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Welcome. It is our intention to share what we deem to be interesting issues related to personal injury matters. These will primarily concern developments in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. However, from time to time, we shall comment on items of interest from other states or on a national level.
Topic: Uninsured and Under-Insured Motorists
Date: March 20, 2007
Every state has some form of auto “financial responsibility” statute. These laws are designed to require the driving public to maintain certain minimum insurance limits to protect other people and their property. Typically, these limits are along the lines of $20,000.00 per person injured, $40,000.00 any number of people injured, and $20,000.00 for property loss. In theory, such low level policies are relatively inexpensive, and serve as an inducement to get all drivers to have coverage and offer some level of protection to the driving public.
As mentioned, that is the theory. In the real world, any local “police beat” feature will reveal just how many drivers are uninsured. Technically, they should not be on the road. Unfortunately, their irresponsibility is often reflected in their lack of driving capabilities. This is where you come in. You need to protect yourself. Even a low to moderate impact accident can result in significant injury, medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. While you may have health insurance to cover your medical bills, that does not cover any of the other damages. If you are involved in an accident with an “at fault” uninsured or under-insured driver, you can look to your own policy for protection. The policy provisions and “how they work” are not necessarily uniform. As a result, you should seek advice from your agent and/or an attorney who has experience with such issues.
