Chicago Hit & Run Car Accident Lawyer

Chicago hit-and-run car accidents where the driver of the vehicle 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 victims 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 own insurance company (referred to as an uninsured motorist claim or UM claim). 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 and can address any questions you may 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 may play out. If you are seeking the assistance of a car accident lawyer to represent you in these cases, we invite you to contact our law office for a free consultation.

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, 11% of all car accidents involve hit-and-run drivers.  In Illinois, the law is very clear that no driver involved in an accident should ever leave when an injury has occurred (they may 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 scene of the accident by the negligent driver. It is a heinous crime to injure and possibly take the life of another 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 own auto insurance if they have uninsured motorist coverage. Similarly, if the driver responsible for the accident does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate an injured person, a claim may 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 scene of the accident, all hope for financial compensation for personal injuries is not lost for the victims. Uninsured motorist coverage under their own auto policy can pay damages to their vehicle and their own personal injuries. Many people do not realize that this insurance also may 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.

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 cases of insurance claims, the insurance company will only pay the bare minimum and will often offer a quick settlement to resolve the issue. Having an experienced Auto Injury Attorney on your side can make a large difference in the amount of financial compensation you receive.

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. We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation here. As with all of our motor vehicle accident cases, unless we secure a financial award for you, there is no fee for our services.

Resources for studies and statistics on hit-and-run car accidents:

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-09-20/local/35274655_1_hit-and-run-driver-hit-and-run-accidents-tow-truck-driver http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality.aspx?topicName=Pedestrians