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Attorneys for Victims of Hit-and-Run Drivers in Arlington Heights, IL
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Dealing with the injuries you have suffered and addressing the financial and personal impact of a collision can be difficult enough, but when the driver responsible for the collision flees the scene, the situation can become even more overwhelming. A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and the added frustration of not knowing who will pay for your losses. Understanding their rights and your legal options in this situation is critical to ensure that you can recover compensation and move forward with your life.
At Schwartz Injury Law, our lawyers can provide the crucial support you need after being injured in a hit-and-run crash. By investigating the incident, working to identify the at-fault driver, and determining all available options for obtaining financial compensation, we can help you make sure you will not be left to bear the costs of another person's unlawful actions.
Requirements for Drivers After an Accident
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-401), any driver involved in an accident involving injuries or property damage must:
- Stop their vehicle at or near the scene of the accident.
- Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information to the other driver and anyone else who was involved in the collision.
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured, including arranging transportation for medical care if necessary.
- Report the accident to law enforcement in cases involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
Failing to comply with these requirements is a criminal offense. However, criminal charges may have no bearing on whether you can obtain compensation for the injuries and damages suffered in an accident. Legal help may be needed to make sure your rights and interests will be protected.
Why Drivers May Attempt to Flee the Scene of an Accident
A driver may leave the scene of a collision for many reasons. In many cases, drivers commit hit and run because they fear the legal consequences that they may face. A driver who did not have a valid driver's license or did not have insurance on their vehicle may try to avoid the legal penalties they could face for these violations. If a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may attempt to flee to avoid being arrested for DUI.
In other situations, a driver may flee because of panic or confusion. They may have been shaken up in the collision, and they may not fully understand their legal obligations. If they are worried about whether they will have to pay for the losses experienced by others involved in the accident, they may leave the scene.
How Our Attorneys Can Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents
Although identifying a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, our lawyers can take decisive steps to uncover their identity and hold them accountable. These steps may include:
- Interviewing Witnesses: We can obtain statements from bystanders or other drivers who saw the crash or noted details about the vehicle. Information about the make, model, and color of the vehicle or descriptions of the driver may be helpful.
- Reviewing Surveillance Footage: By obtaining video recordings from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or home security systems that captured the accident, we may be able to determine the vehicle's license plate number or other important details.
- Analyzing Vehicle Paint and Debris: Evidence from the scene of the accident may help determine what type of damage a vehicle sustained, which can help to identify vehicles of the same make, model, and color that have been damaged in this manner.
- Working With Law Enforcement: We can coordinate our investigation efforts with police to track down the at-fault driver.
Options for Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Even if the at-fault driver cannot be located, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is included in most auto insurance policies, and it will apply in situations where the driver who was at fault for an accident is unknown. UM coverage can address your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers can assist with filing a UM claim and negotiating with the insurance company to ensure that you will receive the full amount you are entitled to under your policy.
Contact Our Arlington Heights, Illinois Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
At Schwartz Injury Law, we can provide the legal representation you need following a hit-and-run accident. We will perform a full investigation to try to identify the driver who injured you, and we will explore all potential avenues for compensation. By fighting to secure financial compensation that addresses your injuries and damages, we will work to ensure that you will have the resources you need going forward. Contact our Arlington Heights hit-and-run car accident lawyers at 847-582-0157 and arrange your free consultation today.