Item: Kreisman Law Offices Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Rating: 5
Author: C.B.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Illinois, like most states, requires that motorists carry a minimum amount of automobile liability insurance. This is found in the Illinois Insurance Code, Section 143 (a)(1). The law requires that every automobile liability insurance policy provide for uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage. However, as is the case with regulations, not everyone abides by this law.

As a protection against uninsured motorists, insured Illinois motorists are provided with auto insurance that includes uninsured motorist coverage. The coverage provided by uninsured motorist’s insurance is for the injury to a driver or passenger of a vehicle who has been injured by an uninsured motorist. The public policy reasoning for this law is to provide compensation for those drivers and passengers who have been injured by another driver of a motor vehicle who is uninsured or underinsured. Under the insurance company’s policy, in the event of a claim of either uninsured or underinsured motorist, the compensation is determined and resolved by binding arbitration. The language setting out the procedure of such arbitration is included in the automobile liability insurance policy.

At Kreisman Law Offices when faced with the possibility of an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim we send a demand for arbitration to our client’s insurer just in case such a procedure in needed given the serious nature of the client(s)’ injuries and damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

The essential rules of an insurance policy regarding a claim for UM or UIM is found in contract of insurance. Like all contracts there are times and resulting cases, where the contract of insurance requires interpretation because of a conflict among the parties. Because the insurance company is the writer of the contract with no leeway in negotiating the language contained in it, the insured is often given the benefit should the court be required to intervene to interpret the contract. In other words, if an argument were to arise claiming some ambiguity in the contract language the court will usually find for the insured. In some insurance policies a demand for arbitration must be done within two years from the date of the incident or injuries to the insured.

Another automobile insurance coverage feature is underinsurance motorist coverage. If you were injured by someone else who had the minimum insurance coverage for the bodily injuries that were suffered by you and a passenger or passengers, your underinsurance motorist coverage could increase the amount of recovery for your injuries. In Illinois, underinsurance would apply when the party that injured someone whose policy limits was $20,000 and the underinsurance coverage was $50,000, then the maximum that could be recovered for bodily injuries would be $50,000. In Illinois, the law does not allow “stacking” of the insurance of a party at fault with your own policy for underinsurance.

By example, if the insurance coverage for injuries suffered by you by the party at fault was $100,000 and you likewise had underinsurance coverage of a limit of $100,000, you could not recover more than $100,000 for the bodily injuries that were suffered.

If you or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of an automobile accident or truck accident involving an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist, please call us for an immediate free consultation.

Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois automobile accidents, truck accidents and uninsured motorist coverage claims as well as underinsurance coverage claims successfully for more than 40 years.

Since 1976 Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas and successfully resolved cases for automobile accidents, truck accidents and uninsured motorist coverage claims as well as underinsurance coverage claims for over these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling automobile accidents, truck accidents and uninsured motorist coverage claims as well as underinsurance coverage claims in Illinois, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case, assessment of your damages such as lost income, lost wages, medical and hospital bills, past and future pain and suffering, loss of normal life and wrongful death.

★★★★★

“We were devastated when our 31 year-old son was killed by a negligent driver. Kreisman Law Offices did everything to help us through this very difficult time, including coming out to the house several times which was a comfort. My wife and I were extremely pleased with Mr. Kreisman’s compassion and care for this very tragic and troubling time.” C.B.

“Bob Kreisman did everything possible in handling the trial of this case. It was devastating that I traumatically lost my leg above the knee in this truck accident. However, it was not an easy case to win. His staff was so prepared for the trial that it was not surprising that the settlement offers continued to rise until we finally accepted the multi-million settlement while the jury was still deciding the case. My wife and I were delighted that we could secure our future with this settlement. We thank Mr. Kreisman and his incredible staff for working so hard for our benefit.” T.P.

“My mother died because doctors dropped the ball. I called Robert Kreisman and he immediately set up an appointment for my entire family. We met at his offices and I was very comfortable that he would do the best for my dad and my brothers. He spent hours with all of us in preparing for depositions and he hired top notch experts, all of which contributed to an incredible settlement before trial. I know that he is dedicated to his cases and particularly to the people he works for and the people who work with him. He continues to be generous in contributing annually to my mother’s memory and to make known to the public the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.” V.S.

“My dad was ignored and mistreated at the nursing home that we placed him in. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made a big mistake, particularly after my dad developed these terrible bedsores. We transferred him as we were contacting Mr. Kreisman. He was referred to us by a lawyer we have known for a long time and respect his opinion. Mr. Kreisman and his staff worked tirelessly to resolve this case. We were fortunate to have his services and will recommend him to anyone.” T.J.

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