Imagine the shock and horror of you or someone you love being involved in a car accident only to watch the at-fault driver speed away from the scene, leaving you or your loved one injured, confused, and alone
Hit and run accidents are a growing problem on our roads, with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reporting more than 737,000 hit and run crashes in the United States in a single year.
These accidents can leave victims feeling vulnerable and unsure of where to turn for help as they face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional trauma of the event.
Never try to handle a hit and run accident on your own, even if you are dealing with your own insurance company. Hit and run accident cases require the skills and resources of an experienced attorney to navigate successfully. Without legal representation, you may find yourself facing an uphill battle to secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
This is where a hit and run accident attorney comes in. These skilled legal professionals have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. From conducting thorough investigations to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, a hit and run accident attorney is your strongest ally when pursuing justice and recovery.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property leaves the scene without providing their contact and insurance information or rendering aid to any injured parties.
In Illinois, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death is a felony offense, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Reasons to Hire a Hit and Run Accident Attorney
There are several reasons to hire a lawyer if a hit and run driver injured you or a relative:
1. Investigating the Accident
Identifying the at-fault driver in a hit and run accident can be a daunting task, but it is crucial for seeking justice and compensation. An experienced hit and run accident attorney has the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation and build a strong case on your behalf.
A skilled attorney can significantly increase your chances of holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Your attorney will work with a network of professionals, such as private investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and video surveillance footage analysts, to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the accident. They may canvas the area for witnesses, review traffic camera footage, and analyze debris and skid marks at the scene to identify the at-fault driver's vehicle.
Sometimes, they may use advanced technologies, such as license plate recognition software, to track down the responsible party.
For example, a hit and run accident attorney can identify the at-fault driver by analyzing fragments of the vehicle's headlight left at the scene. By working with an accident reconstruction specialist, the attorney determined the make and model of the vehicle and, through further investigation, located the driver responsible for the accident.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Navigating the complex world of insurance claims can be challenging, especially with a hit and run accident. Insurance companies, even yours, are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line and may attempt to minimize or deny your claim. Hiring a hit and run accident attorney can level the playing field and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Your attorney will communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, handling all correspondence and negotiations. They will present evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements, and work to secure a fair settlement covering all your damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In some cases, a hit and run accident victim's own insurance company may deny their uninsured motorist claim, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to prove that another driver caused the accident. The victim's attorney may gather witness statements and traffic camera footage showing the at-fault driver fleeing the scene to compel the insurance company to reverse its decision and offer a fair settlement.
3. Maximizing Your Compensation
The financial impact of a hit and run accident can be far-reaching, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, you may not receive the full compensation you need to cover these costs and move forward with your life. A skilled hit and run accident attorney will work tirelessly to assess the true value of your claim and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Your attorney will consider the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the impact the accident has had on your quality of life. They will gather evidence to support your claim, including medical bills, pay stubs, and expert testimony, and use this information to negotiate a settlement that fully addresses your losses.
If they cannot reach a fair settlement, your attorney will prepare to take your case to trial and present a compelling argument for the compensation you deserve.
For example, if a hit and run accident victim suffers severe injuries that require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, their attorney may work with medical experts and economists to calculate the full extent of their client’s damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Their attorney may secure a multi-million-dollar settlement to ensure the victim has the resources needed to cope with the long-term impact of the accident.
4. Navigating the Legal System
Following a hit and run accident, the legal process can be complex and confusing, with numerous deadlines, paperwork, and court appearances. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, it can be easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your case and your ability to recover compensation.
By hiring a hit and run accident attorney, you can ensure that your case is handled properly and that your rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from filing the initial claim to representing you in court, if necessary. They will explain your rights and options in clear, easy-to-understand terms and inform you of any developments in your case.
Your attorney will also meet all deadlines and file all necessary paperwork correctly and promptly.
If you miss an important deadline, such as the statute of limitations for filing a car accident case, you will lose the opportunity to seek compensation through the court system.
5. Providing Emotional Support
The emotional trauma of a hit and run accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Victims often experience feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness and may struggle to cope with the impact the accident has had on their lives. An experienced hit and run accident attorney understands the emotional toll these accidents can take and can provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Your attorney will be your advocate and your ally, offering a sympathetic ear and a steady hand to guide you through the legal process. They will answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide reassurance when you need it most.
Your attorney will also connect you with resources, such as mental health professionals and support groups, to help you cope with the emotional impact of the accident.
Choosing the Right Hit and Run Accident Attorney
When selecting an attorney to handle your hit and run accident case, choose someone with the experience, skills, and resources necessary to advocate for your rights effectively.
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Experience: Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling hit and run accident cases and a proven track record of success.
- Specialization: Choose an attorney with experience in personal injury law, particularly in the area of hit and run accidents.
- Resources: Ensure the attorney can access the necessary resources, such as investigators and experts, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Communication: Select an attorney who is responsive and communicative and keeps you informed throughout the legal process.
- Compassion: Find a compassionate, understanding attorney committed to fighting for your rights and well-being.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In hit and run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located, your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage may be your primary source of compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when a driver who lacks sufficient insurance or leaves the accident scene injures you.
In Illinois, drivers must carry a minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, it is often advisable to purchase higher limits to ensure adequate protection in the event of a serious hit and run accident.
An experienced hit and run accident attorney can help you navigate the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim and negotiate with your insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve.
Time Limits for Filing a Hit and Run Accident Claim
As mentioned above, it is essential to be aware of the time limits or statutes of limitations for filing a hit and run accident claim in Illinois. In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the hit and run accident resulted in a fatality, the deceased's family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
However, if you are filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company, you may have a shorter time frame in which to act. Most insurance policies require that you notify them of the accident and your intention to file a claim within a specific period, often as short as 30 days.
An attorney can help you understand the applicable time limits in your case and ensure that you take action within the required timeframes to protect your rights.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
After a hit and run accident, acting quickly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights is crucial. Witnesses' memories may fade as time passes, and physical evidence may be lost or destroyed. By contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the accident, you can ensure that your case is properly investigated and that all necessary steps are taken to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Attorney
Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but you don't have to face it alone. Hiring an experienced hit and run accident attorney can gain you the support, guidance, and representation you need to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys has extensive experience handling hit and run accident cases in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take on victims and their families, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident, don't wait to seek legal help. Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 924-7575 or through our online form for a free consultation with one of our skilled hit and run accident attorneys. We are here to answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and help you navigate the road to recovery.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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