How to Handle a Car Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver
Michelle Saperstein | Jan 07 2026 16:00
An auto accident is distressing enough without the added complication of the other driver lacking insurance. Although most regions require drivers to carry liability insurance, many still risk driving uninsured. This lack of coverage can complicate recouping costs for medical expenses, lost income, and vehicle repairs. However, with the right steps—and guidance from a Chicago car accident lawyer —there are still avenues to explore. Working with a trusted firm like Saperstein Law Group, P.C. can make navigating these challenges far more manageable.
Immediate Steps Post-Accident
If you find yourself in an accident with an uninsured driver, what you do next is crucial. Start by assessing any injuries and contacting the police to report the incident. Document as thoroughly as possible, collecting the other driver’s contact information, vehicle details, and taking photographs of the scene and any damage.
After leaving the scene, notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as feasible. Reporting quickly helps protect your right to compensation—especially when uninsured motorist coverage may be involved. If you're unsure how to proceed, a Chicago uninsured motorist accident attorney can help guide you through the process.
Fault and Insurance Coverage
In many areas, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. If the uninsured driver is at fault, your own insurance might be a fallback. Many drivers possess uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes property damage when the other driver is inadequately insured.
If you have collision coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), these can help cover costs regardless of who is responsible for the crash. Without such coverages, your recovery through insurance could be constrained. Speaking with a Chicago personal injury attorney at Saperstein Law Group, P.C. can help you understand the specific coverage available under your policy and what compensation you may be entitled to claim.
Legal Action Considerations
Sometimes, pursuing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover your losses is an option. This might include compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. Such legal action tends to be worthwhile only if the driver has the capability to pay a settlement or court judgment.
A Chicago auto accident lawyer can evaluate whether legal action is practical and help you document your claim effectively. With the right legal strategy, you may still be able to recover damages—even when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Hit-and-Run Situations
The approach for hit-and-run incidents is similar. If the other driver cannot be identified or located, your uninsured motorist coverage usually steps in. You will still need to file a police report and promptly contact your insurer. An experienced Chicago hit-and-run accident attorney can help ensure that your UM claim is properly filed and supported with the necessary evidence.
Navigating the Process
Dealing with an uninsured driver can be exasperating, but you do not need to face this alone. A legal expert can assist you through insurance procedures, liaise with your insurer, and ensure your rights are protected. Knowing your coverage options and acting swiftly after the incident are pivotal in reducing financial strain and ensuring you receive deserved compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the team at Saperstein Law Group, P.C., trusted Chicago car accident lawyers, can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Their experience with uninsured motorist claims, auto accident injuries, and Chicago personal injury cases ensures you’re supported at every step.