Getting in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

For things not required by law, we purchase insurance as a safety precaution. That being said, liability car insurance is mandatory in 49 out of 50 states. Getting into a car accident with someone who is uninsured may be concerning, but it does not mean that you will not be paid.

What Is Liability Car Insurance?

When someone is found at fault for a car accident, it is the at-fault driver's automobile insurance company that pays the affected party. Each state has their own minimum rates of protection that drivers must reach. In Illinois, are minimums are as followed:

• Death or injury of one person - $25,000,
• Death or injury of multiple people - $50,000,
• Property damage - $20,000.

This insurance helps cover the medical expenses and lost wages of people injured in an accident, as well as your legal fees if you are sued.

Despite it being illegal to be on the road in Illinois without car insurance, the Insurance Research Council reports that 1 in every 8 drivers operates a vehicle without it. Car insurance is expensive, and it may feel like your best interest to avoid it. However, a person found without insurance will be subject to fees, have their license suspended, have their vehicle impounded, and be responsible financially for any accidents by their fault.

In Illinois, all car insurance policies require an uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This helps protect you in the case of being in an accident an uninsured motorist.

After getting into an accident with an insured driver, treat it like any accident with an insured driver. The first thing you will want to do is call the police to report the accident. Having a police report will be important with filing a claim with your insurance company, especially with an uninsured driver.

Exchange as much information as possible. Even if the other person does not have insurance, still provide yours, and exchange contact information. Also, gather as much information as possible such as the time and location of the accident, the vehicle details, and any contact information of potential witnesses.

A person without insurance may offer you money at the time of the accident to keep it off the record. No matter how much offered, it would be impossible to know what the damages are at the time of the accident, and most likely, would not be enough.

Contact an Orland Park Uninsured Motorist Attorney

If after filing a claim, your insurance company does not pay, or if you are considering suing the party who caused the accident, contact an Orland Park car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 708-966-2408.

Sources:

https://www.amfam.com/resources/articles/on-the-road/accident-with-uninsured-driver

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html