Illinois Car Accident Laws You Should Know
No one is ever ready to be involved in a motor vehicle accident of any kind, whether that be a collision with a tractor-trailer, a motorcycle wreck, or a crash crash. But when they happen, you need to be prepared for what’s to come.
As an Illinois resident, it’s important that you know the most important car accident laws. This should give you the opportunity to better prepare yourself for dealing with the insurance company and the claims process if you decide to file a civil lawsuit.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Illinois
One of the first things that will to be discussed immediately after an accident is auto insurance. If you have auto insurance, as required under Illinois law, you will then need to exchange your insurance policy information with the other involved driver, if there is one. Here are the minimum amounts of auto insurance you must have on your vehicle before driving it to protect not only yourself, but also other drivers:
- $15,000 in property damage liability coverage
- $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
The following coverage options are also required, but it can be rejected in writing if you prefer.
- $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident in underinsured motorist coverage
- $15,000 and a $250 deductible in uninsured motorist property damage liability coverage
- $20,000 per person; $40,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury liability coverage
Living in a Fault State for Auto Insurance
In the U.S., states will be either fault or no-fault in regards to auto insurance. In no-fault states, you are required to carry a certain amount of personal injury protection coverage. Then, when you are injured in an accident, you’ll file a claim with your own insurance provider.
Fault states, such as Illinois, do not require drivers to carry personal injury protection, as you will file a claim with the liable party’s insurance provider versus your insurer. The insurance company should then be responsible for covering certain losses such as your vehicle damage and medical expenses.
It’s important to note that the insurance company will only be obligated up to the limits of the insured’s policy. This is why it’s important to increase the limits of your auto insurance policy as much as possible. Any unpaid losses by the insurance company will need to be sought after through a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
Get in Touch with a Car Accident Lawyer in Illinois
For more information on the car accident claims process or what to expect from your lawsuit, reach out to a qualified Illinois car accident lawyer at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC. You can submit the online contact form provided at the bottom of this page or give us a call at 815-656-4600 to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.
