Hit-and-Run Accidents In Illinois: What To Do When A Crash Happens And The Driver Flees
Few situations are more frustrating than being hurt in a crash while the at-fault driver speeds away. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents in Illinois are common and can leave victims with devastating injuries.
In the aftermath, they face two major challenges: identifying the driver and holding them liable in an injury claim. Our experienced Marion, IL personal injury lawyer provides caring, professional legal guidance to victims in these cases. Find out more about hit and run crashes, common reasons drivers flee, and how we help you hold them accountable.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents in Illinois Happen So Often
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that a hit-and-run accident happens every 43 seconds somewhere in the United States. They are particularly common in Illinois, impact motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and can cause potentially life-threatening injuries.
When motorists don’t stop at the scene of a crash as required under the Illinois Statutes, it deprives victims of their rights to hold them liable. It also prevents them from getting emergency medical care, increasing the risk of fatal injuries.
What makes a driver behave so recklessly? Hit-and-run accidents in Illinois commonly involve drivers who:
- Don’t have a valid license or insurance;
- Are impaired by alcohol or drugs and want to avoid arrest;
- Have outstanding warrants or legal issues;
- Were speeding or engaged in other reckless behavior and fear being held responsible.
In some cases, motorists panic and make poor decisions in the moment. Understanding why these crashes occur does not excuse the behavior.
How To Protect Your Rights in an Illinois Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
When a car, bike, or pedestrian accident in Illinois happens, you have the right to hold those at fault responsible for your medical costs, property damages, missed income, and other losses.
What if the driver fled the scene? To protect your rights, take these steps:
- Call 911 immediately, report the accident, and try to provide a description of the driver or their vehicle and the direction they went.
- Look for witnesses who may have seen the crash or know the driver.
- Take cell phone photos or videos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any nearby homes, businesses, or traffic signals, which may have caught the crash on tape.
- Seek medical attention promptly and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding care and activity restrictions.
In the days after, contact our Illinois personal injury lawyer. We can conduct an investigation, work with law enforcement to solicit tips, and take other legal actions needed to identify the driver and make them pay.
Injured By a Hit and Run Driver? Contact Our Experienced Marion, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Hit and run accidents are common in Illinois and can cause devastating injuries. At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we take the actions needed to identify the driver and get you compensation in a claim.
As trusted litigators and seasoned trial lawyers, you can count on us to be a strong ally on your side. To protect your rights in a hit and run claim, contact our Marion, Illinois personal injury lawyer today.
Sources:
aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/18-0058_Hit-and-Run-Brief_FINALv2.pdf
ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-402.htm
