Chicago Hit and Run Car Accident: What to do?

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Chicago Hit and Run Car Accident: What to do?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

A hit-and-run accident happens when someone crashes into another car, a person, or something else and then takes off without helping or telling anyone. This is a serious and common problem, especially in big cities like Chicago. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run, a Chicago car accident attorney will fight to protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.

What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run Accident in Chicago?

In Chicago, a hit-and-run accident is when someone involved in a crash leaves the scene without:

• Stopping to check if anyone is hurt. The driver doesn’t stop to see if the people involved in the crash are injured or need medical attention.

• Giving their name and address. The driver fails to provide their personal information, like their name and address, to the other people involved or to the police.

• Showing their driver’s license. The driver doesn’t present their driver’s license, which is required to identify who they are and confirm they are legally allowed to drive.
• Offering help if someone is injured. The driver doesn’t offer any assistance to those who might be hurt, such as calling an ambulance or helping them get to safety.

This type of accident can happen when cars hit other cars, people, bikes, or even buildings. The key issue is that the person who caused the accident runs away instead of staying to help or take responsibility.

Chicago Hit and Run Stats

Chicago is a big city with lots of cars, so hit-and-run accidents happen more often than you might think. These types of accidents are a serious and growing problem in the city, with thousands of cases reported each year.

To give you an idea of how widespread the issue is, consider these numbers:

• Every year, there are thousands of hit and run crashes in Chicago. From November 1, 2017, through October 31, 2021, Chicago police reported a staggering 439,688 car crashes. Out of these, 130,536 were classified as hit and runs.

• In 2021 alone, Chicago saw a total of 37,226 hit and run crashes—an average of over 100 per day. This marked an 18.3% increase from the previous year. June 2021 had the highest number of hit and run crashes of any month in the past four years, with 3,565 incidents where the driver fled the scene.

• These accidents don’t just damage property; they often hurt people and can even cause deaths. In 2021, 36 people lost their lives, and 4,807 were injured due to hit-and-run crashes in Chicago.
• Hit-and-run accidents are more likely to happen at night, when visibility is lower, and on weekends, when roads may be less crowded.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

What Should I Do if I am Involved in a Hit and Run Accident in Chicago?

If you’re in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, here’s what you should do:

• Stay calm, and don’t chase the other car. It’s dangerous and against the law.
• Check if you or anyone else is hurt. Call 911 if someone needs help.
• Try to remember details about the other car, like its color, make, model, and license plate number.
• Look for witnesses and ask for their contact information.
• Take pictures of the damage and the accident scene.
• Call the police and make a report.
• Tell your insurance company about the accident.

Illinois Hit and Run Laws and Penalties

In Illinois, hit-and-run is against the law. The punishment depends on how bad the accident was:

• If no one was hurt, it’s a Class A misdemeanor. The person could go to jail for up to a year and pay a fine of $2,500.

• If someone was hurt, it’s a Class 4 felony. This means up to 3 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
• If someone died, it’s a Class 3 felony. The person could go to prison for up to 5 years and pay a $25,000 fine.

The person who ran away could also lose their driver’s license for a long time.

Please read: My car was hit while parked. What’s next?

Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options After a Hit and Run Accident

If you’re in a hit-and-run car accident, you have rights:

• You have the right to file a police report.
• You can make a claim with your own insurance company.
• If the police find the person who ran away, you can make a claim against their insurance.
• You might be able to sue the person who hit you.

You also have the right to talk to a lawyer. They can help you understand your options and make sure you get the help you need.

The Claims Process: What Happens After a Hit and Run

After a hit-and-run accident, dealing with insurance companies is an important step. Here’s what usually happens:

Report the Accident. First, your lawyer should tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. This starts the process of getting help for any damage or injuries.

Insurance Adjuster Review. An insurance adjuster will look at your case. They will check out the damage to your car and decide how much it will cost to fix it. They might also ask you questions about what happened during the accident.

Insurance Coverage. If you have the right kind of insurance, like uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance might pay for the damage to your car and help with any medical bills. This coverage is important when the person who caused the accident can’t be found.

Claim Against the Other Driver. If the police find the person who ran away, you might be able to make a claim against their insurance. This means their insurance would have to pay for the damage and injuries they caused.

Medical Records. If you were hurt in the accident, you need to show medical records to prove your injuries. These records help your insurance company understand the impact of the accident on your health and determine how much compensation you should receive.

Call a Chicago, Illinois Hit and Run Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, talk to a Malman Law hit-and-run car accident attorney. We understand the laws, can handle the insurance companies, and will help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online for a free case review.