Chicago Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Were you hit by a driver who didn’t have auto insurance in Chicago? If your own vehicle is insured in Illinois, your injuries may be covered. Our uninsured motorist lawyers at Ankin Law can help you file a UM or UIM claim to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- We have over 100 years of combined experience representing injury victims in UM and UIM claims.
- We challenge insurance company tactics designed to delay, deny, and devalue legitimate claims.
- We force insurers to honor the coverage our clients paid for.
“When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a crash, the insurance company’s next move is often to delay, deflect, or underpay. That is not an accident. These policies exist to protect injured people, and we force insurers to honor them.”
~ Howard Ankin
Call an uninsured motorist lawyer with Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000. We offer free consultations, we’re available 24/7, and we don’t get paid unless we win.
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More than one in ten drivers in Illinois are uninsured. Countless others carry only the legal minimum coverage. That barely scratches the surface of serious injury costs. When one of these drivers causes a crash, they leave innocent people buried under medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical pain. That is unacceptable.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage exists to protect you when the driver who caused your crash cannot fully pay for the damage they caused.
Auto insurance is a safety net that offers financial protection in case of accidents. Illinois requires all drivers to maintain a minimum amount of insurance coverage. However, compliance is far from guaranteed, leaving you vulnerable in the event of an accident. This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes into play, offering essential protection for drivers.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Explained
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver cannot be identified, such as in a hit-and-run accident
Your own insurance company effectively steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver, and that’s where disputes often begin.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage Explained
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when:
- The at-fault driver has insurance
- Their policy limits are too low to cover your damages
Serious injuries often exceed minimum policy limits, especially when surgery, long-term treatment, or permanent impairment is involved. UIM coverage fills the gap between what the other driver’s insurance pays and what your injuries are worth.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Is Mandatory in Illinois
UM/UIM coverage is required for Illinois drivers because it provides protection against unpredictable situations on the road. The benefits of carrying UM/UIM coverage include:
Protection against Uninsured Drivers: Despite legal requirements, some drivers still operate their vehicles without insurance. UM coverage ensures that you are not financially burdened if you are in an accident with one of these drivers.
Adequate Coverage: Even responsible drivers may carry only the minimum required insurance, which can be insufficient to cover significant injuries or property damage. UIM coverage fills the gap, ensuring that you are fully compensated.
Coverage for Passengers: UM/UIM coverage typically extends to your passengers, providing protection for their medical expenses and other losses if they are injured in the accident.
Coverage for Pedestrians: In some cases, UM/UIM coverage applies to hit-and-run accident cases involving pedestrians.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial for all drivers. It ensures you are financially protected in case of accidents involving drivers who lack adequate insurance.
Differences Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance or can’t be identified in a hit-and-run accident. Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but the coverage is insufficient to fully cover your losses. Key differences between the two types of claims include:
The Presence of an At-Fault Driver: In UM claims, there’s no at-fault driver’s insurance to recover compensation from. Instead, you’re seeking compensation from your own insurance company. In UIM claims, there is an at-fault driver with insurance coverage, but it is inadequate to cover your total damages.
Liability and Identification: UM claims often involve accidents with hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene or cases where the at-fault driver is unidentifiable. Proving that the other driver is uninsured or unidentifiable is a key aspect of UM claims. UIM claims necessitate proving the liability of the at-fault driver. The focus is on the other driver’s responsibility, and the extent of his or her insurance coverage becomes a critical factor.
The Level of Available Insurance: The primary concern in UM claims is the lack of insurance with the at-fault driver. In UIM claims, insurance coverage is available, but the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient to cover your damages fully.
UM claims involve accidents with uninsured or unidentifiable drivers, where your insurance company becomes the source of compensation. UIM claims, on the other hand, are relevant when the at-fault driver is underinsured, and you need to bridge the gap between his or her coverage and your actual damages. Both coverages are essential for protecting yourself in the event of accidents with drivers who lack adequate insurance.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover in an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim?
The compensation you can recover in an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the financial impact of the crash, and the coverage available under your insurance policy.
That said, many claims are worth significantly more than insurance companies initially admit, especially when serious injuries, long-term treatment, or permanent impairment are involved.
Compensation in a Chicago uninsured or underinsured motorist claim may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of normal life
- Disability or disfigurement, when injuries permanently alter your ability to function or your appearance
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as medications, medical devices, and transportation for treatment
Insurance companies often try to resolve UM/UIM claims quickly and cheaply, before the full extent of injuries is known. Accepting an early settlement can leave you responsible for future medical care and ongoing losses.
Our experienced Chicago uninsured motorist lawyers can:
- Analyze your policy for stacked coverage
- Calculate the true lifetime cost of your injuries
- Push back against unfair valuation tactics
- Demand the maximum compensation allowed under your policy
At Ankin Law, we do not guess at claim value. We prove it.
To find out what your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim is worth, call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000.
What Should You Do When the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance?
When the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short, you are not out of options, but time and strategy matter.
You should immediately:
- Notify your insurance company
- Preserve medical records and proof of lost income
- Avoid recorded statements without legal counsel
- Consult an attorney before accepting a settlement
Insurance companies frequently undervalue UIM claims, hoping victims will accept fast, inadequate payouts. Ankin Law intervenes early to protect your rights and maximize recovery.
Did an underinsured driver cause your crash? Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 to recover full compensation.
How Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Uninsured Motorist Claims
Insurance companies often treat uninsured and underinsured motorist claims as adversarial cases, even though you are their policyholder.
Once you file a UM/UIM claim, your insurer’s goal is no longer to help you recover. Its goal is to limit what it pays. Many injured Chicago drivers are shocked to learn their own insurance company will use the same tactics as an opposing insurer.
Common strategies include:
- Delaying the claim process in hopes you will accept less out of frustration
- Disputing the severity of injuries, especially soft-tissue injuries, head trauma, and chronic pain
- Blaming you for the accident to reduce or deny liability
- Using recorded statements to twist your words and minimize damages
- Pressuring fast settlements before medical treatment is complete
In hit-and-run cases, insurers may also argue that:
- The accident was not properly reported
- There is insufficient proof another driver was involved
- Your injuries are unrelated to the crash
These tactics are not accidents; they are intentional cost-saving measures.
A Chicago uninsured motorist lawyer shifts the power dynamic. At Ankin Law, we:
- Handle all insurer communications
- Present clear, documented evidence of liability and damages
- Enforce policy language and Illinois insurance law
- File lawsuits when insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith
Insurance companies take claims seriously when they know Ankin Law is involved.
If your insurer is delaying, denying, or undervaluing your UM/UIM claim, call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 and let a Chicago uninsured motorist lawyer protect your rights and your recovery.
Why Should I Choose Ankin Law for an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
Injured Chicago drivers choose Ankin Law for uninsured and underinsured motorist claims because we combine deep insurance knowledge with aggressive legal advocacy, and we refuse to let insurance companies dictate outcomes.
UM and UIM cases are not ordinary car accident claims. They require attorneys who understand policy language, coverage disputes, and insurer bad-faith tactics. At Ankin Law, uninsured motorist claims are a core part of what we do, and we handle them with the precision and pressure they demand.
When you hire Ankin Law, you get:
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience, including extensive work in uninsured and underinsured motorist litigation
- Chicago-based attorneys who know Illinois insurance law, local courts, and how regional insurers operate
- Direct access to your legal team, not call centers or case managers
- Trial-ready representation, which forces insurers to negotiate seriously
- No upfront fees, and no legal fees unless we win compensation for you
Insurance companies recognize Ankin Law. They know we do not accept lowball offers, delay tactics, or policy misrepresentations. That reputation gives our clients leverage from the moment a claim is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Cases
How Long Do I Have to File a UM/UIM Lawsuit?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a UM or UIM lawsuit. Although you have two years to file, it’s important to consult with an attorney promptly and initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe to protect your right to seek compensation for your losses.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim?
Yes. Hiring a lawyer for an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim is in your best interest. Attorneys can navigate legal processes, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation. Their knowledge is especially valuable when disputes arise, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive full compensation.
Who Pays for Injuries Caused by an Uninsured Driver in Illinois?
in most cases, your own insurance company pays through your uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurer steps into the role of the at-fault driver and is required to compensate you under the terms of your policy.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Ms Maria Merman is one of the best attorneys that I know in Illinois. She stood by my side every step of the way through my accident until the last day of my case she emailed me called and always check on me and my children she taught me a lot even though the assurance I had were very stubborn, but she worked through it. I learned a lot from her with my case, she’s so patient. I was very patient with her and if you want the job done right, she is the attorney for you thank you, Ms Merman, you have helped me and my children and changed our life we love you.
