Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Chicago personal injury lawyer Dave Abels was interviewed on WUIS 91.9 Wednesday about pending legislation that would criminalize driving without insurance and the need to increase Illinois’ minimum mandatory coverage levels.
“The way the law stands right now it just doesn’t provide real protection for people who are seriously injured in auto accidents,” said Abels, of Abels & Annes, a Chicago law firm that handles car accidents, motorcycle accident and other personal injury claims. “It covers you for small accidents but not the big accidents that you really care about where your life is changed forever.”
The station contacted Abels after he blogged about the law last month here at https://www.chicagopersonalinjurylawyerblog.com
Under current law, uninsured motorists face a fine of $500 to $1,000 and a license suspension for 3-6 months. The new law, which is awaiting signature by Gov. Pat Quinn, makes driving without insurance a misdemeanor criminal offense carry the threat of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The law is named after Michael Dean, who was killed in 2006 by an uninsured driver who faced only a fine.
Abels said the new law is a step in the right direction but the state still needs to address its low mandatory insurance limits of $20,000 per accident and $40,000 per occurrence.
During the interview, Abels acknowledged that increased mandatory protection would be an added cost for motorists, but said the costs would be minimal and worth the added protection.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident, the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free appointments to discuss your case. Call toll free (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.