Under Illinois law, all drivers are required to have liability insurance that provides coverage in case they are responsible for injuries resulting from a car accident. Unfortunately, not every driver carries the required insurance.
If you are involved in a collision with an at-fault uninsured driver, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance company. This type of claim involves your insurance company paying you the same damages for injuries that you would have received if the negligent driver had carried insurance.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to provide compensation for the injuries sustained in the accident. Victims can collect damages under their own policies.
If the other driver offers you cash instead of involving insurance companies, it is best to say no as the driver is likely to be uninsured. There are several downsides to accepting money directly from the driver. Not only can it be hard to estimate damage immediately after an accident, but you may also be unable to track down the driver later to collect the rest of the cash.
When police arrive at the scene of a car accident, they will check insurance compliance. Drivers who are uninsured may receive a citation, which can lead to a fine and driver’s license suspension.
The process for submitting a claim for uninsured or underinsured driver damages in Illinois can be quite demanding. As a result, it is a good idea to seek guidance from an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer who can navigate the terms of your insurance policy and deal with your insurance company on your behalf. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.