Chicago Hit & Run Car Accident Lawyer
Chicago hit-and-run car accidents, where the vehicle’s driver hits another motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, and leaves the accident scene, frequently result in serious injury or death.
Not only did the driver cause damage and injury to others, but they also left the accident scene without taking any responsibility for their actions.
Fortunately, many Chicago hit-and-run cases involving bodily injury are compensable when a claim is filed with the injured party’s insurance company The injured victim can file an uninsured motorist claim or UM (under-insured) claim.
If you or a family member was injured in a Chicago hit and run accident, contact the auto accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC for a free case review.
An Illinois Hit and Run Car Accident Injury Attorney can Help
The experienced Chicago auto accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC regularly file claims on behalf of people injured in Chicago area hit-and-run accidents. Our team can address any questions you might have regarding your legal options following an incident with a fleeing motorist.
The information below will give you a rundown of the Illinois law related to these cases and how your situation might play out. If you seek a car accident lawyer’s assistance to represent you in these cases, we invite you to contact our law office at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation.
Our hit-and-run accident attorneys currently represent clients throughout Illinois, and the Chicago area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Naperville, and Schaumburg.
Hit and Run Car Accident FAQs
Illinois Law on Chicago Hit-And-Run Accidents
Although leaving the scene of an injury auto accident is against the law, it happens every day. According to data from the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety, eleven percent of all car accidents involve hit-and-run drivers.
In Illinois, the law is unambiguous that no driver involved in an accident should ever leave when an injury has occurred (they might also face jail time if located):
(625 ILCS 5/11-401) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-401)
“Sec. 11-401. Motor vehicle accidents involving death or personal injuries. (a) The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible and shall then forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until the requirements of Section 11-403 have been fulfilled. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.”
Pedestrians & Bicyclists Injured in Hit-and-Run Crashes
Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, in 2017, almost 800 pedestrians were killed by a vehicle and left at the accident scene by the negligent driver. It is a heinous crime to injure and possibly take another’s life and flee without even stopping to help them.
However, even if the at-fault driver is never found, pedestrians and bicyclists can still often pursue a case for financial compensation through their auto insurance if they have uninsured motorist coverage. Similarly, suppose the driver responsible for the accident does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for an injured person.
In that case, a claim might be presented against the injured party’s insurance company in the form of an under-insured motorist claim (UIM).
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Applicable to Hit & Run Cases in Chicago
If the driver responsible for a hit and run accident is never found by law enforcement at the accident scene, all hope for financial compensation for personal injuries is not lost for the victims. Uninsured motorist coverage under their auto policy can pay damages to their vehicle and their injuries.
Many people do not realize that this insurance might cover them even if they were not in their vehicle and were hit by another driver. An uninsured motorist claim can pay for the injured parties: medical bills, lost wages, medical attention, physical therapy, medical expenses, property damage, and even pain and suffering.
Many of the cases handled by our Chicago car accident lawyers involved victims of drunk driving traffic accidents where the person at fault left the scene of an accident. These victims often suffer spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, severed limbs (amputation), and temporary/permanent disabilities.
Victims of hit and run accidents need the help of an experienced Chicago hit and run lawyer who can help them get them the best settlement from their insurance company. As in most insurance claims, the insurance company will only pay the bare minimum and often offer a quick settlement to resolve the issue.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make an enormous difference in the amount of financial compensation you receive because the law firm will:
- Get a copy of the police report
- Investigate the scene of the accident
- Review the victim’s insurance policy to identify the uninsured motorist coverage
- Speak to eyewitnesses
- Build a case for compensation
Chicago Hit-and-Run car Accident Attorneys
The car accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are experienced in both Illinois and local laws and regulations regarding hit and run car accidents involving serious injury or even death. If the driver is found or if you have uninsured motorist protection, we will use our knowledge to obtain the best financial outcome in your case.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers invite you to contact us at (888) 424-5757 or schedule a free consultation through the contact form. As with all of our motor vehicle accident cases, there is no fee for our services unless we secure a financial award for you.
All discussions with our Chicago personal injury lawyers remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship. Our auto accident attorneys also represent family members who lost a loved one through a wrongful death car crash.