Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Claim Lake County

If you get in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you likely know that you and the other driver should exchange car insurance information so you (or your insurer) can make a claim and seek compensation under their policy. But what happens when the other driver says they have no insurance, or the amount of their coverage is significantly less than the damages and losses you’ve incurred because of their negligence? If you have an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, Lake County attorney, Kirk Moyer, stands ready to help.

Kirk has been fighting for car accident injury victims throughout Chicagoland for over 20 years, including those hurt and the families of those killed by uninsured and underinsured drivers. The pain and trauma such drivers cause by failing to drive safely are made even worse because of their irresponsibility in failing to carry liability insurance as required under Illinois law. With tenacity, skill, and a lifelong commitment to making lives better for injury victims and their families, Kirk pursues every possible source of compensation for those with uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.

There’s a 1 in 8 Chance That Your Accident Was With an Uninsured Driver

The purpose of liability insurance is to ensure that there is at least some compensation available for any injuries or property damage caused by the insured driver.

However, we all know that not everybody follows the law. A shockingly high number of drivers ignore their obligation to carry liability insurance and drive without any insurance coverage whatsoever. In 2015, 13% of American drivers and 13.7% of drivers in Illinois, or about one in eight motorists, were uninsured, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). That means that around 30 million Americans drive without insurance.

There are many reasons that drivers ignore the law and drive without insurance, but the biggest reason is the cost. If the driver who hit you doesn’t have the money to pay for car insurance, they likely won’t have any money or assets to pay even a small fraction of what you deserve when you sue them and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Even when the other driver does have coverage, it may only be the minimum amount required by law, which also may fall far short of covering the damages you have suffered.

That is Why You Carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage

When you are in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver and want to seek compensation from them, are you out of luck?

The answer largely depends on whether or not you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance package. Under Illinois law, liability insurance policies must automatically include uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide you with compensation not only for damages caused by drivers without sufficient insurance, but it can also provide you with compensation for losses and injuries you incur in an accident with a hit-and-run driver.

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Your Own Insurance Company May Not Step-Up – Even When You Have Coverage

If you have uninsured motorist coverage and are hurt or suffer property damage due to an uninsured driver, or if you’ve been injured in a hit and run, you should make a claim with your own auto insurance company as soon as possible. But remember, even though it is your insurance company, that does not necessarily mean that it is “on your side.” Instead of honoring its commitment to pay you for damages caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, your insurer may instead throw up roadblocks to keep you from getting what you deserve – and what you’ve paid for with your premium every month.

Insurance companies don’t like paying claims, especially when that money should be coming out of someone else’s pocket. Your insurer may try to deny your claim or minimize the amount it will pay. For example, your insurer may:

argue that the accident was your fault
blame someone else other than the uninsured driver for the accident
deny that the accident caused your injuries
assert that your injuries are not severe enough to qualify for compensation under your insurance policy’s provisions

For all of these reasons, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced Lake County car accident lawyer if you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Kirk has spent decades challenging insurance companies when they try to nickel-and-dime injury victims. He sees through their efforts to deflect blame or avoid responsibility and will be neither intimidated nor fooled by their tactics. A fighter who prepares for every case as if it is the most important case of his career, Kirk is the champion you want on your side when insurance companies aren’t.

About Kirk

If You Have an Uninsured Motorist Claim, Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer Kirk Moyer Can Help You Get The Compensation and Help You Need

Kirk’s experience, skill, and tenacity have resulted in a track record of success and the recovery of substantial compensation for uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Lake County, Cook County, and Chicago.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crash with an uninsured driver, please give Kirk a call at (312) 399-9983 to arrange for your FREE initial consultation.

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