So there you are sitting at an intersection minding your own business when all of a sudden your car gets slammed 50 feet! As you get your bearings, you realize your arm is tingly and the car is jacked up.
Everything SEEMS to be okay so you get out of your car and go check on the other driver.
They are saying they are fine, but acting really nervous. And that feeling in your gut goes off.
You’ve heard those crazy stories about people plowing through stoplights, stop signs or just simply not paying attention and causing all kinds of damage. But now, you are the victim of one of these idiot drivers!
And if they are uninsured, this can quickly become a financial disaster.
Call the police and start writing down information and taking pictures.
Take pictures of the damage to the cars, street signs and skid marks…anything accident related.
If you don’t have a camera phone or are injured, try and get a bystander or passenger to get pictures for you.
Even though the police are gathering the other driver’s information, you want to as well.
It is at this point that you may discover they are uninsured. If that is the case, get as much information from the other driver as you can.
Your insurance company is going to need this information and may even require it before any compensation is released.
Depending on the circumstances, the insurance company may or may not act right away. It usually depends on the damage incurred.
Either way, your agent can at least guide you in the right direction.
If you are injured in a car accident, it is prudent to always get yourself checked out. It may be an expense to you out of pocket, but it’s better to be safe than sorry in the long run.
Under normal circumstances, it won’t cost you anything, but if the person who caused the accident is not insured, you are going to be on the hook for at least some kind of deductible.
Besides, your health is worth way more than any amount of money.
Depending on whether you have uninsured motorist coverage or not, covered repairs to your automobile are up to your insurance company.
If you did not elect uninsured motorist coverage, it’s likely that you will need to pay expenses out of pocket and then seek compensation through the courts.
When uninsured/underinsured motorist claims are made, expect the insurance company to investigate your medical treatment, the nature of your injuries, etc.
Not all insurance companies play nice, so sometimes these investigations can turn an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim into a bad faith claim against your insurance company.
Every insurance company has a duty to handle claims in good faith.
If your insurance company takes an overly adversarial approach to your uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, it may have violated its duty to handle your claim in good faith.
Our Chicago uninsured motorist lawyers are experienced in obtaining compensation in uninsured and underinsured motorists claims.
A significant portion of our practice is devoted to helping those injured by those who lack any insurance or adequate insurance.
Please let us explain how we can help you…
To arrange a free consultation about your case, please contact The Horwitz Law Group by e-mail or call 312-641-9200.
Remember, if we don’t win your case, our services are absolutely free!
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