Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply to Passengers in Illinois?

Yes, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide financial protection for passengers in car accidents in Illinois. This type of insurance coverage protects victims, including passengers, if the at-fault driver has no liability insurance or insufficient liability coverage to cover their losses. The coverage available to passengers often matches the bodily injury limits on the liability insurance policy.

Consulting with a Chicago uninsured and underinsured motorist attorney can help ensure you identify every available policy and recover the full compensation you deserve.

Available UM/UIM Coverage for Passengers in Illinois

Passengers may have access to UM/UIM coverage from one or more policies. This may include:

• The driver’s insurance policy: If the driver of the vehicle you were riding in has UM/UIM coverage, that coverage will extend to you, in most cases, as a passenger. You can make a claim under the driver’s policy for your losses related to the accident.
• Your insurance policy: If you have your own UM/UIM coverage, such as on your personal auto insurance, you may be able to file a claim on that policy for your losses even though you were a passenger in another car. Some insurance policies may have limitations on providing coverage in this way.
• Your household member’s policy: If you do not have access to either of the previous options, but someone living in the same home as you has a UM/UIM policy, you may be able to file a claim under that policy even if you were involved in an accident in another vehicle.

In each situation, it’s necessary to consider the conditions and coverage rules of each policy. This can be confusing. Working with a Chicago car accident attorney may help you to get clarification as it applies to your situation.

Rideshare Accidents and UM/UIM Coverage in Illinois

It is not uncommon for rideshare passengers to face serious injuries in accidents. If you are the passenger in a rideshare vehicle during an accident, you may have coverage under the rideshare company’s policy. This depends on what is happening at the time of the accident.

Both Uber and Lyft, for example, maintain significant policies so that, in the event that another driver strikes their driver while providing service, there is protection in place for losses. If the coverage available still falls short, an uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer in Chicago can help you explore other options.

Determine Which Policy Pays First

Passengers in an accident caused by another driver without insurance, or a hit-and-run accident, can seek a claim against any available policy. In most cases, the policy that covers the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident will also cover the vehicle’s passenger.

However, many of these policies have low coverage limits. In those situations, you may be able to pursue other insurance coverage, such as your own auto insurance or a household member’s coverage, if applicable. Sorting out which policy takes priority is often where an uninsured and underinsured motorist attorney proves most valuable.

How a Chicago Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Lawyer Can Help Passengers Involved in an Accident

Hiring an uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer to navigate these complex situations is important. UM/UIM policies are highly valuable, but the burden of proof is on your shoulders. Insurers may deny your claim or limit how much you can recover.

A Chicago uninsured and underinsured motorist attorney can guide you, help you determine what your case is worth, and advise on how to get appropriate coverage. Most accident attorneys do not charge you an upfront fee for their services and only get paid when you do. This may help you protect your future by making sure you receive as much compensation as is available.

To maximize your recovery after a passenger injury, contact our experienced uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman today at (312) 586-1700 for a free, no-obligation consultation.