You’re driving home, and out of nowhere, another car hits you. The damage is serious, and soon the medical bills and repair costs start rolling in. At first, you expect the other driver’s insurance to take care of it. But then you find out their coverage barely scratches the surface. Now what?
This is something a lot of people in Illinois run into, especially after more severe accidents. The reality is that insurance limits do not always cover everything. When that happens, you may need to explore other ways to recover the full amount you are owed. If you are not sure where to start, talking to someone who understands how these claims work can be a smart first step. Reach out to Fabbrini Law Group to learn what options might be available in your case.
Understanding Insurance Policy Limits
When an accident happens, most people turn to insurance without giving much thought to the fine print. In Illinois, the law sets certain minimum coverage amounts for every driver. That includes $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 total for all injuries in a single crash, and $20,000 to cover any property damage.
Those numbers might cover a small fender bender but in more serious situations they often don’t. Medical bills, lost wages and car repairs can easily go well beyond what the other driver’s insurance will pay. Once the max payout is reached the insurer is no longer responsible for the rest.
That leaves you in a tough spot unless you have other coverage in place or pursue other legal options. Knowing policy limits is not just about knowing the numbers. It’s about knowing where the financial responsibility shifts and what you can do to protect yourself when the coverage runs out.
What Happens When Damages Exceed Policy Limits?
Sometimes the cost of a car accident ends up being more than what the insurance policy will cover. This can happen quickly, especially if the injuries are serious or more than one person is involved. Once the insurance company pays out the full amount listed in the policy, they are no longer responsible for any remaining expenses.
If that payout falls short, you might still have a few options. In many cases, your own auto insurance could step in, specifically if you carry underinsured motorist coverage. This part of your policy is designed to help when the other driver does not have enough coverage to make up for all the damage.
You might also have the chance to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company. Depending on the details of the crash and how clear the liability is, they could be open to settling for more to avoid a lawsuit. If not, filing a legal claim might be necessary to recover the rest.
Knowing what to do next can take the pressure off and give you a path forward. It is always a good idea to speak with someone who can walk you through your options and help you make the right call based on your situation.
Legal Options Beyond Insurance
If your accident costs go beyond what the other driver’s insurance will pay, you might need to look at other ways to recover what you have lost. In Illinois, you are not limited to the insurance payout. There are legal options that may help you cover the remaining expenses.
One of those options is filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. This allows you to ask the court for additional compensation. If the case is successful, the court can order the driver to pay the amount that their insurance did not cover. That said, the ability to collect depends on whether the driver has enough assets or income to make payment possible.
There may also be other forms of insurance that apply. Sometimes a household has more than one auto policy or an umbrella policy that could offer extra coverage. In some situations, your own insurance policy might also provide support depending on the details of your coverage.
Because every accident is different, it helps to talk with someone who understands the law and how these claims work. A lawyer can help you look at all your options and figure out the best way to move forward.
Speak With an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you have more bills than the insurance company will pay after an accident, it feels like you have no options. But the truth is, you have more choices than you think. Knowing what those are will make all the difference in how you recover, financially and personally.
Not sure where to start or need help making sense of it all? Consider talking to an experienced attorney. Fabbrini Law Group will listen and help you understand your options. Call today to schedule a free consultation and get straight up advice for your case.