Why Is My Insurer Fighting My Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

 Posted on December 29, 2025 in Uninsured/underinsured driver

Although Illinois law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, many do not. In fact, AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that in some years, there are over 735,000 hit-and-run crashes. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists hurt in hit-and-run accidents are left to wonder who is responsible for paying their damages. After a hit-and-run crash, most people expect their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to help.

Among other situations, this type of coverage is supposed to pay damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Many people do not realize that once you file a UM/UIM claim, your own insurance company can become an adversary. If you are hurt in a hit-and-run car accident in 2026, our experienced Des Plaines, IL car accident lawyer can fight for you. 

Why Would Your Own Insurance Company Fight Your UM/UIM Claim?

No insurance company wants to pay claims. That means the company might try to:

• Dispute your injuries

• Question your version of events

• Try to reduce what they pay for your claim

• Offer an insultingly low settlement amount

• Try to trick you into making an admission of fault

Your insurance company may fight your claim just as hard as the other driver's insurer would have. This can be difficult to understand. After all, you pay for coverage and expect the company to be on your side. However, the company's goal is still to protect its own bottom line. Most people do not know how to handle these situations alone and may accept what their insurer tells them. That can be a costly mistake.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Even though the at-fault driver left your accident scene, we are sometimes able to find them. If our search is successful, we can help you file a claim against that driver’s insurance. However, many drivers who flee accident scenes do not have insurance coverage. In that case, we may be able to sue the driver directly. Filing a UM/UIM claim against your own policy is often still an option as well.

Our goal is to maximize your compensation, no matter whose insurance company is paying for it. To accomplish that, we will:

• Investigate your accident

• Find as much evidence as possible

• Represent you and advocate on your behalf with insurers

• Ensure that you are not blamed unfairly for the accident

• Calculate your damages

• Negotiate with the insurance company

• File a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial

After an accident that leaves you injured, all this legal legwork is the last thing you need. Contact Quinn Law Group, LLC so you can focus on recovery while we handle your case.

What Steps Should You Take When Filing a Claim After a Car Accident?

The steps you take after a hit-and-run accident can affect your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly and carefully protects your rights and strengthens your claim.

Report the Accident Immediately

Call 911 as soon as possible after the crash. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, Illinois law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop. When another driver flees, your police report becomes critical evidence. Officers may be able to locate the driver using witness statements, traffic cameras, or other evidence from the scene. Get a copy of the police report for your records.

Document Everything You Can

If you can safely do so, take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle. Get contact information from witnesses. This evidence can help identify the driver or support your UM/UIM claim.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

See a doctor even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show up right away. Medical records create a direct link between the accident and your injuries. Delayed treatment gives insurers a reason to argue that your injuries came from something else.

Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking With Your Insurance Company

This step is important. Your own insurance company is not on your side in a UM/UIM claim. Before you give a recorded statement or sign any documents, talk to a car accident lawyer. An attorney can advise you on what to say and what to avoid. They can also handle communications with the insurer so you do not accidentally hurt your case.

What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use to Challenge a Car Accident Claim?

Insurance companies have many strategies to reduce or deny claims. Understanding these tactics can help you protect yourself.

Taking Recorded Statements

An insurance adjuster may call you shortly after the accident and ask for a recorded statement. They will say this is routine. In reality, they are looking for anything you say that they can use against you. Even innocent statements like "I feel okay" can be twisted to suggest your injuries are not serious.

Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries

Insurers often claim your injuries are not as bad as you say. They may point to gaps in your medical treatment or argue that your injuries existed before the accident. Some companies hire their own doctors to review your medical records and write reports that downplay your condition.

Offering Quick, Low Settlements

An insurance company may offer you money quickly after the accident. This might seem like good news, but early settlement offers are almost always less than your claim is worth. The company hopes you will accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Delaying the Claims Process

Some insurers drag out the claims process on purpose. They hope that financial pressure will force you to accept a low offer. They may request the same documents multiple times or take weeks to respond to your calls. This is frustrating, but a lawyer can push back and hold the company accountable.

Discuss Your Case With a Glenview, IL Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today

A hit-and-run accident claim can leave you feeling that your own insurer has turned against you. When you work with Quinn Law Group, LLC to pursue damages, our dedicated Des Plaines, IL personal injury lawyer is committed to helping you collect the highest available amount of compensation. Arrange for your free consultation today by contacting us online or calling 847-232-7180.