As a responsible driver, you invested in car insurance. You likely purchased coverage that exceeded the minimum coverage limits required by the State of Illinois. But that doesn’t mean everyone else on the road did the same or even purchased insurance at all.
Uninsured drivers are those who don’t purchase insurance or knowingly drive with an expired policy and getting into an accident with them makes getting compensation for your injuries much trickier than normal. Though navigating the claims process can be tough, your trusted personal injury attorneys in Chicago are here to help.
Here’s what you’ll want to do if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Report the Accident to the Police
The first thing you’ll want to do is report the accident to the Chicago Police Department. If your injuries are severe or you’re worried about the situation escalating, call 911. If your injuries are minor or you’re uninjured, you may be able to call the non-emergency number by dialing 311.
Driving without insurance is a major violation and the other driver may face fines for getting behind the wheel without coverage in place. If the other driver is hostile, make sure to call 911 and get help as soon as possible. They’ll send an officer out to take your statement and document the accident.
Keep Track of All Bills Resulting From the Accident
Great recordkeeping is a simple way to improve your chances of getting a good settlement after an accident. Keep track of any bills you face as a result of the accident, no matter how small or inconsequential they seem.
These bills can help show the full extent of the damage you suffered and can make presenting a case against the other driver easier.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if the other driver is at fault for the accident, you’ll want to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. If the other driver is uninsured, tell them. Depending on your policy, you may be eligible for uninsured motorist coverage which can offset your out-of-pocket expenses as you navigate medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and other costs.
Speak With an Attorney as Soon as Possible
Dealing with a claim against an uninsured driver isn’t as simple as working with another insured driver. They don’t have an insurance company to seek compensation from and, as a result, you may have to take them to court.
That’s why it’s essential to consult with a Chicago personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They’ll be able to review your situation and help you decide if pursuing compensation from the other driver is worth your time and effort.
Need Help After Getting Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Chicago?
If you were recently in an accident with an uninsured driver, don’t try to negotiate with them on your own, and don’t give up hope of getting fair compensation. Instead, schedule a free consultation with the team at Anesi Ozmon.
As experienced personal injury attorneys in Chicago, we’ll do everything we can to help you get the compensation you deserve, whether the other driver has insurance or is uninsured. Contact us today to see how we can help.