Lawyer Handling Cases Involving Underinsured Motorists in Orland Park, IL
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. While insurance is meant to provide financial protection in these situations, not all drivers have sufficient coverage, and some drivers may not have any coverage at all. If you find yourself in a situation where the driver responsible for causing an accident is uninsured or underinsured, you will need to understand your rights and determine your options for addressing your injuries and damages.
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we pride ourselves on representing clients who need a dedicated advocate to help fight for their rights in court. When you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle collision, you may be dealing with financial concerns and other issues that affect your life, and you deserve legal representation from an attorney who will take your case seriously. As a former Cook County Circuit Court Judge, Attorney John Fotopoulos knows what it takes to succeed, and he will do the work necessary to achieve your desired outcome.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In most states, including Illinois, drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance that includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, income or wages lost while recovering from injuries, vehicle repairs, and other damages suffered by other parties in an accident caused by the policyholder.
However, not everyone follows this legal requirement or carries enough insurance to cover all potential damages in an accident. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play when a driver does not have any auto insurance. Meanwhile, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits will not fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.
The Importance of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In Illinois, UM/UIM coverage is mandatory on every auto insurance policy unless it is specifically rejected in writing. This type of protection offers peace of mind, ensuring that even if a driver does not have proper coverage or their policy has insufficient funds to cover your damages, you can still pursue compensation through your own insurance policy.
If you have been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney. At Fotopoulos Law Office, our team understands the complexities of handling these types of cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those injured in serious accidents.
Evaluating Your Insurance Coverage
When you consult with our firm after an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident, we will carefully review your auto insurance policy to determine the extent of your coverage. This includes assessing the limits and terms of your UM/UIM coverage as well as examining any additional policies that may apply. With this information, we can help maximize the potential compensation you can receive.
We can help guide you in filing a claim with your own insurance company. Even though your insurer is supposed to protect your interests, many companies will seek to limit the amount of coverage they pay. If an insurance company attempts to deny or undervalue your claim, we will counter these tactics and make sure the settlement offered meets your needs. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Investigating Liability and Damages
In addition to working with insurance companies, our skilled team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to ensure that you can recover compensation from all liable parties. We will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and expert opinions. By building a strong case based on this evidence, we can establish liability on the part of the uninsured/underinsured driver and any other parties who may have been partially at fault. By accurately quantifying all present and future damages, we can help ensure that you can maximize the compensation you receive.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
We understand that financial stability is paramount as you work to recover from an auto accident. Therefore, our team will skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and any potentially responsible parties to pursue fair settlements that will adequately compensate you for your losses. If negotiations do not result in an acceptable offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight on your behalf aggressively. Our team has extensive experience litigating uninsured and underinsured motorist accident claims in Illinois courts, and we are ready to represent you with professionalism and determination.
Contact Our Orland Park Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we understand the challenges faced by accident victims, including the reasons they may struggle to receive adequate insurance coverage from the responsible party. We are here to assist you throughout this complex process and fight diligently for the financial compensation that will fully address your damages. Contact us at 708-942-8400 today to schedule your free consultation.
