Illinois Drivers Should Purchase Adequate Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Illinois requires all drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. Find out why this coverage is so important and how it impacts accident victims.
September 13, 2012
The latest hit-and-run accident in the Chicago area highlights why it is imperative that all drivers purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In fact, such insurance is required of all drivers in the state of Illinois.Bus Driver Involved in Hit-and-Run Accident
In late August, a school bus driver in Bartlett was injured when a driver struck his school bus, causing the bus to flip. Fortunately, no students were in the bus at the time. The driver who hit the bus fled the scene on foot, prompting several schools in the area to keep students indoors.
In hit-and-run accidents, injured individuals who have purchased uninsured motorist insurance can use this coverage to pay for their medical costs. Without uninsured motorist coverage, individuals injured in a hit-and-run must pay for their own medical costs.
Illinois Requires Drivers to Purchase Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The state of Illinois requires all drivers to purchase minimum liability insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance covers injuries caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run accident where the driver is not identified.
Illinois requires all motorists to purchase at least $20,000 worth of uninsured motorist coverage per person and $40,000 worth of coverage per accident. However, drivers should purchase higher limits since medical costs from a motor vehicle accident injury may exceed these minimum limits.
Illinois also requires all drivers to purchase underinsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance covers the difference between a policyholder's underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver's liability coverage. This type of coverage ensures that injured parties are covered if medical costs exceed an at-fault driver's liability limits.
Penalties for Failing to Purchase Mandatory Liability Insurance
To encourage all drivers to purchase a minimum amount of insurance, Illinois penalizes drivers who fail to purchase automobile insurance. Drivers who do not have uninsured motorist coverage face a three-month license suspension and subsequent license reinstatement fee of $100. A 2007 amendment to the law also enacts a fine between $500 and $1,000 for failing to purchase the required insurance.
How to Hold Uninsured Motorists Responsible for the Injuries They Cause
Unfortunately, some drivers choose to ignore Illinois' mandatory insurance requirements. When these drivers cause car accidents that result in injury, the injured parties can be left on the hook for medical costs that would have been covered by the at-fault driver's insurance.
It is possible for injured parties to pursue compensation from an uninsured, at-fault driver through a personal injury lawsuit. If a court finds the uninsured driver is at fault for the plaintiff's injuries, it can require the at-fault driver to pay the injured party. If the damages are not paid within 30 days, the Secretary of State can suspend the at-fault motorist's driving privileges until the damages are paid.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run or by an uninsured motorist, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand how to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Article provided by Clancy Law
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