Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Across the country, studies reveal that approximately 11 percent of all traffic collisions involve a hit-and-run driver. That means that though local and state laws require a motorist to remain at the scene once a collision has occurred, more than one-in-ten crashes involve at least one driver who chooses to ignore those rules, fleeing the scene without speaking to police or other authorities.
Most states, including Illinois, have some limited exceptions to rules requiring a driver to remain at the scene of a crash. Generally, those exceptions apply in the event that emergency medical care is needed and where delay to help would be harmful. Though the exceptions to the rules tend to be narrow, drivers in Chicago continue to flee daily and without medical need.
Being the victim of any type of car accident is distressing and can lead to legal fallout for both those who are innocent and those who cause a crash. But when an at-fault driver runs away in an attempt to avoid responsibility, the collision can seem even worse and can leave injury victims wondering whether their rights have been eliminated as a result of the at-fault driver’s actions.
In Chicago, victims of hit-and-run car accidents usually have the right to seek financial payment for their losses. In the event that a driver is later apprehended, a victim can seek compensation against that driver and/or that driver’s automobile insurance policy. But in the event a driver is never found, victims can still recover for their damages through the use of an uninsured motorist claim. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand these claims and whether they are valid in your case if a collision has affected your life.
Police in Aurora are looking for a man who they suspect was a driver in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday. The collision took place shortly after 9:00 p.m. near the intersection of Gates Street and Binder Street and involved at least four people, though it is not clear whether anyone was injured. Authorities report that a vehicle was proceeding through the intersection when a second car approached, failed to stop as required and struck the first car. The second car then left the roadway and collided with a tree nearby.
Several people witnessed the collision or its aftermath and stated that a male driver emerged from the second vehicle along with a female and male passenger. After they exchanged some words, all three allegedly ran away from the scene and disappeared into nearby Mastodon Park. Police conducted a search in the area but were unable to locate the three individuals. The driver of the first vehicle remained at the scene and conveyed her version of events to authorities when they arrived to question her.
If you have been involved in a crash with a hit-and-run driver in Chicago, make sure you know whether you have a valid claim and if so, what needs to be done so that you can get the payment you deserve. To help you sort through the details, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have an attorney available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575.
The law firm of Abels & Annes, P.C. represents only personal injury victims and each and every one of our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights. When we receive a call from an accident victim, we offer that person a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation and we keep everything discussed confidential, regardless of when you call. We do not charge our clients a fee unless we successfully make a recovery for them and we advance all case-related expenses.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we want to help those who have been hurt. If we can help you, please call us now so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
2 Killed in Wrong-Way Car Accident on I-55, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 10, 2015.
Resource:
Police say armed driver runs away from Aurora crash, by Erika Wurst, Aurora Beacon-News/Chicago Tribune, published August 10, 2015.