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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Being the victim of a Chicago hit-and-run accident can leave you confused, frustrated, and helpless.

It can be challenging to know what to do if you need to know the identity of the driver who hit you or where to find them.

However, with the help of the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, you can get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers have many years of experience helping victims of hit-and-run accidents get a monetary recovery.

The compensation can help cover their medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses.

Don’t go through the ordeal alone – contact a Chicago hit-and-run lawyer at our law office toll-free today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

Chicago Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

What Is a Car Accident?

The term “car accident” describes an event where two or more vehicles collide, or a motorist crashes into a pedestrian or a stationary or movable object. An accident can result in serious injuries, death, or property damage in both situations.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [1] , in 2019, there were 1,916,000 crashes involving injury and 33,244 crashes involving death in the US.

An experienced lawyer who understands the laws and can help you recover financial damages is crucial when involved in car accidents.

When an accident happens, it is essential to seek immediate legal assistance, especially in a hit-and-run case where the driver responsible for the accident fled the scene of an accident.

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

Hit-and-run crashes are a serious problem on our roads, often injuring or killing people, often pedestrians, or cyclists.

They are common and often go unsolved.

  • In 2021, Chicago saw a total of 37,226 hit & run wrecks – Chicago Traffic Data
  • An average of more than 100 hit-and-run wrecks per day left 36 people dead and 4,807 injured – Chicago Traffic Data
  • About 1 out of 5 traffic fatalities occur in a hit-and-run accident – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • In 2018 there were over 13,000 accidents, resulting in almost 200 injuries and 17 deaths – Illinois State Police Department
  • In 2018, there were 2,065 people killed in hit & run wrecks in the US – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [2]

Are you a victim of a hit-and-run car accident? It is crucial to contact an attorney immediately.

Without legal representation and filing a car accident claim, you may not be able to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Hit-And-Run Accidents and Illinois Law

The legal definition of a hit-and-run accident is “the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is involved in a collision with another vehicle, property or human being, who knowingly fails to stop to give his/her name, license number, and other information as required by statute to the injured party, a witness, or law enforcement officers.”

Illinois law states that it is illegal for the driver of a motor vehicle to flee the scene of an accident in which they have caused or are involved, irrespective of whether they are the at-fault driver.

According to Illinois law, a driver involved in an accident may not leave the accident scene, especially if there are injured parties or fatalities, or they may face jail time.

The only exception is if the driver needs immediate medical care.

Hit & Run Accident Consequences: License Suspension, Stolen Vehicles, and Uninsured Motorists

A Chicago hit-and-run accident can have severe consequences, including driver’s license suspension, driving a stolen vehicle, and lack of insurance.

An at-fault driver in a hit-and-run collision often flees when driving a stolen car or does not have insurance.

If caught driving a stolen car or truck, the hit-and-run driver could face serious criminal charges, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.

If the other driver is uninsured, the victim may be left to cover the costs of any injuries or damages out of their pocket, making uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage essential.

If involved in a hit & run crash [3], contact the police immediately, seek medical care if necessary, and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your future.

Information Drivers Must Provide in Accidents

The driver has a legal obligation to provide the police and other drivers/passengers involved in the accident with the following information

  • License plate number and vehicle particulars
  • Name and driver’s license number
  • Address and valid contact details
  • Contact and insurance information
  • Statement regarding the accident
  • Blood tests should be done if the driver is intoxicated

If an at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident without meeting these requirements, they may be found guilty of a felony and suffer criminal penalties under Illinois hit-and-run laws.

The result could be that their driver’s license could be revoked or suspended.

Penalties for hit and run differ depending on the circumstances surrounding each incident, with the victim’s injuries determining whether the driver faces either a misdemeanor or felony charge.

If a hit-and-run crash results in a fatality, the crash becomes a Class 2 felony punishable by jail time from three to fourteen years.

A Chicago accident attorney from our law firm can represent victims in their hit-and-run claims.

We can help you get the legal representation you need when the accident was the other driver’s fault.

Contact us today to speak with an accident lawyer from our legal team and learn more about how we can help you.

What to Do When a Hit-and-Run Driver Flees the Accident Scene

When you are involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, the driver leaves the scene before law enforcement arrives.

It makes tracking down the hit-and-run driver involved and holding them accountable more difficult, but not impossible.

Your priority should be to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.

Then if possible, ensure you get as much information about the other driver.

Witnesses might be able to describe the other driver and the fleeing vehicle.

Ensure that you get the particulars of witnesses, such as their names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Take photographs of all property damage to vehicles involved and where the crash occurred.

Most intersections and businesses have security cameras facing where the car accident occurred that can offer valuable evidence to identify hit-and-run motorists and the make or model of the speeding vehicle.

In addition, all the other vehicle drivers should stay at the accident scene and wait for the police to arrive.

Speak to a hit-and-run accident lawyer who can help you seek fair compensation.

Chicago Hit and Run Car Crash Attorney

Causes of Hit & Run Accidents

There are several causes of hit-and-run accidents, but the most common are:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Fleeing from the police
  • Speeding
  • Road rage
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving while texting
  • Fatigued driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Inexperienced driving
  • Running a red light or stop sign

Types of Injuries from Hit-and-Run Accidents

Numerous injuries can be sustained in an accident, and the full extent can only be determined when accident victims seek medical attention.

Some common and severe injuries include:

  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Fractures
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Burns
  • Amputations

Compensation In a Car Accident Case or Hit and Run Claim

Chicago hit-and-run victims can suffer severe injuries and are often left with a financial burden of medical bills and other damages.

In Illinois, it is mandatory to purchase underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

At least $25,000/$50,000 per person/accident in uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage must be purchased.

When an uninsured driver hits motorists, they can then claim from their insurance carrier with an uninsured motorist claim to recover compensation.

Using uninsured motorist coverage can reimburse your injuries, your passengers’ injuries, and damage to your vehicle if you are involved in a collision with a driver with no insurance or insurance that does not fully compensate your damages.

However, the insurance company policy limit on uninsured motorist coverage determines financial compensation for medical costs and vehicle repair or replacement.

You can also file a personal injury claim with the insurance company for compensation for your outstanding medical bills and property damage.

Contact our auto accident attorneys for legal representation for your claim against your insurance carrier or in a hit-and-run claim.

We can discuss your legal options with a free consultation today.

Chicago Hit and Run Accident Attorneys

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim to Obtain Financial Recovery

A hit-and-run driver can leave a victim with severe injuries, requiring substantial medical attention, and the auto insurance coverage of the hit-and-run driver may be limited.

The monetary recovery process can be challenging, and often you will need to take legal action with a personal injury claim to recover the full compensation you deserve.

There are some things you can do when seeking legal compensation for your injuries, such as:

  • Filing a police report
  • Contacting your auto insurance company to determine if you can claim from collision coverage or other applicable coverage
  • Speaking to a hit-and-run accident attorney about your legal options with an injury claim

Our Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer can review your legal options to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Speak to our legal team in a free evaluation to discuss your motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injuries.

Filing a Claim: A Complicated Process

The process can be long and complex, but it may be worth it if you can recover compensation.

Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal system is advisable.

You may be able to recover damages from the person who caused the accident.

An accident victim may also seek monetary recovery from the driver’s insurance carrier.

Typical Settlement Amount in Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you were an accident victim, you might wonder what your legal alternatives and compensation would be in a settlement.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes can be challenging to prosecute.

Hit-and-run drivers flee the crash scene, often leaving little evidence to help identify them.

However, if evidence links the other driver to the accident, you may be able to receive a settlement from their insurance company.

The amount of money you can expect to receive in a hit-and-run settlement varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the damage caused to your vehicle.

On average, victims of hit-and-flee accidents receive a settlement of around $10,000.

The death of a loved one is always challenging, but the pain can be even more significant when that death results from someone else’s negligence.

Did you lose a loved one due to drunk driving or the actions of a negligent driver in a hit-and-run vehicle accident?

If so, you may be wondering what your legal options are.

There are several legal avenues surviving family members can pursue following the death of a loved one.

Some options for recovering compensation include:

Each option has pros and cons, and it is essential to consult with our Illinois car accident lawyer to determine which option is best for your situation.

Holding the At-Fault Party in a Car Accident Accountable

When you are injured in a car crash with a hit & run car, holding the at-fault party accountable is essential by taking legal action to recover the damages you have suffered.

Our lawyers can assist hit-and-run victims with filing personal injury lawsuits to recover compensation and negotiate settlements with the insurers.

Know Your Rights

Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident? If so, it’s vital to know your rights. Unfortunately, pursuing compensation if the driver fled the scene isn’t easy.

A Chicago hit-and-run car accident attorney from our legal team can help you gather evidence and build a case.

Hiring a Chicago Hit and Run Lawyer to Pursue Compensation for a Car Accident Case

Have you been injured in a hit-and-run accident? If so, contacting an experienced Illinois hit-and-run lawyer is essential as soon as possible.

We can hold drivers liable for their actions and have helped thousands of injured victims receive justice and fair settlement.

The hit-and-run accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are skilled in helping victims of car accidents recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case with a hit-and-run accident attorney from our law firm.

Contact our law office toll-free at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form for a free motor vehicle accident case review.

Our Illinois hit-and-run accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us until we resolve your case.

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Resources: [1] NHTSA, [2] NHTSA, [3] PubMed

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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