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Rockford, IL Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Getting hit by an uninsured driver is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you on the road. You did everything right. You have insurance. You follow the rules. Then someone with no coverage crashes into you, and suddenly you’re left with medical bills, a damaged car, and no clear path to getting paid. If this happened to you near Rockford, IL, or anywhere in the Chicago area, you need to know your rights, and you need a legal team that will fight for them. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we help injured people across Illinois get the compensation they deserve, including from uninsured drivers.

Uninsured Drivers Are More Common Than You Think in Illinois
What Illinois Law Says About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Damages Can You Recover After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
Steps to Take After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in the Rockford or Chicago Area
Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Uninsured Motorist Case
FAQs About Rockford Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Uninsured Drivers Are More Common Than You Think in Illinois

Here’s a number that might surprise you. In 2023, 15.4 percent of motorists, or more than one in seven drivers, were uninsured, according to a 2025 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). That is a serious problem on Illinois roads, including the busy stretches of I-90 near Rockford, the interchange at I-39, and the urban corridors running through Chicago’s West Side and South Side neighborhoods.

In 2023, more than one in seven drivers nationally were uninsured, and more than one in six were underinsured. Across all fifty states and the District of Columbia, one in three drivers, or 33.4 percent, were either uninsured or underinsured in 2023, a 10 percentage point increase in the combined rate since 2017. That trend is alarming. It means more drivers on the road are unable to pay for the damage they cause.

Illinois law, under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, requires every vehicle operated on a public highway in this state to be covered by a liability insurance policy. The law is clear. Every driver must carry coverage. But the reality is that thousands of Illinois drivers ignore this requirement every single day. When one of those drivers runs a red light near the Rock River in Rockford or rear-ends someone on the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago, the victim is the one left holding the bag.

What makes this even harder is that uninsured drivers often have no assets. Even if you sue them and win, collecting on that judgment can be nearly impossible. That is why understanding your own insurance policy and your legal options matters so much. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has seen these cases play out many times, and we know how to help you recover.

What Illinois Law Says About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Illinois does not just require liability coverage. It also requires you to carry protection in case someone else hits you without insurance. Illinois law requires uninsured motorist limits of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage, known as UM coverage, is built into your own auto policy. It is there to protect you when the at-fault driver cannot.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage covers you for your bodily injury caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no auto liability insurance. So if someone hits you and drives away near the Clock Tower Resort area in Rockford, or if a driver at a Chicago intersection has no insurance at all, your own policy steps in to cover your injuries, up to your policy limits.

Illinois law also addresses underinsured motorist coverage. 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. Illinois law under 215 ILCS 5/143a-2 requires this type of coverage if you purchase higher limits of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. In plain terms, if the other driver has some coverage but not enough to pay your bills, your UIM coverage fills the gap.

One important thing to know: the only coverage required is bodily injury. This can still leave your personal property at risk. Uninsured motorist coverage protecting against property damage can be added as an endorsement to your policy if you wish. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you understand exactly what coverage applies to your case and how to get the most out of your claim.

What Damages Can You Recover After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

When an uninsured driver injures you, the financial impact can be significant. Medical bills pile up fast. You might miss weeks of work. Your car may be totaled. Pain and suffering are real, and they deserve real compensation. Illinois law gives you several paths to recovery, and Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will pursue every one of them on your behalf.

Under Illinois law, specifically 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical and medically related expenses in cases based on negligence. This matters because it affects how liability is shared when multiple parties are involved in an accident. Any defendant whose fault is 25 percent or greater is jointly and severally liable for all other damages, not just medical costs.

In a UM claim, your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the uninsured driver. You make a claim against your own policy, and the insurer is responsible for paying you what the at-fault driver would owe. That sounds simple, but insurance companies do not always make it easy. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, argue about who caused the crash, or try to minimize your payout.

The types of compensation you may be able to recover include medical expenses, both past and future. You may also recover lost wages if your injuries kept you out of work. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life are all compensable under Illinois law. If the accident happened on a stretch of Route 20 near Rockford or on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, the location does not limit your rights. What matters is the extent of your injuries and the strength of your claim. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will build that case for you.

Steps to Take After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in the Rockford or Chicago Area

What you do in the hours and days after an uninsured motorist accident can directly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here is what you should do to protect yourself and your claim.

First, call 911 immediately. Get police to the scene. A police report is critical evidence, especially in an uninsured motorist case. Officers will document whether the other driver had insurance, and that report becomes part of your claim file. Whether the crash happened near Alpine Road in Rockford or on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, an official report matters.

Second, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of the damage, the other vehicle, any skid marks, and road conditions. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. If the driver fled the scene, note the direction they went and any details about the vehicle, including color, make, model, and partial plate numbers.

Third, report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Illinois UM policies often have notice requirements. Failing to report in a timely way can jeopardize your claim. Your insurer needs to know about the crash so the UM process can begin.

Fourth, get medical treatment right away. Even if you feel okay at the scene, some injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage do not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. That record is essential to your claim.

Fifth, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg before you give any recorded statements to the insurance company. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Having legal representation from the start puts you in a much stronger position.

Why Choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for Your Uninsured Motorist Case

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has been helping injured people across Illinois for decades. We serve clients throughout the Chicago metro area and beyond, including those involved in accidents near Rockford, along the I-88 corridor, and throughout Winnebago County. Our firm knows Illinois personal injury law inside and out, and we put that knowledge to work for you.

Uninsured motorist cases are not simple. Your own insurance company may act more like an opponent than a partner. They have lawyers and adjusters working to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone doing the same for you. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on getting better.

We take uninsured motorist cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly fees. You can call us for a free consultation and get honest answers about your case without any obligation.

Illinois courts, including those at the Winnebago County Courthouse in Rockford and the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, handle these disputes regularly. We know how to prepare a case for arbitration or litigation if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Our goal is always to get you the full compensation you are entitled to under Illinois law. If you were hurt by an uninsured driver, do not wait. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today.

FAQs About Rockford Uninsured Motorist Accidents

What happens if the driver who hit me had no insurance at all?

You can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Illinois law requires all auto policies to include UM coverage. Your insurance company will step in and pay for your injuries up to your policy limits, as if they were the at-fault driver. If your damages exceed your UM limits, an attorney can help you explore other options, including a direct lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Does my uninsured motorist coverage also cover hit-and-run accidents?

Yes. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage covers you for your bodily injury caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no auto liability insurance. So if a driver fled the scene after hitting you near Rockford’s Auburn Street or on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, your UM coverage applies to your bodily injury claim. Property damage coverage for hit-and-runs is handled separately and depends on your specific policy.

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 have its own internal deadlines for reporting the accident and initiating a UM claim. These policy deadlines can be shorter than the legal statute of limitations. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to make sure you do not miss any critical filing windows.

Can I sue the uninsured driver directly in addition to filing a UM claim?

Yes, you can pursue both options. You can file a UM claim with your own insurer and also file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. However, practically speaking, collecting a judgment from an uninsured driver can be very difficult if that person has no significant assets or income. Your attorney can evaluate both paths and advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation.

What if the other driver had some insurance but not enough to cover my injuries?

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 if the other driver had $25,000 in coverage but your medical bills are $80,000, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can make up the difference, up to your policy limits. Illinois law under 215 ILCS 5/143a-2 requires UIM coverage when you purchase UM limits above the state minimum.

More Resources About Rockford, IL Injury Lawyers

The overall experience I had with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg was the kind that everyone should receive from any firm.

The staff stayed in contact with me via phone and email, they were very knowledgeable, they made sure I understood what was going on at all times, they answered all of my questions, were transparent, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.

- Brandon Spivey

The level of care, attentiveness, empathy and concern relating to my case when dealing with Briskman Briskman and Greenberg surpassed my expectations.

They were extremely knowledgeable and fair in all matters related. They exemplified excellent customer service and care. They kept me inform and updated every step of the way and any questions I had they answered. I highly recommend using them as I would again.

- Joshua Payton

I was put to ease with the professionalism at Briskman and Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especially put my mind to rest and within a years time I have settled my case and I am very satisfied with the outcome. My injury was devastating but working with this law firm has put a lot of stressful nights to rest.

- Nakia Childs

I needed a personal injury lawyer and Gavin and his team went above and beyond.

They made the process simple and helped me in every step of the way. What I really appreciate is that they are straightforward and are quick to respond to my questions and any issues from a text or phone call. They as well continuously checked up on me. I'm happy with how they handled my case and would recommend giving them a call!

- Ted Zakrzewski

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

They handled my case in a professional, sensitive and very competent manner. The staff exhibits expertise in the legal realm and provided excellent customer support and care. Thanks BBG for your help with navigating a very sensitive and challenging case for my family.

- Robin Albritton

If you were in an accident and need an excellent lawyer, talk to Paul!!

Very nice and professional lawyer that extremely cares about their clients. Fingers crossed I'm never in an accident ever again but if so, I' would definitely, 10/10 use Paul again!

- Danny S.

I am so very pleased with the representation from BB&G!

Robert Briskman handled my injury case very well. Funny and understanding personality and he took the time to explain everything in detail of the entire case. It was wonderful working with him. I would recommend BB&G to anyone and for myself again in the future.

- Geneva Vanderbilt

From the moment I contacted this law firm I was treated like family.

Gavin Pearlman was honest and upfront with me throughout the process. No surprises and never kept me hanging. I strongly recommend These attorneys for your needs.

- Ron Gaber

I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

They were extremely responsive, professional, and compassionate throughout the entire process.Their negotiations skills were exceptional, and they were able to secure a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.I am grateful to have had such a dedicated team