In Illinois, fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious crime that can result in heavy fines and even prison time. Still, many drivers choose to run away after a crash, often leaving victims with serious injuries, large medical bills and uncertainty about how they are going to be compensated for their losses. If you have been injured by a vehicle that sped away after the accident, you may still be able to pursue damages through the uninsured motorist portion of your insurance policy, even if the responsible party is not known. If you or someone you know is in this situation, it is important to seek representation from a skilled Chicago hit-and-run accident attorney.
There are a number of scenarios when hit-and-run accidents commonly occur. Sometimes, vehicles crash into parked cars and when the driver believes no one else is around, he/she flees the scene. Other times, vehicles strike pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcycles and just continue driving. Usually, the driver will have some reason why they do not want to be linked to the crash, such as drunk driving, driving with a suspended/revoked license, driving without insurance, driving in a stolen vehicle, and many others.
Steps to Take When Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident
When struck by a driver that flees the scene, it is important to remain calm and assess what happened. Then take the following actions:
- Notify the police and seek immediate medical treatment for you and anyone else injured in the accident.
- As much as possible, record what happened; take photos, speak with witnesses and hopefully obtain the driver’s license plate number.
- Notify your insurance company and report the incident.
- Contact an experienced Illinois attorney.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over 20 years of experience representing victims of hit-and-runs in Chicago, Cook County and throughout the nation. Our team has the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate these cases and use all available legal means to identify the responsible party and hold them accountable. We work closely with the police, interview witnesses and review any video footage that may be available to track down the driver. If the driver still cannot be brought to justice, we will pursue compensation through the uninsured motorist section of your auto insurance. If you have been injured or someone you know has been injured or killed by a driver who fled the scene of the crash, contact a Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer at HM&M today for your free consultation.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
