Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage can make the situation feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents are far more common in Illinois than many drivers realize. The good news is that you may still have options for financial recovery.
Understanding how uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage works can make a critical difference in protecting your rights after a crash.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
In Illinois, drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect you if you’re injured by a driver who has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to fully cover your damages.
These claims are often more complicated than standard car accident cases because you are technically pursuing compensation through your own insurance company, not the other driver’s.
Common Scenarios Involving UM/UIM Claims
Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims often arise in situations such as:
- Hit-and-run accidents where the driver cannot be identified
- Crashes involving drivers with lapsed or invalid insurance
- Accidents caused by drivers carrying only the minimum required coverage
- Serious injury cases where medical bills exceed policy limits
In these cases, your injuries may be very real, but the available insurance money may be limited unless UM or UIM coverage is properly pursued.
Why UM/UIM Claims Can Be Challenging
Many people assume their own insurance company will automatically “do the right thing.” Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Insurance carriers may:
- Dispute fault or the severity of your injuries
- Delay the claims process
- Offer settlements that do not reflect your true losses
- Require extensive documentation before paying benefits
This is why it’s important to approach UM/UIM claims with the same care as any other serious car accident injury case. Parente & Norem’s experienced attorneys can help ensure your claim is handled fairly and aggressively.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the circumstances, UM/UIM claims may allow you to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or impairment
The value of these claims depends on your injuries, available coverage limits, and how well the claim is documented and negotiated.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If you believe the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, taking the right steps early is critical:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to police and obtain a crash report
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice
- Preserve all medical records, bills, and correspondence
- Speak with a Parente & Norem lawyer experienced in insurance disputes and UM/UIM claims
Timing matters. Delays or missteps can negatively affect your ability to recover compensation.
How The Law Offices of Parente & Norem Can Help
At Parente & Norem, we represent injured individuals throughout Illinois in complex auto accident and insurance related claims. We understand how insurance companies evaluate UM/UIM cases and how to challenge unfair denials or low settlement offers.
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, our firm can review your policy, explain your options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about your rights on our Car Accident as well as our Uninsured Motorist page. For a free consultation call/text us at 312.641.5926 or fill out a contact form here on our website.
