If you are driving in Illinois, you must have auto insurance by law. The bare minimum coverage, according to law, is liability insurance covering $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident, $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability.
It is very expensive not to carry auto insurance. The first and second offense carries fines of $500 – $1,000 and suspension of your driver’s license for three months. The third offense carries a fine of $1,000 and suspension of your license for three months.
Even though it is a bad idea to drive without insurance, sometimes it happens. Perhaps bills were tight, and your insurance lapsed. Or you missed the cutoff date for payment and were planning to pay as soon as you got the chance. While no legally valid reason to drive without insurance exists, sometimes people find themselves in these or similar situations.
What do I do if I am in an accident and don’t have Auto Insurance?
So, you’ve had an accident while driving without insurance. You are not at fault. Can you still receive full compensation? Can you receive any compensation?
In most cases, drivers can receive compensation for economic damages. Economic damage refers to anything the uninsured driver has to pay to recover. For example, if your car was damaged, you are likely to be able to receive compensation for the repair of your vehicle. If you require medical care, your medical bills will likely be covered.
In many states, “No Pay, No Play” is instituted. This means that if you do not pay for car insurance, you will not receive any compensation for non-economic damage, such as emotional trauma, suffering, and pain. Illinois is not a “No Pay, No Play” state. This means that it is possible to be compensated for all damages, including non-economic damages.
That being said, be sure to get auto insurance before you begin driving again. Driving without auto insurance can carry serious, costly, and stressful consequences.
How do I Seek Compensation as an Uninsured Driver?
If you are in an accident as an uninsured driver, the best thing to do is to reach out to us here at Costa Ivone. We will meticulously investigate the accident to determine exactly how the other driver was at fault. We will review your case and discuss with you what we can recover.
We have the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the legal system and to make sure no stone is left unturned in getting you the greatest compensation possible for your situation. We know how to investigate all areas of your claim to maximize your settlement.
There is no need to worry about how you are going to pay for all the damages from the accident amid skyrocketing medical bills and keeping a roof over your head. You do not need more stress added during this difficult time. Let us do the work of recovering the damages from the liable party so you can focus your energy on getting better.
