Orland Park, Illinois Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Lawyer Helping Victims of Hit and Run Crashes in Orland Park, IL

When someone causes a car accident, they may be responsible for compensating victims for their injuries, property damage, and other related losses. Although Illinois laws require drivers to remain at the scene of a car accident, exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved in the collision, and provide details to responding law enforcement officers, some drivers do not comply.

When a driver flees an accident site, that collision is called a hit-and-run. Under these circumstances, injured victims may have a much more difficult time collecting compensation for their injuries and other damages. Fortunately, you do not have to face these challenges alone. The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. will explain your options, help you decide which steps to take, and support you throughout the claims process.

Hit and Run Accident Challenges

To obtain compensation from at-fault parties in personal injury claims, you need to know who they are, how to contact them, and which insurance company carries their auto policies. When a driver flees from the scene of an accident, this can add layers of complexity to your claim. Attorney J. Francis Barker knows how to overcome the challenges associated with hit and run collisions, including:

Driver Identification

Law enforcement officers and your attorney can attempt to identify the driver who caused your accident. We can speak to eyewitnesses, obtain video surveillance footage of the collision in progress, and run vehicle license plates that have been recorded by you or someone else. If we are able to track down the at-fault driver, you can then file a claim against that person's insurance policy. The suspect may also be charged with a criminal offense due to fleeing the scene of the crash.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If we cannot locate the responsible driver, you will need to file a claim with your own auto insurance company. Hit-and-run drivers are typically classified as uninsured motorists. The coverage provided under your insurance policy can provide you with compensation for your losses. However, insurance companies will often take steps to avoid paying claims, even those filed by their own policyholders. Attorney Barker can negotiate with your insurance company to make sure you will receive the compensation you deserve.

Lack of Evidence

For most car accident claims, you need evidence proving that another party's negligence caused your crash. You must also prove that the hit-and-run directly caused your injuries and other losses. When the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene, finding the right kinds of supporting evidence can be problematic. Your insurance provider may say that your claim is invalid, denying it and refusing to pay your damages.

Proving Damages

Another aspect of showing that your accident caused your damages involves demonstrating how your injuries have impacted your medical condition and quality of life. Insurers may question specific treatments recommended by your doctor, claim that you can return to work sooner, dispute property damage repair or replacement costs, and state that you did not suffer any eligible non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Our attorney can respond to these tactics and show that you should receive coverage under an applicable insurance policy.

Shared Fault

More than one party may share responsibility for causing a motor vehicle collision. Illinois laws allow you to obtain compensation as long as your degree of fault is less than 51 percent. However, your settlement amount will be reduced by that same percentage. Insurance companies often assign you more than your rightful share of the fault to lower or eliminate your payout. Our lawyer can respond to these tactics and ensure that you are not improperly blamed for your own injuries and damages.

Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies know how much your case is worth. However, they will often offer unreasonably low settlements, hoping that you do not know the true value of your claim or realize you can negotiate for more. Mr. Barker can advocate on your behalf to make sure you receive full and fair compensation.

How the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. Can Help With Your Hit and Run Claim

When you choose to work with our firm, the effective legal representation provided by Attorney Barker can make a real difference in your case. We will:

• Investigate your hit-and-run accident
• Attempt to identify and locate the fleeing driver
• Help you determine your best legal options
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf
• Aggressively negotiate to obtain the highest possible amount of compensation
• Pursue a civil lawsuit if the insurance company will not make a reasonable settlement offer

Protecting your best interests is our priority. Our proven track record of handling cases successfully shows that you can rely on us to secure the best outcome possible for your hit and run accident claim.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Hit and Run Accident Attorney

When you choose the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., you get more than an experienced attorney to assist with your claim; you also gain a partner who will diligently advocate for your best interests. Unlike the way cases are handled by many other law firms, Attorney J. Francis Barker will work with you personally to ensure that you get the effective legal representation you deserve.

Contact us now at 708-321-1223 for your free consultation with our Orland Park hit-and-run accident lawyer. We also serve injured victims in Will and DuPage Counties from our office in Orland Park. You pay no fees upfront, and no fees will be charged unless we win your case.