Chicago Hit and Run Accident Attorney
Hit and Run Accidents in Chicago
Hit and run accidents happen when a driver strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian and flees the scene without leaving any contact information or ensuring the safety of any injured people at the scene. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a felony if it involves injury. In other states, the person responsible for the collision might have to pay additional damages to the plaintiff for leaving the scene.
If you or a loved one were injured in a hit and run accident, let us help. Leonard Law Group is dedicated to helping plaintiffs with serious personal injuries seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Let us see how we can help you.
Get your case started by calling our Chicago hit and run accident lawyer at (312) 487-2513 or filling out our online form today.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you are hit by a driver who has since fled the scene, you can’t take legal action unless the police find the driver responsible for the crash. This might be easy in a high-traffic area, where there may be street cameras or multiple witnesses to the vehicle. However, if you are the only witness, you may have been too disoriented to catch the license plate number or much detail about the car itself.
If the police do find the driver, you can file a lawsuit against his or her car insurance. However, if he or she fled the scene because he or she lacks insurance, you might have a harder time seeking compensation. If you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could file a lawsuit against the person to compensate you for your injury.
What Evidence Is Needed for Hit and Run?
Although hit and run drivers may think they are getting away with their wrongdoing, they often leave evidence at the scene of the crime. Witnesses may be able to identify the driver’s vehicle by recalling a full or partial license plate number. Debris, such as broken car parts or paint chips, may be left behind. The negligent driver’s neighbors may even file a report when they notice damage to the hit and run driver’s vehicle or other motorists could have reported erratic driving before the accident occurred.
Talk to your attorney at Leonard Law Group as soon as possible. Our lawyers can look into the circumstances of your accident to find evidence on your behalf. If the other driver cannot be found, there are other options to help you get the compensation you need.
Can I Sue a Hit and Run Driver?
Yes, you can and should sue a driver that fled the scene of an accident, if they are known. File a police report as soon as possible. If you caught any information, such as a partial license plate number, let the police know so they can include that in the report or potentially use that information to track down the hit and run driver. Report the accident to your insurance adjuster, stating just the facts without admitting any fault or imposing your opinion or speculation. Additionally, submit the police report to your insurance company as well. If no one is able to locate the negligent driver, you may still be able to proceed with a claim against the uninsured motorist coverage in your own insurance policy for compensation.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
All car insurance policies will offer coverage for underinsured and uninsured motorists. The state of Illinois requires all drivers to purchase coverage with limits equal to their Bodily Injury Liability Coverage limits unless they select lower limits in writing. This type of insurance will cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage if the person who struck you doesn’t have enough or any insurance coverage. However, these cases can be complicated. Having the assistance of a skilled Personal Injury attorney will make the process run much more smoothly.
Call Our Skilled Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Today
If you want to discuss the circumstances of your case with an experienced Chicago hit and run attorney, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We understand this may be a stressful and challenging time for you and your family. Treatment, recovery, and legal claims for a car accident injury can be overwhelming, especially if the injury has taken a huge toll on your energy levels. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to enlist the help of a skilled and determined lawyer. Leonard Law Group can offer you dedicated attorneys who have decades of collective legal experience to offer your case.
Over the years we have established a track record of success by representing more than 35,000 individuals and winning more than $1,000,000,000 for our clients in settlements and verdicts. Whether your claim has been denied by the insurance company or you’re seeking to sue the hit and run driver in civil court for compensation, we can help.
Contact us at (312) 487-2513 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation with a Chicago hit and run lawyer today.
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Attorney J. Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with.
“Attorney J. Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were highly professional and excellent communicators. They were also extremely knowledgeable about my case. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to others.”