Chicago Hit & Run Accident Attorney

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: February 15, 2025

Joseph Conboy | February 10, 2025
Chicago Hit & Run Accident Attorney

Hit-and-run accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, especially when the at-fault driver leaves the scene. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run crash, you may be wondering what steps to take next. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps victims of hit-and-run accidents recover compensation for their injuries and damages.

We have experience handling these complex cases and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it complicates the process of recovering compensation.

However, with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can explore your options for pursuing a claim and getting the medical care and financial relief you need. Whether through insurance or legal action, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Chicago

Hit-and-run accidents are common in Chicago. In these cases, the at-fault driver leaves the scene without providing contact information. This can make it harder for the victims to receive compensation.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without identifying themselves. This is illegal under Illinois law. Drivers involved in accidents must stop, provide their names, and share insurance information.

Leaving the scene can lead to criminal penalties, fines, and civil liability. Victims need to contact the police and gather as much evidence as possible to help identify the at-fault driver.

Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-401)

Illinois law, under section 625 ILCS 5/11-401, requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide information. This includes giving their name, address, and driver’s license number to the other party or the police. Failure to do so is a criminal offense.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, the police will use this law to investigate and try to find the responsible driver. Your car accident lawyer can help ensure your case is handled properly and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Criminal Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Illinois

In Illinois, fleeing the scene of an accident can lead to serious criminal penalties. If someone is injured or killed in the crash, the driver may face felony charges. Penalties for hit-and-run accidents can include heavy fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.

Even if the driver is not immediately found, criminal charges may still apply once they are identified. The law is designed to hold drivers accountable for their actions, even if they try to escape responsibility.

Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene

  • Fear of consequences: Drivers often leave because they fear being arrested or facing high insurance premiums.
  • Drunk driving: Some drivers flee because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Uninsured drivers: Drivers without insurance may run to avoid paying for damages or medical bills.
  • Distracted driving: In some cases, a driver may panic after causing an accident and flee the scene, especially if they are distracted.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Chicago

Steps to take after a hit-and-run accident in Chicago

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, follow these steps:

  1. Call 911: Report the accident to the police immediately. Ensure that the police file a crash report, as it will be essential for your claim.
  2. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical care. Injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  3. Gather evidence: Try to collect as much information as possible, such as vehicle descriptions, license plates, and any witnesses.
  4. Talk to witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
  5. Report the accident to your insurance company: Let your insurance company know about the hit-and-run. This will help initiate your insurance claim.

How a Chicago Hit & Run Attorney Can Help

A Chicago hit-and-run lawyer can provide crucial assistance after a hit-and-run accident. They help gather evidence, file insurance claims, and pursue lawsuits for compensation. If you’ve been injured, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

A few key ways in which a lawyer can help include:

Investigating the Crash

A reliable attorney will investigate the crash to gather evidence and identify the at-fault driver. They will obtain the police report, speak with witnesses, and review surveillance footage if available. A thorough investigation is key to identifying the responsible party, especially in cases where the driver fled the scene.

Your lawyer will use the evidence to build a strong case and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If the hit-and-run driver is not found, your insurance policy may cover your damages. Your attorney will help you file an uninsured motorist claim. This can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Your lawyer will work closely with your insurance company to ensure the claim is processed quickly and fairly.

Pursuing a Lawsuit for Compensation

If the at-fault driver is identified, your lawyer will pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. This may include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. In the case of severe injuries or wrongful death, the damages may be significant.

Your attorney will work to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable and that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims

Compensation available for hit-and-run victims

Hit-and-run victims may be eligible for compensation to cover various expenses and losses. Depending on the severity of your injuries, here are some types of compensation you could receive:

Medical Expenses

This includes all costs related to treating your injuries, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation. Even if you don’t have insurance, compensation may be available.

Lost Wages & Future Earnings

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity. This helps replace income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t occurred.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical and emotional toll the accident has had on your life. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Property Damage

This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other damaged property. If your car was totaled or severely damaged, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one dies as a result of a hit-and-run, their family may file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can provide compensation for burial costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

What If the Hit-and-Run Driver is Never Found?

If the driver who caused the hit-and-run is never identified, you may still have options for compensation. Here’s what you can do:

Using Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If the driver is never found, you may be able to use your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to pay for medical expenses, property damage, and other costs. Your lawyer will help you understand your insurance policy and file a UM claim.

Suing for Compensation (If the Driver is Identified)

If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation. Your lawyer will work with the police and insurance companies to pursue the responsible driver.

Compensation from Crime Victim Funds

In some cases, victims of hit-and-run accidents may be eligible for compensation from state crime victim funds. This fund is available to people who have been injured in criminal acts, including hit-and-run accidents.

FAQs

If you are a car accident victim in a hit-and-run, the first step is to call 911 and report the accident. Try to gather any information from the accident scene, including a description of the vehicle and the driver. You should also report the accident to your insurance company and consult with hit-and-run accident lawyers to help with your case.

Yes, if the driver is found, they could face serious penalties. According to Illinois law, if the driver is caught, his or her driver’s license could be revoked, and they may face criminal charges. This could include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the accident and any injuries sustained.

If the driver is not found, you can file a hit-and-run claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance provider will assess the damages and help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, it may be more challenging to recover compensation after a hit-and-run. However, your hit-and-run accident lawyer can help explore other options, such as pursuing compensation from your auto insurance or any crime victim compensation funds available.

Yes, hit-and-run accident lawyers can help in many ways. They can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and pursue legal action against the responsible driver if they are found. If the driver is not identified, they can assist with your uninsured motorist claim to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Call Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Call our Chicago car accident lawyer for a free case consultation

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, get legal help as soon as possible. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers is here to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Our seasoned hit-and-run accident lawyers can guide you through the complex process, from filing your insurance claim to pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.

We know the stress and challenges that car accident victims face, and we are committed to fighting for your rights. Whether the at-fault driver is identified or not, we will work hard to secure the compensation you deserve. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation you need to move forward.

Contact us today for a free case consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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