In both Missouri and Illinois, drivers are required to have auto liability insurance coverage in case they cause a car accident. Unfortunately, the amount of liability insurance coverage drivers are required to carry is very low. In Illinois, the minimum is $20,000, and Missouri has a minimum of $25,000.
This means if you are involved in a serious auto accident and the at-fault driver has only the minimum coverage, the insurance company would pay out a maximum of only $20,000 (in Illinois) or $25,000 (in Missouri) for all of your losses. Considering the high cost of hospital bills, this money will not go very far, especially if you suffer permanent, disabling injuries.
When the person who hit you has insufficient insurance, there are several possible outcomes. One option is to try to sue the negligent driver directly, but getting a judgment against someone who has no assets is useless since you can’t collect anything. Another option is to shoulder the burden of costs yourself, which is unfair and might be impossible depending upon your financial situation.
A third and best option is to make a claim under your own underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). To learn more about what underinsured motorist coverage is, what it costs, what it does and why you should have it, watch this video from the St. Louis car accident lawyers at The Cagle Law Firm.
When making a claim under UIM coverage, it is important to have legal help to make sure your insurance company pays all that you are entitled to. If you have been in an accident in Missouri, Illinois or Kentucky and are making an underinsured motorist claim, The Cagle Law Firm is here to help.
Our Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky accident lawyers have extensive experience with UIM car accident claims, and we can help you to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact The Cagle Law Firm now online or call 800.685.3302 for a free case evaluation.
