Chicago Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
When you are injured in a Chicago auto accident caused by someone else's negligence, you are usually counting on the at-fault party's insurance company to compensate you for injuries, damages and losses. But what if the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured? An uninsured driver is someone who simply does not have insurance while an underinsured driver is someone who has insurance that meets minimum legal requirements, but does not have payment limits high enough to cover the entirety of damages caused.
In such cases, the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage clause in your insurance policy can pay you for your damages. Usually uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage must be bought separately. In most states, you are not mandated to purchase this type of coverage. However, buying this coverage will be money well-spent considering the level of protection it offers you. It could help pay your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering when the legally responsible party has no insurance coverage or too little of it.
Underinsured motorist protection pays you for damages that exceed the amount of coverage carried by the driver who is considered underinsured. Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage apply to you and any other passengers in your car as well as to you and others listed on your insurance policy. That includes family members and members of your household.
That said, obtaining any type of compensation from an insurance company can be challenging, especially when you need the money right away to pay the bills. Insurance companies, most of the time, will attempt to reduce the value of your claim or try to minimize the payout, although you have been diligent about paying your premiums every month. Remember, that no auto insurance company can penalize you for using your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you need it, you use it. Your auto insurance rates cannot be increased simply because you used it.
Please contact our Chicago uninsured motorist accident attorneys at 312.252.1488 today to discuss your case.
