Hit and run car accidents happen when a negligent driver hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist and leaves the accident scene. It is not only a crime in Illinois to commit a hit and run, but the at-fault driver is also liable for paying you money for your or loved one’s financial, physical, and emotional harm.
A Chicago hit and run accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will help you go after the restitution you deserve through a negotiated out-of-court settlement or civil award. Receive your free consultation now by calling (800) 794-0444. We are available to answer your call, 24/7.
Illinois Laws Protect Hit and Run Injury Victims
Illinois statutes make it illegal for any driver to flee from an accident scene for which he or she caused or incurred. No matter who was at fault, the driver of any vehicle must remain at the scene of the accident until everyone is safe, the police are called, and information between drivers is exchanged.
When a motor vehicle accident occurs in Illinois, the first step for able parties is to ensure the safety of the accident scene. This reason is one of many that makes it illegal to leave. Cook County prosecutors may charge them with a felony. Despite the severity of hit and run laws in Illinois, they continue to plague our community.
Even if criminal proceedings are ongoing, you can still pursue compensation for the harm you received. Surviving family members of fatal accident victims are permitted to file a wrongful death claim as well.
Seeking Medical Attention After Being Injured by a Hit and Run Driver
If you feel you are injured and have not already gone, visit an emergency room, doctor, or other licensed medical providers to get evaluated. Not only does this ensure your physical safety and treatment, but it may also strengthen your case later.
For example, the defending party cannot claim that your personal injuries were due to another cause. This allegation is more challenging to prove when you have visited with a doctor early on.
In general, you will want to visit with a medical professional no later than 72 hours after being injured in your hit and run accident. However, some accident injuries are so severe that they require emergency care. The essential element to understand is that you need to visit a doctor immediately if you are injured.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Push Back Against Low Ball Insurance Settlements & Claim Denials
The compensation that you can claim for your losses hinges upon your ability to prove them, too. Your health is your top priority, not fighting with insurance adjusters over what is fair. Our personal injury law firm can help you with this aspect of the claims process.
The insurer is not on your side, even if it is your policy. Insurance companies will use well-meaning or polite apologies to deny you the benefits you deserve. Therefore, it is imperative that you do not make any self-incriminating remarks or issue any formal statements without discussing your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago first.
While there is no straight-line calculation to determine what you can anticipate receiving from a monetary standpoint, a hit and run accident attorney can help you pursue a claim for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Punitive awards
- And more
Just because the other driver fled the accident scene does not mean that all hope is lost. You have legal recourse through your own insurance company, as well. No matter what happened, it is a practical and wise approach to discuss your case with a hit and run accident attorney to receive legal guidance throughout the entire process.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will continue to document your personal injuries and prognosis if you decide to hire us to represent you. Doing so allows us to keep providing evidence that speaks to the losses that you or your loved one experienced. We will work to ensure that all your harm is recognized and accounted for.
Chicago Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Finding the Person Who Caused Your Hit and Run Accident
Filing a report with the Chicago Police Department after a hit and run accident is vital to the success of your case. For some instances, it is easy to identify the hit and run driver, while others are more challenging than if you have direct contact with him or her. However, the good news is that hit and run drivers often leave evidence behind.
If the police can locate the driver, then you can file a claim against his or her insurance company. Unfortunately, some drivers intentionally leave the scene of the accident because they do not have insurance, which means that you may need to draw upon the benefits of your uninsured motorist coverage policy that all Illinois drivers are required to maintain.
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Legal Representation for Hit and Run Accident Victims
It is challenging enough to face the uphill battle of a car accident caused by negligence. However, hit and run accidents can be more frustrating because you were victimized twice. You should not have to pay for the accident injuries that someone else caused you.
Watch Out for Important Deadlines
Working with a Chicago hit and run accident lawyer will help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for all your losses. Keep in mind that you should contact us as soon as possible due to Illinois’ statute of limitations—or civil deadline—that governs how much time you have to file a claim. In general, you have up to two years to seek retribution.
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Contact a Hit and Run Attorney to Learn About Your Legal Options
We will help you obtain adequate compensation for the harm someone else’s negligence caused you. You can learn about your rights concerning Illinois civil laws as well as dealing with the insurer with a free case evaluation today.
For your free case evaluation, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
