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Chicago Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Representing Victims of Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Chicago
A Chicago uninsured motorist lawyer can play a crucial role in your accident claim if the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Chicago is a very busy city in terms of traffic, and although all motorists are required to have insurance, some drivers fail to do so. Getting into a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist can be frustrating if you want to be compensated for your injuries.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have worked on many cases involving uninsured motorists. Our team can investigate your claim, hold the at-fault party accountable, protect your rights, and secure your financial future with a fair settlement.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our Uninsured Motorist Cases in Chicago
An experienced attorney is necessary if you are trying to obtain compensation for an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Fortunately, our law firm has handled many cases like this, helping our clients secure the settlements they needed to cover their losses.
Here are some past settlements we have won involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist:
- $2.25 million for a woman who was struck while biking to work and sustained a head injury. Her uninsured motorist coverage paid for the settlement.
- $250,000 for a woman who was rear-ended by another vehicle. Our investigation revealed the at-fault driver’s insurance had lapsed.
- $250,000 for a man who was hurt in a bicycle collision that turned into a hit-and-run. His uninsured driver policy covered the settlement.
- $250,000 for a woman who was hit by a car while walking to work. Her own insurance policy paid her under the uninsured driver coverage because the car drove off.
- $105,000 for a biker who was struck when a vehicle tried to pass her. This payment came from her uninsured motorist policy.
Important Chicago Laws About Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
If someone has inadequate insurance in a motor vehicle accident, it could affect liability and how a victim’s damages are paid for. In Chicago and the state of Illinois, several regulations may affect the outcome of your auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
- State law 625 ILCS 5/3-707 – All motorists are required to have liability insurance for their vehicles in order to operate them lawfully.
- Municipal code 9-40-030 – All motorists must comply with lawful orders from authorities to present insurance coverage information when requested.
- Municipal code 9-56-010 – Any motorist involved in a collision that causes injuries or $250+ of property damage must remain at the scene and report the collision to the police
Types of Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Chicago
An accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can take many forms. Hit-and-run accidents are very common in these situations because the uninsured driver probably knows they are in trouble for lacking adequate insurance and may leave the scene. Other causes of these collisions include distracted driving, driving under the influence, poor road conditions, failing to yield, and ignoring traffic laws or signals.
Common Car Accident Injuries Caused in an Uninsured Motorist Accident
If you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may face numerous types of injuries. Some minor injuries could require minimal treatment, but more severe damage could alter the course of your life.
Some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, road rash, contusions, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, and organ damage. The extent of your injuries will likely affect the total settlement amount of your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.
How a Lawyer Proves Liability in an Uninsured Motorist Accident Case in Chicago
One of the primary reasons to hire accident lawyers to help with your case is to prove liability. This is the most challenging aspect of a personal injury lawsuit. You must demonstrate via evidence that the at-fault driver was responsible for the crash, making them liable for your injuries.
Here are the four legal elements required to establish negligence and hold the other driver accountable:
- Duty or care – The defendant had a level of responsibility to prevent the accident.
- Breach of duty – Through either action or inaction, the defendant violated the duty of care.
- Causation – There is a causal link between the defendant’s actions and the accident victim’s injuries.
- Legal damages – The claimant suffered legal losses because of their injuries from the accident caused by the defendant.
What is My Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim Worth?
Uninsured motorist coverage can make it difficult to calculate your total settlement. Every case is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all formula to determine how much compensation you could receive from your own insurance company.
The value of your settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your legal damages, the limits of the underinsured motorist coverage policy, the stubbornness of the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and the skill of your accident lawyers.
Recover Compensation in a Chicago Uninsured Motorist Car Crash Case
Motor vehicle accident victims are most concerned with recovering physically and emotionally from their ordeals. However, financial recovery is also important, which is why our Chicago team of car accident attorneys can help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
Economic damages may include lost wages, future lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and future medical expenses. Non-economic damages can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, and disfigurement. If the accident is fatal, surviving family members could pursue a settlement for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium in a wrongful death claim.
In some cases, a court could also award punitive damages. This additional compensation is typically reserved for claims involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
What to Do After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
If you are injured in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it is essential to follow the right steps in the immediate aftermath. Here is the process you should follow to prioritize your health and preserve your legal options:
- Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the accident and alert emergency medical services.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
- Gather information from the accident scene, including driver details, insurance company information, and witness contacts.
- Document the scene with photos and videos of the accident and your injuries.
- Do not admit fault to the other driver or their insurance company.
- Contact an attorney to discuss an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.
How Our Chicago Law Firm Investigates Your Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
The investigation of your claim is the key to securing victory. We must look closely at the circumstances of the accident to determine who was at fault, what caused the collision, and what damages you suffered as a result.
Our investigation will start with obtaining the police report about the accident. We will then gather evidence from all the drivers involved. Next, we will interview witnesses to collect recorded statements. Finally, we can consult accident reconstruction experts to help strengthen your case.
What is The Time Limit to File a Car Accident Claim in Chicago?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. If you wait longer than that to pursue legal action, it may not be possible to recover compensation. It is also better to act quickly when filing insurance claims because it is easier to gather compelling evidence right after the crash occurs rather than months or years later.
Why You Need a Chicago Lawyer for an Uninsured Motorist Claim
An expert legal representative is essential for any type of car accident case. However, if the collision involves a driver who is not insured or leaves the scene before they can be identified, your claim will be far more complicated. A lawyer can help you understand your policy for uninsured motorist coverage. They could also investigate the crash and track down the at-fault driver.
If your claim involves going up against an insurance company or a defendant’s team of lawyers, our legal support will level the playing field. No matter the circumstances of your case, an expert attorney will significantly increase your chances of receiving compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Chicago
Is It Worth Suing an Uninsured Motorist?
It could be worth suing an underinsured motorist if your injuries are very severe and the at-fault driver has enough financial assets to cover your losses. Otherwise, seeking compensation from your own insurance company may be a better option.
What Are Most Chicago Lawyer Fees for a Car Accident?
Some lawyers will charge upfront fees or hourly rates for their services. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not owe any fees unless we win a settlement. Then, our fees are deducted directly from the settlement instead of from your pocket.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Motorist for Deductible?
This option helps cover some of your insurance costs after an uninsured motorist accident. However, the driver may lack the means to pay this amount, so it may not be worth the trouble.
How Does the Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Protect Victims of Hit-and-Runs in Chicago?
Hit-and-run accidents often occur when drivers lack insurance to pay for damages. Therefore, having your own insurance policy to cover these scenarios could protect you from underinsured drivers. In a large city like Chicago, where auto accidents are common, this type of liability coverage could be worth the investment.
Contact a Chicago Uninsured Motorist Attorney Near You for a Non Obligation Consultation
Navigating the world of liability insurance after a car crash can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to focus on recovering physically and emotionally from your injuries. If the at-fault driver is not adequately insured, your claim will become even more complicated.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know how to help you secure compensation in these circumstances. Whether that means tracking down the driver or securing a settlement from your policy, our team will handle the legal logistics so you can focus on recovery.
We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions about the legal process or your specific case. Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule your no-obligation consultation with our law firm.
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Hi, I just wanted to tell people Jonathan is a stand-up guy. I got in a car accident, and he straightened out everything. Insurance didn’t want to cover anything and he took care of everything. Highly recommended.
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Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Naperville, Rockford and throughout Illinois.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.