Being involved in a car accident is stressful under any circumstances, but discovering the other driver doesn’t have insurance can make the situation even more overwhelming. In Illinois, all drivers are required to carry liability coverage, yet many still get behind the wheel without it. When an uninsured driver causes a crash in Chicago, recovering compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and vehicle repairs becomes more complicated—but it’s far from impossible.
Understanding your rights under Illinois law and taking the right steps early on can make a meaningful difference in your ability to secure compensation. Here’s what Chicago drivers should know.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Crash
Right after an accident with an uninsured driver, your actions in those first moments can shape your entire claim. Your priority should always be safety—check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately. A police report is essential in Illinois, especially when dealing with an uninsured motorist claim, because insurers rely heavily on this documentation.
While waiting for law enforcement, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes the other driver’s contact information, details about their vehicle, and photos of the scene. Capture vehicle positions, visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and property damage. These images often play a key role in proving fault in a Chicago car accident case.
As soon as things are under control, notify your insurance company. Illinois uses a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is typically liable for damages—but if that driver has no insurance, your own coverage may need to take the lead.
How Your Own Insurance Coverage Can Help
If an uninsured driver caused your Chicago car accident, your own auto insurance may still provide crucial protection. Many Illinois drivers carry uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage steps in to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough of it.
Other types of insurance may also help. Collision coverage can pay for vehicle repairs regardless of fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay—if included in your policy—can assist with medical bills. Reviewing your policy or speaking with a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Considering Legal Action
Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to pursue a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. Legal action can help you recover compensation for medical bills, car repairs, lost income, and even pain and suffering. However, it’s important to consider whether the driver has assets that could actually satisfy a judgment. Often, uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to pay a settlement out of pocket.
At this stage, working with a Chicago car accident lawyer can be invaluable. An attorney can evaluate the details of your case, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and help you understand the most effective path toward compensation.
What Happens in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents in Chicago follow a similar process—even though the at-fault driver may never be identified. In these situations, uninsured motorist coverage typically applies because there is no other insurance policy to pursue.
Always contact the Chicago Police Department immediately after a hit-and-run. Provide as much information as possible, even small details about the fleeing vehicle. Strong documentation—including photos, witness statements, and your own account—will support your uninsured motorist claim.
Navigating the Aftermath
Dealing with the aftermath of a Chicago car accident involving an uninsured or hit-and-run driver can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about what comes next. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options, communicate with your insurance company, and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Act quickly, document everything, and make sure you understand your rights under Illinois law. Taking the right steps now can help protect you financially and legally—and put you on the path toward recovery.