What if you are hit by a driver without car insurance?

By Aaron Novasic

Being in a car crash is one of the scariest things someone can go through. Illinois law requires that all motorists carry car insurance for moments like that, not just for property damage, but also for any injuries someone might sustain as a result of the crash.

Now, if you are involved in a car crash with someone who doesn’t have car insurance or if it is a hit a run, you do not have to panic. That person will get in trouble criminally and might have their license suspended, but that will not help you to recover for the loss of your vehicle and any medical expenses.

You will need to look at your own insurance, provided you have car insurance. Every policy has a provision called Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM). This coverage is put in place to protect the insured’s vehicle and bodily injury expenses for exact situations where the responsible party doesn’t have insurance or has fled the scene and information is unavailable.  

Illinois law requires that the minimum coverage amount is $25,000. This essentially means that if you are injured in an accident that is someone else’s fault and they have $25,000 in coverage, that is the most you can try to recoup. The same goes for Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM). The minimum coverage is $25,000, but there can be no more money to recoup if your medical bills exceed that $25,000.

This is a very common problem and too many drivers drive without car insurance. Just remember that if you are unfortunately in a car crash and you find out the other driver lies about having insurance or flat our denies having car insurance, do not feel hopeless. Reach out to your own insurance company and inform them of the accident, and make sure you send the proper documents to set up an Uninsured Motorist claim with your own insurance.

If you have questions about a motor vehicle accident, the lawyers at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale Ltd. are available to provide help. Request a free motor vehicle accident evaluation by clicking on the button below.