The initial shock of a hit-and-run accident can make it hard for a person to focus on the other driver’s license plate or remember much more than the car’s color. A hit-and-run accident leaves victims with pain, property damage, and uncertainty about what to do next. In Illinois, specific laws and procedures are in place to guide injured drivers through these frustrating cases.
Immediate Steps to Take
After a hit-and-run accident, you’re likely a little shaken up. It’s important to remember four key steps to take immediately after the accident:
- Take Care of Your Injuries –First, check for injuries. If any are present, call 911 right away. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt that badly, you should still get medical attention as soon as possible because some serious symptoms may not appear until later.
- Stay at the Scene and Call Authorities – Illinois law requires drivers involved in accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage to stay at the scene and report the accident to the police. Skipping this step can lead to severe penalties like fines and imprisonment in certain cases
- Gather Evidence – While you wait for the police, try to gather as much information as possible. You can take photos of the scene, damage to the vehicle, and injuries. Write down any details of the at-fault vehicle you can recall, such as make, model, color, and license plate number. Finally, write down the contact information of witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Call your insurer and report the incident immediately. Illinois requires all automobile insurance policies to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can pay in hit-and-run accidents where the guilty driver is not identified.
Legal Considerations
According to Illinois law, it is a criminal act to flee the scene of an accident. The penalties vary based on the severity of the accident:
- Property Damage Only – This can result in a misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Injury or Death – This can result in a felony, one to three years in prison, and up to $25,000 in fines.
Victims are entitled to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver if identified. If the driver remains unidentified, claims can be filed under the UM provision of the victim’s insurance policy in most cases
Seeking Legal Assistance
Handling the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident isn’t easy to do alone. Legal professionals can assist with:
- Investigating the accident and identifying the at-fault driver
- Managing communication and negotiation with insurance companies
- Filing necessary legal documentation within the statutory deadline
Having professional legal representation is advantageous when handling the consequences of a hit-and-run accident. When you work with Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, you will benefit from:
- Personalized Attention – Tailored legal strategies to fit your specific situation.
- Proven Track Record – A history of obtaining favorable outcomes for personal injury clients.
- Complete Support – Dedicated representation from the initial consultation through the case resolution.
Contact Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, today for a free consultation and learn how we can help