Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Getting hit by an uninsured driver is one of the most stressful situations you can face on the road. You did everything right. You followed the law, carried insurance, and drove safely. Then someone without coverage slammed into your car near Route 30 or along I-55 in the Plainfield area, and suddenly you’re dealing with medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and an at-fault driver who has no way to pay. That’s exactly where Briskman Briskman & Greenberg steps in. As a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer firm serving communities throughout the greater Chicago area, including Plainfield, we fight hard to make sure injured victims get the compensation they deserve, even when the other driver has no insurance.

Table of Contents

• The Uninsured Driver Problem in Illinois
• Illinois Law and Your Right to Uninsured Motorist Coverage
• What to Do After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Plainfield
• Damages You Can Recover After an Uninsured Motorist Crash
• Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Case
• FAQs About Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Accidents

The Uninsured Driver Problem in Illinois

Illinois has a serious uninsured driver problem, and it affects real people every single day. Whether you’re commuting along Weber Road in Plainfield, heading toward the Metra station, or driving down Route 59, the risk of encountering an uninsured motorist is very real. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage protects you if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no auto liability insurance. That matters a lot in a state where uninsured drivers are a persistent issue on the roads.

Under Illinois law, specifically 625 ILCS 5/7-601, no person can operate or register a motor vehicle in this state without a liability insurance policy. The law is clear: every driver must carry coverage. Yet despite this requirement, many drivers still get behind the wheel without it. Illinois uninsured motorist bodily injury minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. That means your own insurance policy is supposed to step in and protect you when an uninsured driver causes a crash.

The problem is widespread. IDOT data shows that at least 12% of all reported crashes in Illinois involve uninsured motorists. Think about that the next time you’re sitting in traffic near the Plainfield Town Center or merging onto I-55 near the Bolingbrook border. One out of every eight or nine cars around you may have no insurance at all. IDOT reports that over 5,000 serious injuries result from accidents caused by uninsured drivers each year. These are not small numbers. These are real people with real injuries, and many of them don’t know what legal options they have.

If you’ve been hurt by an uninsured driver in or around Plainfield, you need to act fast. The clock starts ticking the moment the crash happens. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has the experience and resources to help you pursue every available avenue for compensation. Don’t let the other driver’s lack of insurance become your financial burden.

Illinois Law and Your Right to Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Illinois law gives you real protection when an uninsured driver hurts you. Understanding those protections is the first step toward getting the money you need to recover. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage protects you if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no auto liability insurance, with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and you can buy higher limits for additional protection.

Under 215 ILCS 5/143a, every auto liability policy issued in Illinois must include uninsured motorist coverage. Illinois law requires uninsured motorist limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. That’s the floor, not the ceiling. If you purchased higher limits, you may have even more coverage available to you after a crash.

Illinois also has strong laws that govern how liability works when multiple parties are involved. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable in a personal injury case are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses. This means that if more than one party shares responsibility for your crash, each can be held accountable for your medical costs. Any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater of the total fault is jointly and severally liable for all other damages as well. This is important in cases where, for example, a road defect or a third party contributed to the crash alongside the uninsured driver.

Underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance pays the difference between your UIM limits and the liability limits of the at-fault driver, if lower than your UIM limits. So even if the other driver has some coverage but not enough to cover your losses, you may still have a claim. Illinois law (215 ILCS 5/143a-2) requires this type of coverage if you purchase higher limits of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg know how to review your policy and identify every source of compensation available to you. Our team serves clients across the Chicago area, and we also work with clients in surrounding communities through our network of practice areas, including our Champaign car accident lawyer services.

What to Do After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Plainfield

The moments right after a crash feel chaotic. Your heart is racing. You’re checking yourself for injuries. The other driver may be panicking, angry, or already looking for an exit. Knowing what to do in those first minutes can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what we recommend if you’re involved in an uninsured motorist accident near Plainfield, whether it happens on Route 30, near the Plainfield Township offices, or anywhere along the busy commercial corridors of the area.

First, call 911 immediately. A police report is critical. It creates an official record of the crash and may note whether the other driver had insurance. If the other driver flees the scene, this report becomes even more important for your uninsured motorist claim. Second, gather as much information as you can. Take photos of both vehicles, the scene, any visible injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Third, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show up immediately. A gap in medical treatment can hurt your claim later. Fourth, notify your own insurance company about the crash. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage covers you for bodily injury caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no auto liability insurance. Your own policy is likely your primary source of compensation in this situation.

Fifth, and most importantly, contact an attorney before you give any recorded statements to your insurance company. Even your own insurer has financial interests that may not align with yours. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you understand your rights and make sure you don’t say anything that could reduce your recovery. We also help clients in nearby areas, including through our Gurnee car accident lawyer and Mundelein car accident lawyer services throughout the greater Chicagoland region.

Damages You Can Recover After an Uninsured Motorist Crash

One of the biggest questions injured victims have is: what can I actually recover? The answer depends on the facts of your case, your insurance coverage, and the severity of your injuries. But in Illinois, uninsured motorist claims can cover a wide range of losses, and Briskman Briskman & Greenberg works hard to make sure our clients pursue every dollar they’re entitled to.

Your uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and follow-up care. UM coverage can help pay for bodily injury losses like medical bills and lost wages, up to the policy limits. If your injuries keep you out of work, you can also claim lost income and reduced earning capacity. These losses add up fast, especially for serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.

Beyond the economic losses, Illinois law also allows you to recover for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages are often the largest part of a serious injury claim. A crash that happens near Plainfield’s busy Renwick Road corridor or along Veterans Memorial Highway can leave victims with lasting physical and emotional scars that go far beyond a hospital bill.

Illinois is a diminished value state, meaning drivers are allowed to recover diminished value from the at-fault party’s insurance company. So if your vehicle lost resale value because of the crash, you may be able to recover that loss as well. Uninsured motorist coverage does not cover property damage, which is usually handled through separate policy add-ons like collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage. This is why having the right policy in place matters so much. Our attorneys can review your coverage and help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to claim. We also serve clients in communities like Oak Lawn and Orland Park, areas that share the same suburban roads and risks as Plainfield.

Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Case

Choosing the right attorney after an uninsured motorist accident can make a significant difference in your outcome. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has been fighting for injured people across the Chicago area for decades. We know Illinois personal injury law inside and out, and we understand how insurance companies think and operate. When you come to us, you get a team that is genuinely committed to your recovery, not just your case file.

Our attorneys handle every aspect of your uninsured motorist claim. We review your insurance policy to identify all available coverage. We gather evidence, work with medical experts, and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve. We also handle the back-and-forth with insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing. If your insurer disputes your claim or offers a lowball settlement, we’re ready to take the fight further.

Plainfield is a growing community in Will County, and its roads see heavy traffic every day, from the busy interchange at Route 59 and 119th Street to the residential streets near Settlers’ Park and the DuPage River Trail. Crashes happen all over this area, and many involve drivers who don’t carry the insurance they’re required to have under Illinois law. When that happens to you, you deserve an advocate who knows how to hold the right parties accountable.

We handle uninsured motorist cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. There’s no upfront cost, no hourly billing, and no financial risk to you for reaching out. If you or a loved one has been hurt by an uninsured driver in Plainfield or anywhere in the greater Chicago area, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.

FAQs About Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Accidents

What happens if the driver who hit me in Plainfield has no insurance?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Illinois law requires all auto insurance policies to include this coverage. It can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses caused by the uninsured driver, up to your policy limits. An attorney can help you maximize your recovery and handle the claims process on your behalf.

Does Illinois require uninsured motorist coverage on every auto policy?

Yes. Under Illinois Insurance Code 215 ILCS 5/143a, every auto liability policy issued in Illinois must include uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. The minimum required limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You can purchase higher limits for added protection, which is strongly recommended given the cost of medical care after a serious crash.

Can I still recover compensation if the uninsured driver fled the scene?

Yes. Hit-and-run accidents are treated similarly to uninsured motorist accidents under Illinois law. Your own UM coverage can apply in hit-and-run situations. However, you typically need to report the crash to police promptly and provide evidence that another vehicle caused the crash. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you gather the documentation needed to support your claim.

How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Illinois?

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, your insurance policy may also have its own deadlines for filing a UM claim or demanding arbitration. These policy deadlines can be shorter than the legal deadline. That’s why it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and meet all applicable deadlines.

What if the uninsured driver had some insurance but not enough to cover my losses?

In that case, you may have an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim. Illinois law under 215 ILCS 5/143a-2 requires drivers who purchase higher limits of UM coverage to also carry UIM coverage. UIM coverage pays the difference between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and your actual losses, up to your UIM policy limits. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can review your policy and help you pursue both UM and UIM coverage if applicable to your situation.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

• Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Plainfield
• Plainfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Truck Accident Attorney
• Plainfield Uber Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Lyft Accident Lawyer