If you were recently involved in a car accident in Chicago, IL, you may be wondering, “How does car insurance in Illinois work?” Understanding the insurance system is fundamental to obtaining the compensation you deserve after someone else’s negligence harms you.
For over 10 years, Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers has helped accident victims throughout Illinois recover fair compensation after they were injured in car accidents caused by other drivers. Super Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers have recognized us as Top 100 and 40 Under 40. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our deserving clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at (312) 929 2884 with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer.
How Can Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Help With My Car Insurance Claim?
You might be confused about your legal rights if you are involved in a car accident. An experienced car accident lawyer from Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers can discuss your claim, identify who is responsible for your injuries, and review the applicable insurance policies.
We can handle all the legal details of your case while you focus on healing, such as:
- Calculating all of your damages
- Handling all the communications and paperwork
- Hiring experts as needed to bolster your claim
- Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf
- File a lawsuit if necessary
Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined legal experience that we can leverage to demand the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today in Chicago, Illinois, for your free consultation.
Illinois Is an At-Fault State
Most states use either a no-fault or at-fault system for car accidents. In a no-fault system, accident victims generally turn to their insurance for coverage after an accident, regardless of fault. In at-fault states, the driver responsible for the accident pays the victim for damages.
Illinois is an at-fault state. However, motorists can purchase additional insurance to proceed as they would under a no-fault system.
How Liability Insurance Works in Illinois
If you are involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you will call their liability insurance company and make a claim. In Illinois, the minimum amount of coverage each driver must carry is:
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $20,000 in property damage
If your damages exceed the amount of insurance that is available, you could sue the at-fault driver or investigate if anyone else’s negligence contributed to the accident. You may also have insurance that applies.
Other Types of Insurance That May Apply
You are only required to maintain insurance to pay for other people’s damages if you are in a car accident in Illinois. However, you can purchase auto insurance that pays for your damages through various types of policies, including:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damages to your own vehicle if you are involved in an accident, regardless of fault. This includes collisions with other vehicles, as well as with fixed objects like a pole or tree.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for physical damage caused by reasons other than collisions, such as theft, fire, or hail.
Medical Payments
This type of insurance in Illinois is similar to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in no-fault states. It pays for medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers who are injured or killed in an accident, regardless of fault.
Gap Coverage
Gap coverage pays the difference between your vehicle’s cash value and what you owe on your car loan or lease. Some lenders require gap coverage if you finance your vehicle.
Additional Optional Coverages
You can add optional coverage to your auto insurance policy at an additional cost for benefits or coverage such as:
- Accidental death benefit
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing service
- New or upgraded vehicle replacement
- Custom or non-factory equipment replacement
When purchasing insurance, you should carefully consider whether the extra amount you pay will be worth the additional coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM) pays for medical expenses if an uninsured driver causes an accident. The minimum amount of the policy is equal to the minimum bodily injury coverage for liability insurance, but you can purchase additional coverage at a premium.
Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance
Underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance (UIM) pays for medical expenses that exceed the amount of the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
This type of insurance covers your vehicle damages when the at-fault driver is uninsured. It can pay up to $15,000 in property damage and has a $250 deductible.
Contact Our Award-Winning Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Assessment
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, an insurance claim may be able to provide you with fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
At Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our car accident attorneys are very familiar with Illinois insurance laws and can help prepare your claim for maximum compensation. Call us today for a free case review.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Chicago, IL
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
Address:
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone:
(312) 929-2884
Business Hours:
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
