Why Is My Insurer Fighting My Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

 Posted on June 12, 2025 in Uninsured/underinsured driver

Although Illinois law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, many do not. Motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists can be hurt in these crashes and left to wonder who is responsible for paying their damages. After a hit-and-run crash, most people expect their own uninsured/ underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to help.

Among other situations, this type of coverage is supposed to pay damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Many people do not realize that once you file a UM/UIM claim, your own insurance company can become an adversary. Our experienced Des Plaines, IL car accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf to help you get as much compensation as you deserve.

Why Would Your Own Insurance Company Be Your Adversary in a UI/UIM Claim?

No insurance company wants to pay claims. When you file a UM/UIM claim, your insurer takes the place of the missing driver. That means the company may dispute your injuries, question your version of events, and otherwise try to reduce what they pay for your claim. Other common tactics designed to minimize your payout include offering an insultingly low settlement amount and attempting to trick you into making an admission of fault. Your insurance company may fight your claim just as vigorously as the other driver’s insurer would have if he or she had stayed at the scene.

This shift can be difficult to understand. After all, you pay for coverage and expect the company to be on your side. However, the company’s goal is still to protect its own bottom line. Most people do not know how to handle these situations alone and may accept what their insurer tells them. That can be a costly mistake.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Even though the at-fault driver left your accident scene, we are sometimes able to identify and locate that motorist. If our search is successful, we can assist you with filing a claim against his or her insurance. However, many drivers who flee accident scenes do not have auto insurance coverage. In that case, we may be able to sue the driver directly. Filing a UI/UIM claim against your own policy is often still an option as well.

Our goal is to maximize your compensation, no matter whose insurance company is on the other side of the argument. To accomplish that, we can:

• Investigate your accident.

• Gather supporting evidence.

• Represent you and advocate on your behalf with insurers.

• Ensure that you are not blamed for more than your share of the accident, as that could disqualify you from obtaining compensation or reduce the amount you can receive.

• Accurately calculate your damages, which are economic and non-economic losses that resulted from your accident and injuries.

• Engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company.

• File a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial.

After an accident that leaves you injured, all this legal legwork is the last thing you need. Contact Quinn Law Group, LLC so you can focus on recovery while we handle all aspects of your case.

Discuss Your Case With Our Skilled Glenview, IL Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

A hit-and-run accident claim can be complex and leave you feeling that your own insurer has turned against you. When you work with Quinn Law Group, LLC to pursue damages, our dedicated Park Ridge, IL personal injury attorney will be dedicated to helping you collect the highest available amount of compensation. Arrange for your free consultation today by contacting us online or calling 847-232-7180.