company, it is important to consider every possible loss you have suffered.
- Hospital Expenses: As you calculate your medical expenses it is important to consider all present and future hospital visits. Will your injury require return visits to the hospital? Will you need prescription medicine or physical therapy? Are you required to purchase medical equipment such as a neck brace or crutches?
- Time Away From Work: Take into account all of the days you have missed work because of your injury. If you are no longer capable of working because of a long-term injury, you may be eligible for lost future revenue.
- Pain and Suffering: A personal injury attorney can help you calculate this value of the physical pain and suffering you have undergone as a result of the injuries.
The Bradley Law Firm has decades of experience dealing with insurance companies. If you have been injured in a car accident where the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance coverage, please call our Chicago underinsured motorist accident attorneys of The Bradley Law Firm for a free and comprehensive consultation.