What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Illinois

 Posted on December 27, 2018 in Blog Post

In every state, there are laws in place that state you must stop and stay at the scene of any car accident that you are involved in. Unfortunately, not everyone makes sure all is well after an accident. In the event that you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you will probably be feeling frustrated, angry and lost. Hit-and-run accidents must be handled differently than normal car accidents, mostly because the other party is not always known. Even though it will be more difficult to pursue compensation for damages and injuries, it is not impossible. Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate the negative consequences of a hit-and-run accident.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

Information is key to having a successful hit-and-run claim. Having as much information as possible will increase the chance that the police will catch the driver who fled the scene and it will also help your insurance company make a decision about your claim. If it is possible, you should get information such as:

• The make, model and color of the vehicle that hit you;
• The license plate number of the other driver;
• A description of damage to the other vehicle; and
• What direction the other vehicle left in.

Look for Any Possible Witnesses

Witnesses can help you file a report with the police and they can also give you information about the other driver that you might not have known. If you are able to find witnesses to the accident, make sure you write down information such as their name and contact information. They may be able to add some depth to your case.

File Reports with the Police and Your Insurance Company

You should also make sure that you file a report with both the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. The accident report that you file with the police will contain a lot of information about the accident, such as the time and date, the location, a description of what happened and any damages that occurred to you and your vehicle. The police report will also contain any eyewitness information that may be available. The police report will be sent to the insurance company to help them make their decision.

Contact a Park Ridge Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents may leave you feeling shaken and confused, but a knowledgeable Des Plaines hit-and-run accident attorney can help you fight for rightful compensation. At the Quinn Law Group, LLC, we understand how frustrating a hit-and-run accident can be. Not only do you have to battle with insurance companies, but you also have to figure out how you will pay for much-needed repairs. Contact our office today to see how we can help you throughout your case. Call the office at 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.dmv.org/tips-for-handling-a-hit-and-run-driver-claim.php

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/what-to-do-after-a-hit-and-run

https://www.esurance.com/info/claims/hit-and-run-claims