October 11, 2022

What to Do After a Hit & Run Accident in Illinois

Hit-and-run accidents are not only scary but also frustrating. Before you can even understand what happened, the other driver takes off and leaves you with a damaged car and potential injuries. Unfortunately, it happens; on average, a hit and run happens every 43 seconds in the United States.

The whole situation makes you feel helpless as you wonder what you will do to pick up the pieces of your life. And while there is no way to predict if you will fall victim to one, there are steps you can take before and after to ensure you are prepared if someone flees the scene of the accident they caused. 

What Should You Do After a Hit & Run in Illinois?

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

Call Emergency Services

Call 911 if you are seriously injured or still in danger, like if you cannot move your car off the road. Not only will they dispatch medical services to you, but they will send police as well to block off the area.

The police will also take a report that you can use with your insurance claim and any lawsuits that you might file in the future.

If you are not seriously injured and your car is still functioning, drive your vehicle to the side of the road and then call the police non-emergency line. This does not mean they will not respond to your call; it just keeps 911 lines open for anyone who might be calling with another emergency.

Document the Scene

Take note of what happened, where you are, the license plate of the other driver (if possible), and if there are any witnesses. If you can, gather the information of those witnesses since they might have seen the other driver and could describe their vehicle. Also, make sure the police talk to your witnesses as well.

Call Your Insurance Company

Until the other driver is apprehended, you cannot count on their insurance to pay for damages. Plus, there is always a chance that even when the other driver is found, they might have inadequate insurance or none at all. 

You will need to start a claim so you can repair your car and begin to see medical specialists. So contact your insurance in the meantime; they will get your vehicle into a shop and help you get appointments with doctors and physical therapists.

Find an Illinois Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

You will need an experienced professional to start to put your case together while you are preoccupied with getting a car and recovering from your injuries. A good lawyer will gather all the evidence and documentation you need to bring a suit against the other driver or go after their insurance.

Recovering Compensation after a Hit & Run

If the other driver is found, they could be underinsured or uninsured. Just in case, prepare for a scenario like this so you can still recover compensation, even if it is not from the guilty party.

To do this, you will want to ensure that your insurance policy includes either collision or uninsured motorist coverage. This means that you will be compensated for your repairs and medical bills, minus your deductible. It is not ideal to pay some out of pocket, but it is better than paying for everything.

 Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Illinois Today

If you are a hit and run victim and want compensation for your injuries, contact the attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today.

We are highly skilled personal injury lawyers who have extensive experience representing victims who have been injured in car, truck, and other accidents. Call us at (312) 236-2900 or send us a message for a free consultation.