What Happens If You Are Injured in a Hit and Run in Illinois
Imagine you are just a few minutes from home. The traffic light turns green, you ease forward, and then out of nowhere there is a violent jolt. Your car lurches, the tires skid, and before you can even gather your thoughts, the other vehicle is gone. No apology, no exchange of information, just taillights disappearing into the distance.
This is not only frightening, it is illegal. Illinois law is clear about what a driver must do after an accident, and leaving the scene is a serious offense. Even so, the person who hit you may be long gone before help arrives. That does not mean you are out of options. Attorney Michael J. Brennan has spent years helping people in exactly this position, and the sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of recovering what you have lost. Call his office today before important evidence fades away
The Law in Illinois on Hit and Run Accidents
In Illinois, a driver who causes or is involved in an accident has a duty to stop, share contact and insurance details, and help anyone who is injured. Failing to do so is a criminal act. Depending on the outcome of the crash, the hit-and-run driver can face fines, license suspension, or even time behind bars.
While the criminal process is handled by the state, you also have a separate right to bring a claim for compensation. That civil claim can cover medical costs, lost wages, and the pain you have endured. Understanding both paths is important because they can happen at the same time, and each serves a different purpose.
What to Do Right After a Hit and Run
The moments after a crash are chaotic. Adrenaline takes over, and it is easy to lose track of the details. If you can, take these steps to protect yourself and your future claim.
- Get to safety and call 911 without delay.
- Look for details about the fleeing car. Even part of a license plate can help investigators.
- Take photos of your car, the road, and anything else that might be relevant.
- Talk to witnesses and get their names and phone numbers.
- Get medical attention even if you think you are fine. Some injuries take hours or days to show up.
- File a police report so there is an official record of the incident.
Small bits of information can make a big difference later.
Getting Compensation When the Driver Is Unknown
It can feel frustrating when the person who hit you has vanished, but Illinois law offers some protection. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can step in to cover your expenses in a hit and run. This may include your medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses.
You must notify your insurance company quickly after the crash. Waiting too long could give them an excuse to deny your claim. If you do not have this coverage, an attorney can help explore other possible ways to recover what you are owed.
When the Driver Is Caught
If police manage to track down the at–fault driver, you can make a claim directly against their insurance. In some situations, you might also be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish especially reckless behavior.
Sometimes, the driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your costs. In those cases, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to seek additional compensation. It is often a process that requires patience, but with the right legal strategy, it can be worth it.
Why These Cases Can Be Difficult
Hit and run claims are often harder than other car accident cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses may forget details. Insurance companies sometimes try to argue that your injuries are not as bad as you claim, or that the accident happened differently than you describe. Medical costs can mount while you are still waiting for a resolution.
This is why acting fast is so important. The sooner an attorney is involved, the more likely it is that key evidence will be preserved.
How Michael J. Brennan Can Help
Michael J. Brennan has handled many hit and run cases throughout Illinois. His team works closely with investigators, reviews police reports, and tracks down witnesses to build the strongest possible claim. He knows how insurance companies operate and will push back when they try to minimize your injuries or delay payment.
By having an experienced lawyer manage your case, you can focus on healing instead of arguing with insurance adjusters or worrying about court deadlines.
Do Not Wait to Get Legal Advice
A hit and run can leave you shaken and unsure about what comes next. You might feel angry, frustrated, or even hopeless, but there are steps you can take right now to protect your rights. Michael J. Brennan offers free consultations to anyone hurt in a hit and run accident in Illinois.
Call today to find out how he can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Time matters, and the sooner you start, the stronger your case can be.