Accidents with uninsured drivers create significant stress and headaches for the other driver involved in the collision. If an uninsured driver hit you, you may wonder about your options for recovering compensation for your injuries, expenses, and other losses. You may even worry you won’t be able to recover at all.
Chicago uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys see this happen all the time. While this situation is stressful and frustrating, the good news is that an experienced attorney can help you move forward.
Why Uninsured Drivers Create a Bigger Mess
Illinois law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage, yet many people still drive without enough protection. That choice puts everyone around them at risk.
When an uninsured driver hits you, your claim often moves to your own policy. That feels upside down. You might ask, “Why should my insurance pay when the other driver caused the crash?” However, your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage exists for exactly this situation.
First Steps to Take After a Crash with an Uninsured Driver
Right after a crash, focus on a few basic steps that can help protect you:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
- Get the other driver’s name, contact info, plate number, and any policy details. (They might be underinsured or have a lapsed policy.)
- Take photos or a short video of the cars, the road conditions, and your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
- See a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel “okay” at first.
You also need to report the crash to your insurance company within a reasonable timeframe. Many policies treat uninsured and underinsured motorist claims differently and have strict notice rules.
How Your Own Coverage Can Step In
Several elements of your insurance policy may help after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Common coverages include:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Pays for injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance
- Medical Payments (MedPay) – Covers some medical bills, usually regardless of fault
- Collision Coverage – Helps repair or replace your car, minus your deductible
Health insurance can also fill in gaps, although you may still have to pay deductibles and copays. The order in which these coverages apply can get complicated, which is why many people reach out for legal help before signing anything.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver?
You can sue an uninsured driver, but the bigger question is whether they have income or assets you can actually collect. Many uninsured drivers already struggle financially, which limits how much you may recover from them directly.
However, sometimes more than one person or business shares blame. A bar that overserved a drunk driver, a company that ignored safety rules, or a sloppy maintenance shop may also play a role. A careful investigation looks beyond the driver to see who else should help cover your losses.
Dealing with Your Own Insurance Company
You might expect your own insurer to step in and help quickly. Instead, you start getting calls, forms, and requests for records. You may feel like you’re on trial when you did nothing wrong. Adjusters often:
- Question whether the crash caused all of your injuries
- Push you toward “independent” medical exams
- Offer fast, low settlements before you know your long-term outlook
You deserve time to understand your injuries and your options. You don’t need to accept the first settlement offer you receive or give broad access to your entire medical history without asking questions.
How Hale & Monico Can Help
At Hale & Monico, our Chicago uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys are prepared to take your case personally and work to protect your future. We’ll explain your options using straightforward terms, and we’ll stand up for you when others try to minimize the severity of your injuries. Your case matters to us because we know it matters to you and your loved ones. Contact us right away to get started with a free consultation.