Chicago Hit and Run Lawyer

Being the victim of a Chicago hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling confused, frustrated, and helpless. It can be challenging to know what to do if you don’t 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 the monetary recovery they need to cover their medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses.

Don't go through the ordeal alone - contact our Chicago law office toll-free today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.

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. A car accident can result in serious injuries, death, or property damage in both situations.

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

When involved in car accidents, it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer who understands the laws and can help you recover financial damages.

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.

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.

Information Drivers Must Provide In Accidents

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

• License plate number and vehicle particulars
• Name and driver's license
• 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 accident scene without meeting these requirements, they may be found guilty of a felony and suffer criminal penalties. The result could be that their driver’s license could be revoked.

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

A Chicago accident attorney from our law firm can represent hit-and-run 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 one of our attorneys and learn more about how we can help you.

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-and-run crashes - Chicago Traffic Data
• An average of more than 100 hit-and-run accidents per day that left 36 people dead and 4,807 injured - Chicago Traffic Data
• Hit-and-run accidents account for about 1 out of 5 traffic fatalities - 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-and-run accidents in the US - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Are you a victim of an accident? It is crucial to contact an attorney immediately. A hit-and-run driver can be challenging to track down, and without legal representation, you may not be able to recover the compensation you deserve.

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 hit-and-run driver leaves the scene of the accident before law enforcement arrives. It makes it more difficult, but not impossible, to track down the driver and hold them accountable.

Your first priority should be to seek medical attention for your injuries. Then if possible, ensure you get as much information about the other driver as possible. Witnesses might be able to describe the other driver and the hit-and-run car. 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 the location where the crash occurred. Most intersections and businesses have security cameras facing where the accident occurred that can offer valuable evidence to identify hit-and-run drivers and the make or model of the speeding vehicle.

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

Speak to an accident lawyer who can help you seek fair compensation.

Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents

• 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

When someone is injured in an accident, they may suffer from several different injuries.

Some common and severe injuries include:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain 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

Hit-and-run victims can suffer serious injuries and are often left with a financial burden of medical bills and other damages. If you are hurt by a hit-and-run driver who does not have insurance, you can file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company.

Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage reimburses 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, financial compensation for medical costs and repair or replacement of your vehicle is determined by the policy limit on your uninsured motorist coverage.

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 in your hit-and-run claim. We can discuss your legal options with a free consultation today.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim to Obtain Financial Recovery

A hit-and-run driver can leave a victim with serious 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
• Speaking to an attorney about your legal options with an injury claim

Speak to a Chicago injury lawyer to review your legal options to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Filing a Claim: A Complicated Process

The process can be long and complex, but it may be worth it if you can recover compensation. You will need to hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer to help you navigate through the system.

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 a victim of an accident, you might wonder what your legal alternatives are and what your compensation will be in a settlement.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents can be challenging to prosecute. Hit-and-run drivers flee the accident 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.

Available Legal Options for Surviving Family Members

The death of a loved one is always difficult, 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 an hit-and-run accident? If so, you may be wondering what your legal options are.

There are several legal avenues that surviving family members can pursue following the death of a loved one. Some options include filing a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking damages from the party responsible, or filing a claim with an insurance company.

Each option has its own pros and cons, and it is essential to consult with our Illinois car accident attorney 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-and-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 you with filing a personal injury lawsuit and negotiating a settlement 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, it is difficult to pursue compensation if the driver fled the scene. Our Chicago hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a case.

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

Have you been injured in a hit-and-run accident? If so, it is essential to contact an experienced Illinois hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible. We can hold drivers liable for their actions.

The hit-and-run accident lawyers 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 one of our Chicago attorneys. Contact our law office toll-free at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form for a free consultation.

Our hit-and-run car 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:

• Road Safety Statistics | NHTSA
• 2020 Road Accidents Data | US Department of Transportation