How to Handle a Hit-and-Run in Illinois

 Posted on October 24, 2024 in Car Accidents

In a typical car accident, there are certain things we expect to happen: both parties pull over, calmly call the police, and exchange information. Unfortunately, not every crash has an orderly, legal aftermath. In some cases, you may end up on the receiving end of a hit-and-run, where the other driver leaves the scene without giving any identifying information. It can be a disorienting experience, and you might stop to question if the other driver is coming back. But once you realize you have become the victim of a hit-and-run, you should start to think ahead about how damages to your car and your own injuries are going to be compensated.

Attorney J. Francis Barker is an Illinois personal injury lawyer who handles a wide range of cases in Cook County, including hit-and-run accidents. He is a solo practitioner who devotes himself completely to his clients, ensuring that they receive strong, driven representation in court. In the immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run, you should take the following steps for your own safety and contact our office to start building your case.

Check Yourself and Other Passengers

After the collision, make sure everyone in the car is okay and take note of any injuries: fractures, sprains, cuts, bruises, and concussions can all result from a car crash. If anyone is in need of immediate medical attention, request an ambulance when you call 911.

Commit Details to Memory

If you see the other driver about to leave the scene, gather as much information as you can without compromising your safety, including the color of the vehicle, make and model, and license plate number. The more identifying information you can bring to a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of locating the driver at fault. Witnesses to the accident can also be valuable in court, filling in extra details you may have missed in the police report.

Contact the Police and Your Insurance Company

At this point, you should be making some calls. Your first move should be to call the police as soon as possible and file an accident report: depending on how early they arrive on scene, they may be able to track down and apprehend the other driver. Secondly, you should get in contact with your insurance provider and relay the details of the hit-and-run.

File a Claim

Once you have addressed your immediate priorities after a hit-and-run, you can move on to filing a claim. If the police manage to find the other driver, the next step is to bring the claim to the other driver’s insurance company. You may also want to file a personal injury claim against the other driver, especially if he or she is uninsured.

In the event that the other driver cannot be found, you need to take up the claim with your own insurance company through an Uninsured Motorist claim: this will cover medical costs associated with injuries from the accident, but not any damages to the vehicle. In Illinois, covering your vehicle damage is handled through a separate collision claim.

During negotiations, your insurance company will send you an offer that you can sign off on, known as a release for damages. A personal injury lawyer can advocate on your behalf in discussions with your insurance company, ensuring you get the best offer for your damages.

Meet with a Personal Injury Attorney in Orland Park, IL

The trial proceedings of a hit-and-run may differ greatly depending on whether the other driver was able to be found. Your insurance policy may cover hit-and-run incidents and uninsured motorists, but unfortunately, it is common for insurance companies to attempt to avoid compensating you despite clear evidence. In any case, the experienced Orland Park, IL personal injury attorney at Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can provide skilled legal representation in court, ensuring that your rights are upheld after a hit-and-run. For a free consultation, call Attorney J. Francis Barker at 708-321-1223.