Lawyers for Injuries Sustained During Hit-and-Run Accidents
Lawyers for Injuries Sustained During Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Chicago
Confusion and concern are common emotions for all parties involved in motor vehicle accidents, but Illinois state law specifically requires the people involved to do certain things. When a negligent motorist flees the scene of an accident, it is commonly referred to as a “hit and run” accident.
Hit-and-run crashes may involve other motor vehicles, but victims can also include pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. When the at-fault party leaves the scene of the accident without providing any information, victims often feel as though they are forced to pay all related expenses out of their own pockets.
Did you sustain serious injuries that require medical attention, or was your loved one killed in a hit-and-run car accident in Chicago? Do not make any statements to auto insurance company representatives until you have first contacted Susan E. Loggans & Associates.
Common damages may include but are not limited to the following:
- medical expenses,
- emergency room expenses,
- future related medical costs,
- pain and suffering,
- emotional distress,
- lost income,
- loss of future wages stemming from an inability to work,
- loss of a normal life,
- loss of companionship,
- reconstructive surgery expenses,
- loss of consortium,
- wrongful death and
- other non-economic damages or punitive damages.
Why Choose Susan E. Loggans & Associates P.C. for Your Hit-and-Run Case?
Dr. Susan E. Loggans is not just an experienced personal injury attorney; she has been a pioneer and relentless advocate for justice since 1974.
Loggans and her experienced team of personal injury lawyers believe in building a trustworthy attorney-client relationship. They don’t step back and let others handle your case; they personally manage and oversee every legal proceeding, ensuring you receive every penny owed to you, whether it’s through a settlement or taking your personal injury law case to court.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations of police reports, gather evidence, and build strong personal injury cases to secure justice for our clients. Call us at (312) 588-9773 to schedule a free case evaluation. We offer legal representation to clients on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs or fees unless you receive a settlement or verdict.
Illinois Hit-and-Run Law
Under 625 Illinois Compiled Statute 5/11-403, the driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or vehicle damage which is driven or attended by any person is required to give his or her name, address, license plate, and registration number. Upon request and if available, such drivers must also exhibit their driver’s licenses to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with as well as render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying or the making of arrangements for the carrying of such person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment when it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such carrying is requested by the injured party.
Failure to comply with the requirements of 625 Illinois Compiled Statute 5/11-403 can lead to a driver facing criminal charges. Classifications of criminal offenses depend on the type of damage caused, but offenses are graded as follows:
- Damage to Another Vehicle — Class A misdemeanor;
- Injury to Any Person — Class 2 felony; and
- Death of Any Person — Class 1 felony.
When another driver is convicted in a criminal court of a hit-and-run offense, it also makes that individual civilly liable to the victims in the crash. Such victims can file personal injury lawsuits against the negligent drivers to seek compensation for economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages as well as noneconomic damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress. A jury may also award punitive damages (also referred to as exemplary damages or vindictive damages) specifically to punish offenders for reckless conduct such as driving under the influence (DUI).
Speak to a hit-and-run accident attorney if you have any questions about the above. Contact us today.
Uninsured Motorist Claims for Hit-and-Run Crashes
Many people who are injured as the result of hit-and-run drivers are extremely concerned that the negligent motorist will never be caught. The good news is that even if the driver is never brought to justice, a hit-and-run victim can usually recover compensation through an uninsured motorist accident claim with his or her own insurance company.
All liability insurance policies in Illinois are required under state law to automatically include uninsured motorist coverage at the legal minimum requirements for death or bodily injury that requires medical care, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and more. The only exception to this rule is if the consumer specifically selects lower policy limits in writing.
Uninsured motorist (also referred to simply as UM) coverage can provide many of the same types of compensation that a victim of a hit-and-run would attempt to seek from the negligent motorist. While people may feel more comfortable dealing with their own insurers, it is critical to remember that all insurance companies are businesses that make money by paying as little as possible to resolve injury claims.
Following any hit-and-run crash, you will always want to seek legal advice from a car accident attorney. An accident attorney might not only be able to help locate the at-fault driver, but the lawyer will definitely be able to protect all of your rights and know how to negotiate for maximum compensation if you must submit an uninsured motorist insurance claim.
Hit-and-Run Resources
Community Alert | Chicago Police Department (CPD)
Chicago law enforcement will occasionally post alerts seeking the public’s help when there has been a hit-and-run accident in the city. Visit this section of the CPD website to view all of the most recent community alerts. Alerts can be sorted by tags, such as specific districts.
Traffic Crash Reports | Illinois State Police
All drivers involved in Illinois traffic crashes must file crash reports if the crashes caused a death, bodily injury, or more than $1,500 of property damage when all drivers are insured. On this website, you can learn how to obtain a copy of a crash report handled by the Illinois State Police. You can also find instructions relating to accidents on an Illinois Toll Way or a freeway in the Chicago metro area.
Contact the Law Firm That Fights for Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
If you suffered catastrophic injuries or your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run crash anywhere in Illinois, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Susan E. Loggans & Associates helps people in Chicago and many other nearby communities.
Susan E. Loggans is an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago who will work tirelessly to make sure that you recover all of the compensation you need and deserve. She can review your car accident case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call (312) 588-9773 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.