Tips for Maximizing Your Recovery from an Auto Accident
Reflecting on Memorial Day, we honor those that have lost their lives in active military service and recognize the great sacrifices that the men and women of the armed forces have made in order to protect our freedom and democracy. The National Safety Council reports that Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. It is estimated that more than 400 roadway deaths and over 45,000 serious injuries may occur from auto accidents throughout this weekend. If you or a loved one is involved in an automobile accident it is important to be aware of your rights in order to receive the compensation that you are legally entitled to.
Tips for Getting the Recovery You’re Entitled to After an Auto Accident
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in an Auto Accident
Nearly every state has enacted mandatory car insurance liability laws. However, according to the Insurance Research Council, one in seven drivers in the United States remains uninsured. Some states, including Illinois, have passed laws to protect those that have been injured in accidents resulting from the wrongful acts of uninsured drivers. Uninsured Motorist coverage is insurance that allows an injured person to recover that which they would have been able to recover if the at fault driver had insurance. This recovery would include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement.
In Illinois, every insurance policy must provide Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage. You must purchase uninsured motorist coverage if you want more than the state minimum. Usually, additional insurance coverage is affordable and crucial to protect you and your family. It is important to talk with your insurance agent and verify that you and your family are adequately insured.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage in an Auto Accident
Similar to Uninsured Motorist Coverage, Underinsured Motorist Coverage is designed to compensate an injured person when the at-fault driver does not carry sufficient liability insurance to cover the damages that the injured person has sustained. Most states only require a minimal amount of underinsured insurance to comply with the financial responsibility laws of that state. While this encourages more people to become insured, the great majority of drivers carry an insufficient amount of coverage to compensate victims of car accidents. Unfortunately, accidents resulting in minor and temporary injuries can cause damages well in excess of the minimum amount of liability car insurance required by law. If the injuries sustained in an accident are permanent the minimum insurance coverage will be grossly inadequate.
As Memorial Day yields an increase in traffic fatalities, it is important to understand the fact that very few drivers are insured to cover damages that could easily occur as a result of an automobile accident. Having a higher limit of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will provide an injured person the opportunity to seek compensation if they are injured by the acts of an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of matters on behalf of individuals who have been injured by uninsured and underinsured drivers. In fact, in every automobile accident case we handle, we investigate coverage limits to ensure that we can maximize your recovery. If you should have questions or wish to consult with an attorney you can trust to fight for you, call our office for a free legal consultation.
