Accidents Involving Underinsured Motorists in Chicago
While certain statewide laws mandate that motor vehicle operators carry some liability insurance, drivers involved in accidents too often find that they have inadequate insurance to cover the damages and injuries they cause—this is known as being underinsured. For those who are the victims of these types of accidents, it can be particularly worrying to learn that the person at fault for your injuries is incapable of taking rightful financial responsibility.
If you were in an accident with an underinsured motorist and you are worried about collecting the full compensation to which you are entitled, our uninsured motorist attorney may be able to help. We often deal with underinsured or uninsured motorist claims; our lawyers can work with you and your insurance company to arrange just compensation for your auto accident injuries or damages. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist, please contact us today at (312)766-1000.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage (sometimes known as UIM) is a protective provision of full coverage insurance policies that covers you in case of an accident with someone with minimal insurance that does not cover your injuries or damages. In Illinois, the minimum levels of liability insurance that all drivers must possess are the following:
- Up to $20,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in one accident
- Up to $40,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in one accident
- Up to $15,000 worth of damage to personal property
When you include underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can seek compensation if you are in an accident that extends beyond the minimum levels to include more substantial medical expenses, lost wages due to missed time from work, vehicle repair work, and other costs. Underinsured motorist claim plans are valued depending on your policy and the premiums you pay. Most underinsured motorist policies fully cover the level of liability (often called bodily injury, or BI), although the purchaser can elect to cover less than the amount of BI.
Filing a Claim for UIM Coverage
When you find it necessary to file for the coverage provided by your UIM policy, you file your claim directly against your insurance provider, who acts as the at-fault party. Because they are businesses first and foremost, and therefore, try to limit their losses as much as possible, insurance companies may not be as cooperative as you would like throughout this process. Additionally, since you are dealing with an insurance company, claims often go to arbitration before settling. Our underinsured motorist attorneys put your interests first; we handle all aspects of your claim and make sure you receive just compensation.
Expert Legal Assistance for Underinsured Motorist Claims and Automobile Accidents
Our team of capable lawyers offers extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies, specializing in various issues with a particular focus on automobile accident claims. We understand the challenges and frustrations that can arise when you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured motorist. We aim to ensure that you are not left bearing the financial burden due to someone else’s lack of adequate insurance coverage.
If you would like a free no-obligation consultation about your case with a lawyer specializing in underinsured motorist claims, call or text us at (312) 766-1000 or email [email protected]. You can also complete our website contact form, and one of our experienced underinsured motorist attorneys will contact you. We serve clients in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout Illinois.