Car and motorcycle crashes happen every day in central Illinois. Most people know they should exchange insurance information and make a claim against the at-fault driver. But what happens when that driver has no insurance, not enough insurance, or speeds away in a hit-and-run?

If you were hurt in a crash and later learned the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you still have options. A Peoria uninsured motorist attorney at Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law can review your own policy, explain your rights, and help you pursue compensation through every available source.

We handle uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims that grow out of serious car accidents and motorcycle crashes across Peoria and the surrounding counties.

What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is part of your own auto policy. It is there to protect you if you are hit by a driver who does not have the liability insurance the law requires.

In Illinois, most drivers who carry the legal minimum liability coverage also have at least the same amount of uninsured motorist coverage built in. This coverage can apply when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance at all
• The at-fault driver’s insurer denies coverage
• You are hurt in a qualifying hit-and-run crash

In a UM claim, you do not sue the uninsured driver. Instead, you make a claim under your own policy, and your insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver for purposes of paying damages. You still have to prove the other driver was negligent and that the crash caused your injuries, just as you would in any other injury case.

What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?

Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover the full value of your injuries.

Here is a simple example. Suppose:

• The at-fault driver has $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage
• You have $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage
• Your total injury damages are more than $50,000

First, you can collect the $25,000 liability limit from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Then, you may be able to make a UIM claim with your own carrier for the difference between the other driver’s limit and your UIM limit. In this example, that could be up to another $25,000, depending on your damages and the specific policy language.

Every policy is different, and the rules for UIM setoffs and “stacking” coverages can be complex. A Peoria uninsured motorist attorney can examine your declarations page and the fine print to see how much coverage may be available for you and your family.

Does UM/UIM Cover Vehicle Damage?

It depends on what you bought. In many policies, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is focused on bodily injury, not property damage.

To protect your vehicle, you may need uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) or collision coverage. UMPD can help pay for repairs when the at-fault driver has no insurance, up to the limit you chose. Collision coverage applies regardless of who was at fault, but you may have to pay a deductible.

Even when property damage is not covered under UM or UIM, a serious crash often causes major medical bills, lost wages, and pain. That is where your UM/UIM injury coverage can make the biggest difference.

What Happens if I’m Hit by a Driver Without Insurance in Illinois?

Illinois law requires all vehicles registered and operated in the state to carry liability insurance. The legal minimums are:

• $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
• $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
• $20,000 for damage to someone else’s property

Because Illinois also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum bodily injury levels, many drivers already have UM coverage and may not realize it.

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you should:

• Call 911 and get a police report
• Get medical care right away and follow up with your doctor
• Gather insurance and contact information, if the other driver stays at the scene
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries, if you can
• Notify your insurance company promptly that you may have a UM or UIM claim
• Talk with a Peoria uninsured motorist attorney before giving a detailed recorded statement

Even though you are dealing with your own carrier, your insurer is not automatically on your side. For UM and UIM claims, they often take an adversarial position and may challenge fault, the extent of your injuries, or the value of your claim.

Hit-and-Run Crashes and Uninsured Motorist Claims

Hit-and-run collisions are frightening and frustrating. You do everything right, and the other driver simply speeds off. Often, drivers flee because they do not have insurance, are impaired, or are afraid of other consequences.

In Illinois, uninsured motorist coverage can apply to many hit-and-run crashes. Because you cannot get the other driver’s insurance information, the law treats this situation much like an uninsured driver claim, as long as certain policy conditions are met.

Important points about hit-and-run UM claims:

• You generally must report the crash to law enforcement within a short time period
• Most policies require physical contact with the hit-and-run vehicle (for example, they cannot be “near miss” cases)
• You must still prove another driver was negligent and caused the crash

Our firm can help gather police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage to support your claim. We also handle UM claims when pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists are struck by unidentified drivers.

Common Injuries in Uninsured Motorist Crashes

Uninsured and underinsured drivers cause the same kinds of serious injuries seen in other car accident and truck collision cases. These may include:

• Whiplash, neck and back injuries, and herniated discs
• Broken bones, dislocations, and joint injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Serious cuts, bruises, and scarring
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress

In the most tragic cases, families may lose a loved one in a crash with an uninsured driver. When that happens, the family may have both a wrongful death claim and a UM/UIM claim. You can learn more about these claims on our wrongful death practice page.

How a Peoria Uninsured Motorist Attorney Helps After a Crash

Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims are more than simple “paperwork.” They are contested injury cases where your own insurer may try to limit what you receive. An experienced lawyer can make a real difference.

When you work with Parker & Parker, we typically:

Review your coverage. We examine your auto policy, including UM/UIM limits, medical payments coverage, and any exclusions, to see what is available for you and your family members.

Investigate fault. We gather police reports, witness statements, photographs, and sometimes accident reconstruction to prove that the uninsured or underinsured driver caused the crash.

Document injuries and losses. We collect medical records and bills, wage information, and other proof of how the crash has affected your health, work, and daily life.

Handle insurance communications. We speak with adjusters for you, respond to information requests, and push back when an insurer tries to discount your injuries or blame you.

Negotiate or arbitrate your claim. Many UM/UIM policies have arbitration or lawsuit provisions. We prepare your case as if it may go to a hearing or trial, which often leads to better settlement offers.

Coordinate all sources of recovery. We look at all potential coverage, including health insurance, medical payments coverage, and any third-party claims, to help you maximize your net recovery.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Use UM or UIM Coverage?

Many people worry that making a UM or UIM claim will automatically raise their premiums. Every situation is different, and we cannot predict what any one company will do. But remember, this coverage is something you paid for to protect yourself if another driver does not follow the law.

In many cases, the crash was clearly not your fault. We can talk through your concerns during a free consultation and help you balance the pros and cons of making a claim.

Deadlines for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

In Illinois, most injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations, but UM and UIM claims can also be controlled by shorter deadlines in your insurance policy. Some policies require notice of a potential UM/UIM claim within a very short time, especially in hit-and-run crashes.

If you wait too long, your insurer may argue that you missed a policy deadline, even if you are still within the normal time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Talking with a Peoria uninsured motorist attorney early helps protect your rights and keeps these deadlines from becoming a problem.

Speak with a Peoria Uninsured Motorist Attorney Today

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, you do not have to figure this out alone. Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law can review your case, explain your coverage, and help you decide on the best path forward.

We represent people in Peoria and throughout central Illinois and are proud to be a local, family-run firm. You can learn more about us on our Our Firm page, or reach out directly to talk about what happened to you.

Uninsured Motorist FAQs

What should I do right after a crash with an uninsured driver?

Call 911, get medical help, and ask for a police report. Get the other driver’s name and contact information if possible, take photos of the scene and vehicles, and notify your own insurer. Before you give a detailed recorded statement, it is wise to speak with an uninsured motorist attorney so you understand your rights.

Do I have to sue my own insurance company in an uninsured motorist claim?

Not always. Many UM and UIM claims resolve through negotiation or, in some cases, arbitration. But if your insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, a lawsuit may be necessary. We will explain the process for your specific policy and case, and help you decide when to settle and when to push forward.

Can I make a UM claim if I was a passenger or a pedestrian?

Yes, often you can. Passengers may be covered under the policy for the vehicle they were riding in and sometimes under their own household policies as well. Pedestrians and bicyclists may also have UM or UIM protection through their own auto insurance, even if they were not driving. A lawyer can help track down all possible coverage.

What if my loved one was killed by an uninsured driver?

In fatal crashes, the family may have a wrongful death claim against any at-fault drivers and also a UM or UIM claim under one or more policies. These cases can be complex, especially when multiple family members, vehicles, or policies are involved. Our firm can help you understand your options during a difficult time.

How long will an uninsured motorist claim take?

The timeline depends on how serious your injuries are, how long it takes to understand your medical recovery, and how cooperative your insurer is. Some claims settle within months; others take longer, especially if arbitration or a lawsuit is needed. We keep you updated and work steadily to move your case forward.

How much does it cost to hire a Peoria uninsured motorist attorney?

Your initial consultation is free. In most injury cases, including UM and UIM claims, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you through a settlement, arbitration award, or verdict. We will explain the fee agreement clearly before you decide how to proceed.