Full coverage usually refers to liability and property damage auto insurance coverage. However, full coverage is not a straightforward insurance term, and does not always mean the same thing across the board. Full coverage is usually not an indication that the driver was adequately insured. For example, Illinois requires certain minimum insurance amounts (see), but the minimum coverage may not be adequate to cover all of the costs of an auto accident. Sometimes comprehensive coverage is included in the definition of “full coverage,” but may not be mandated by law, like in Illinois. Comprehensive coverage covers physical damage from sources other than auto accidents.
Unfortunately, for a person with serious injuries related to a car accident, a driver with state minimum ‘full coverage' does little to help with the prospect of getting fair compensation for his or her loss as most recoveries in automobile accidents are limited to a significant degree by the amount of insurance coverage in place at the time of the crash. For example, if you are t-boned in an intersection and break your leg and have surgery you may have medical expenses of $100,000. If the driver who caused your accident simply had the ‘full coverage' minimum amount of coverage in Illinois, you would only recover $25,000.
Another common problem that comes up in many auto accident cases is that drivers simply ignore the law. Even though Illinois has required drivers to purchase liability insurance for decades, many drivers simply ignore the law or simply fail to keep policies current and up-to-date. With a significant number of drivers on Illinois roads without any insurance (some studies suggest nearly 10% of all drivers) if is crucial that you protect yourself and your family with the purchase of under-insured motorist coverage that exceed the state minimums by a significant amount. For a relatively modest amount, auto insurance coverage can be expanded greatly beyond what Illinois obligates drivers to carry.
Don't Assume that a Driver's Coverage Will Automatically Compensate You for Your Injuries
Don't be lulled into believing that an insurance company for an at-fault driver will simply take care of the compensation you deserve to compensate you for your injuries, medical bills and lost wages. Even when drivers carry ‘full coverage' the coverage may be insufficient to compensate you or they may not pay what you are owed until they are taken to court. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, our Chicago car accident attorneys take pride in representing people from across Illinois in all types of serious car accident cases and are ready to help you with your situation. Contact our office today for a free review of your case.
For additional information see the following pages:
- Do I need to give a statement to an insurance company following an auto accident where I was injured?
- How long do you have to file a lawsuit for personal injuries related to a car accident arising in Chicago, IL?
- How long does it take to settle an Illinois car accident case involving injuries?
- How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to represent me in a personal injury case arising out of an Illinois auto accident?
- I don't understand why my car insurance needs to pay for injuries I sustained when another person caused the accident
- I was unable to work for several months following my car accident; can I recover my lost wages?
- If the car was owned by a company, is the company responsible for paying my personal injuries?
- Is car insurance mandatory for drivers in Illinois?
- My health insurance company said they have subrogation rights related to my auto accident case. What does that mean?
- Can I pursue a claim on behalf of my son against my husband?
- My surgeon wants to put a lien on my car accident case. What is he doing?
- The driver I was involved in an accident with pleaded guilty in traffic court. What does that mean?
- The driver of the vehicle who caused my Chicago car accident was arrested for DUI. Can a claim be pursued for punitive damages?
- What type of monetary damages does the law provide for in automobile accident cases in IL?
- Why is the car insurance company denying my claim for property damage and medical expenses?