Our Chicago personal injury lawyers strongly support Illinois House Bill 231, which could increase minimum liability coverage to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
Current limits of $20,000/$40,000 are woefully inadequate in the event of a serious Chicago car accident. A trip to the hospital in an ambulance and the emergency room bill alone may exhaust coverage. The bill would also increase the property damage minimum to $100,000 from $15,000. Think about the price of a new car today and you will quickly realize who antiquated and woefully inadequate Illinois’ insurance minimums have become.Back in July 2009, we wrote on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
when Chicago Injury Lawyer Dave Abels was interviewed about a new law making it a criminal offense not to carry auto insurance. That law makes it punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine to not carry the required auto insurance. At the time, Abels said the current minimums were hopelessly outdated and did little to protect motorists in the wake of a serious accident.
The proposal is being sponsored by Rep. David R. Leitch, R-Peoria.
The issues has been particularly critical during the economic downturn; a study by the Insurance Research Council found 15 percent of those surveyed had either reduced coverage or increased their deductible in order to reduce the cost of premiums. Another nine percent canceled or did not renew policies for economic reasons.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.