Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have insurance can leave you wondering how you’ll pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Fortunately, being hit by an uninsured driver doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options.
Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.
Is Auto Insurance Required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Unfortunately, not every driver follows the law. Some drivers allow their policies to lapse, while others never purchase insurance in the first place.
When an uninsured driver causes an accident, recovering compensation can become more complicated—but not impossible.
Can You File a Claim Through Your Own Insurance?
Many Illinois drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is designed to help if you’re injured by a driver who has no insurance.
Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages covered under your policy
Reviewing your insurance policy with an attorney can help you understand what coverage may be available.
What If the Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?
Sometimes the at-fault driver has insurance, but the policy limits aren’t enough to cover your damages.
In these situations, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may provide additional compensation if your policy includes it.
This type of coverage can help bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance limits and the actual value of your losses.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver?
Yes. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
However, obtaining a judgment is only part of the process. If the driver has few assets or limited income, collecting compensation may be difficult.
An experienced attorney can investigate whether other sources of compensation may be available.
Other Potential Sources of Compensation
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, additional parties could share responsibility.
Examples may include:
- The owner of the vehicle if someone else was driving
- An employer if the driver was working at the time of the crash
- A business responsible for unsafe vehicle maintenance
- Other negligent drivers involved in the collision
Every accident is different, making a thorough investigation essential.
What Should You Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver:
- Call the police and file an accident report.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
- Gather contact information for witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Avoid accepting a quick settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries.
- Speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger your claim may be.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—even when you’re filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can review your policy, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurers, and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.
Having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. At Kujawski & Associates, we help accident victims throughout Southern Illinois understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact our experienced personal injury attorney today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
