What to Do When You Are Injured in a Hit and Run Accident

There are two types of hit and run incidents in the state of Illinois. One type is when a driver collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian or a bicyclist, and flees the scene without identifying themselves or providing any aid or information to the victim, witnesses or law enforcement.

A second type of a hit and run accident occurs when a vehicle part or tire tread, flies off the vehicle and causes an accident. The driver does not know the incident happened so keeps on driving. This makes him or her a hit and run driver. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, there are some steps you can take to recover compensation for your injuries.

Our Chicago hit-and-run attorneys can help you with your insurance claim. Call our legal team at (312)766-1000 or email at [email protected].

How You May Be Compensated for Your Injuries 

Your auto insurance policy has Uninsured Motorist Coverage to pay for injuries caused by a hit and run driver. In Illinois, every auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage in the same amount as the driver’s liability insurance. So, if you have $100,000 in liability coverage, you have coverage in the same amount for injuries to yourself or your passengers or family members who have been injured by a hit-and-run vehicle.

When a hit-and-run driver has injured you, whether as a pedestrian when a driver collides with your vehicle or by debris flying off another vehicle since the driver cannot be located, he or she is considered uninsured. Therefore, you can submit a compensation claim to your auto insurer under your uninsured motorist coverage.

Next Steps When Injured in a Hit and Run

The first and most important thing to do is get medical attention for your injuries. Whether you need to be transported to an emergency room, go on your own to urgent care, or see your private physician, it is imperative to seek treatment. If you do not get prompt treatment, any later claim you make that you were injured will be challenged by your insurer when you submit your claim. Your insurer will argue that you would have gotten immediate treatment if you were hurt.

Get Offending Vehicle Information

If possible, and you can think fast enough and see the vehicle involved, write down the license plate number. Write down any identifying features of the vehicle. Was it a truck or a car? Was it a sedan or an SUV? Was it a newer or older model? Try to get any witness identification information and statements. If you can take photographs, great. In any event - call the police and get a report! This is critical.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer that you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident. There is a fine line between “notification” and “giving a statement.” Providing a detailed statement to your insurer without consulting a qualified injury attorney is not advisable. Anything you say may come back to haunt you later.

For example, you will likely be asked to explain the nature and extent of your injuries. You will not have that information. Unless you are a medical professional, you do not know the nature and extent of your injuries. Some tissue injuries, like whiplash, do not show up for several days after an accident. You may think you have a small bruise or sprain only to discover later you suffered a broken bone.

Whatever you say, your insurer will try to hold you to it even if you later discover you underestimated the seriousness or extent of your injuries. The insurance adjuster will almost always be nice, friendly, and encouraging. However, the adjuster’s job is to delay, deny, or minimize your claim! That is what they do. Get a Free Consultation from an excellent, experienced uninsured motorist attorney, Before you talk with the insurance company.

What a Hit and Run Attorney Can Do for You

An attorney with experience handling uninsured motorist claims can be tremendously helpful during this time. While you are recovering from your injuries, you are likely losing wages. You may be taking pain medication and unable to engage in normal activities. The stress of not knowing how you will pay your bills can take a toll and even increase your recovery time. A Chicago hit-and-run attorney can greatly relieve your concerns.

We will investigate the case, get the police report, interview witnesses, photograph the scene, and discover other evidence supporting your claim.  

FAQs

Q.: How can I be compensated for injuries in a hit-and-run accident?

A.: If you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Illinois, you can seek compensation through your auto insurance policy's Uninsured Motorist Coverage. This coverage is mandated by Illinois law and provides the same amount of coverage as your liability insurance. It covers injuries to you, your passengers, or family members injured by a hit-and-run vehicle since the responsible driver cannot be identified.

Q.: What happens if I'm involved in a hit-and-run accident with an uninsured driver?

A.: If you're involved in a hit-and-run accident with an uninsured driver, your Uninsured Motorist Coverage can still provide compensation. Your auto insurance policy in Illinois includes this coverage, ensuring you receive compensation for your injuries, even if the responsible driver is uninsured or unidentified.

Hit and Run Experts

At the Blumenshine Law Group, our attorneys have decades of experience pursuing uninsured motorist claims for those injured by hit-and-run drivers. Scott Blumenshine literally wrote the book “Uninsured, Hit-and-Run and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Illinois.” 

Although there are no guarantees as to a specific outcome, we can promise that we will keep you well informed about the progress of your case. We will make every effort to obtain for you all the compensation to which you are legally entitled in the most expeditious and economical way.

There is a time limit for filing your claim and pursuing your case in court. Do not risk losing your right to compensation. Call or text us as soon as possible at (312)766-1000 or email [email protected] for a free consultation. If you cannot come to us, we will arrange to come to you.

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