Recovering From a Car Crash When the Other Driver Is Uninsured

 Posted on December 04, 2025 in Car Accidents

Getting in a car accident is stressful enough on its own, but it is made even worse to discover that the driver responsible for the crash has no insurance – an unfortunately common occurrence. However, you may still have options to get paid for your medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., our Cook County, IL personal injury attorney can help you explore your options to recover compensation after a crash involving a driver without insurance, whether it was a hit-and-run or not. No case is too big or small for our firm, so you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate your claim.

What Is an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

In Illinois, all valid auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for bodily injuries. This means that as long as you are insured in Illinois, you will always have at least one avenue to obtain compensation after an accident.

There are also cases where the other driver does have insurance, but his or her policy is insufficient to cover your damages. In these cases, you can file an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim to bridge the gap in coverage. Our firm can investigate both UM and UIM claims, fighting claims of liability on your end to ensure that your claim is not reduced by a percentage of partial fault under Illinois’s comparative negligence laws (735 ILCS 5/2-1116).

What Compensation Can You Get From an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

Knowing what damages you can be paid for an uninsured motorist claim is critical for getting the most out of your claim. Our firm can discuss your case with you and assess the value of your claim, accounting for economic and non-economic damages, which may include:

• Medical expenses: Your claim can cover the costs of surgery, medication, treatment, and other related expenses arising from your injuries. For this reason, seeking medical attention after a crash is critical.

• Property damage: Your claim can include compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, along with any other personal property damaged in the crash.

• Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries leave you unable to work or affect your long-term income potential, your claim can include compensation for those losses.

• Pain and suffering: Your claim can account for non-tangible losses, like mental trauma or physical agony caused by the accident.

Keep in mind that uninsured motorist claims are subject to policy limits that affect how much you can recover. If your damages exceed what your insurance provider will cover, you may still have other avenues to secure payment.

Liable Third Parties in Car Accident Claims

There may be other individuals or entities who can be held responsible in an accident with an uninsured driver. Identifying these parties and filing a claim against them can maximize your recovery, even when you have reached policy limits. For instance, if the collision resulted from a defective part, the manufacturer of that part could be named at fault.

Contact an Orland Park, IL Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been struck by an uninsured driver, do not assume that you are out of options. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., our Cook County, IL personal injury attorney will fight for your right to compensation. Call us at 708-321-1223 to schedule a free consultation.