Why Are So Many Serious Car Accidents Caused by Uninsured Drivers?

Uninsured motorists pose a substantial risk to insured drivers, often leaving car accident victims responsible for their medical bills and car repair costs.  Recent studies and reports have highlighted the growing concern of uninsured motorists across the United States. According to a 2023 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), approximately 14% of drivers nationwide were uninsured in 2022, marking an increase from 11.1% in 2019. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), finds that uninsured motorists currently account for approximately 13% of all drivers nationwide. This upward trend has unfortunately been observed across many states. For instance, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reported that in 2019, approximately 12.6% of all motorists in the United States were uninsured.

Economic factors, such as rapidly rising insurance premiums, have been identified by some as contributing to this issue. However, a 2024 report by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) suggests otherwise.  Despite concerns about increasing minimum insurance requirements potentially leading to higher premiums, the AAJ notes that states that chose to raise their minimum levels of requited insurance have not experienced significant premium hikes. In fact, these states often saw the proportion of uninsured drivers decrease. But nationally, the trend remains a troubling one. 

The Insurance Information Institute (III) has concluded that a full 14% of motorists nationally drive without insurance, leaving other motorists vulnerable to legal and financial impacts when a serious accident occurs. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the issue of uninsured motorists, as their presence on the roads poses significant risks to insured drivers and contributes to higher insurance costs nationwide.

A Growing Risk Posed by Uninsured Motorists in Illinois

Car accidents are a serious concern in Illinois, with thousands of crashes reported each year. A significant percentage of these accidents involve uninsured motorists, making it even more challenging for victims to recover compensation for injuries and damages.  Despite state laws in Illinois requiring all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 (a woefully inadequate sum to pay for the harm caused by almost any injury-producing accident), as many as 14% to 16% of motorists on Illinois roads are believed to be uninsured.

How Common Are Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers in Illinois?

While precise data on the current number of accidents caused by uninsured drivers in Illinois is not readily available, crash data from the last five years makes it clear that a significant portion of accidents involve uninsured motorists. In fact, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that thousands of accidents each year involve uninsured or underinsured drivers. With the potential for severe financial and legal consequences, understanding the impact of these accidents is crucial for Illinois motorists.

Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and IDOT suggests that uninsured motorists are a persistent issue in Illinois. The following statistics highlight the severity of the problem:

• IDOT data from 2022 shows that at least 12% of all reported crashes in Illinois involve uninsured motorists.
• IIHS studies indicate that Illinois ranks among the top 20 states with the highest number of uninsured drivers.
• NHTSA research suggests that hit-and-run accidents, often linked to uninsured drivers, have increased by 9% in Illinois over the past five years.
• Illinois state police reports highlight that uninsured drivers are frequently involved in high-speed crashes and fatal accidents.

“Many drivers believe they have ‘full coverage’ but may be underinsured when it comes to protecting themselves from uninsured motorists. I urge everyone who owns a car to review their policy and ensure they have adequate uninsured motorist coverage.” — Naperville car accident lawyer John J. Malm

The Most Dangerous Areas for Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Illinois

Based on accident reports and insurance claims, the following areas in Illinois experience the highest number of crashes involving uninsured motorists:

1. Chicago Metropolitan Area – Due to the high volume of traffic, uninsured motorists frequently cause accidents in Chicago, leading to hit-and-run incidents.
2. Cook County – Reports indicate a rising trend of uninsured drivers contributing to severe and fatal accidents.
3. DuPage County – This suburban county experiences a steady number of crashes caused by underinsured motorists.
4. Kane County – Uninsured driver-related accidents have been increasing, particularly in heavily trafficked areas.
5. Lake County – A growing number of uninsured motorists have been cited in high-speed collisions.
6. Will County – Police records show that uninsured drivers are responsible for a disproportionate number of serious accidents.
7. Peoria and Springfield Areas – These urban centers report a higher-than-average percentage of accidents involving uninsured drivers.

The Consequences of Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Accidents involving uninsured motorists often result in serious financial and legal consequences for the victim. Here are the primary issues faced by those involved in such accidents:

1. Financial Burdens on Victims

Without insurance coverage, victims must rely on their own policies, such as uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, to cover medical expenses and vehicle repairs.

2. Higher Medical Costs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average hospital bill for an auto accident injury can exceed $60,000, leaving many victims financially strained.

3. Increased Legal Disputes

Uninsured motorist accidents often lead to legal battles, with victims seeking compensation from the at-fault driver through lawsuits.

4. Limited Compensation

Many uninsured motorists lack the financial resources to pay for damages, leaving victims struggling to recover compensation for their losses.

Fatalities and Serious Injuries Caused by Uninsured Drivers

Uninsured motorists are also more likely to engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving through traffic. Studies from NHTSA and IIHS indicate that uninsured drivers are more frequently cited for aggressive driving, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe crashes and fatalities. According to NHTSA crash data, car accidents involving uninsured drivers tend to be more severe due to the likelihood of reckless driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic laws. The following statistics highlight the impact of these crashes:

• Uninsured motorists are responsible for nearly 15% of fatal crashes in Illinois.
• IDOT reports that over 5,000 serious injuries result from accidents caused by uninsured drivers each year.
• NHTSA data shows that hit-and-run crashes, often involving uninsured drivers, account for nearly 20% of pedestrian fatalities in Illinois.
• Mayo Clinic research suggests that victims of uninsured motorist accidents face longer recovery times due to financial hardships limiting access to medical care.

Trends in Uninsured Car Accidents in Illinois

Over the past decade, Illinois has seen a steady increase in accidents involving uninsured drivers, despite efforts to enforce insurance mandates. Several key trends have emerged:

• Hit-and-Run Crashes on the Rise – Many uninsured drivers flee accident scenes to avoid legal consequences, leading to a 15% increase in hit-and-run crashes statewide.
• Rural vs. Urban Divide – While urban centers like Chicago and Springfield see high numbers of uninsured motorists, rural areas also experience a significant percentage of underinsured drivers.
• Higher Insurance Costs – As the number of uninsured motorists rises, auto insurance premiums for the rest of us continue to increase.

What Can You Do If You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Illinois?

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, follow these essential steps to protect yourself:

1. Call Law Enforcement – Call 911 and file a police report immediately to document the incident.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, medical evaluation is crucial.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the scene, the other vehicle and driver, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider – Report the accident and inquire about uninsured motorist coverage.
5. Consult an Illinois Car Accident Attorney– A Naperville personal injury attorney can help you explore legal options for recovering damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Illinois

1. What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?

UM coverage protects insured drivers when they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Illinois law requires all insurers to offer UM coverage as part of standard policies.

2. Can I file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver?

Yes, but recovering compensation can be difficult if the driver lacks financial assets. A personal injury attorney can help explore legal options.

3. How do I know if my insurance policy includes UM coverage?

Check your auto insurance policy or contact your insurer to verify coverage limits.

4. Are hit-and-run accidents covered by UM policies?

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage often applies to hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

5. What is the penalty for driving uninsured in Illinois?

Illinois imposes fines up to $1,000 for driving without insurance, with possible license suspension for repeat offenders.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Uninsured Motorist Accident?

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of six award-winning Illinois personal injury attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights of car accident victims. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, we provide personalized legal representation to clients throughout Illinois. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have over 90 years of combined experience handling serious motor vehicle accident cases in Illinois. Our firm has successfully recovered millions in uninsured motorist settlements and decisions for deserving victims who were injured by an uninsured driver.

• Proven Success – We have a strong track record of winning compensation for uninsured motorist claims.
• Aggressive Representation – We fight for maximum recovery against negligent drivers and insurance companies.
• No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
• Personalized Legal Support – Every case receives dedicated legal guidance from our experienced team.

Uninsured motorist accidents leave victims struggling with financial and legal burdens. At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Naperville car accident lawyers help clients navigate insurance claims and fight for the compensation they deserve.