Being involved in a car accident is traumatic enough, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, additional stress and uncertainty make things worse. Confusion about how you’ll pay for medical bills, vehicle damage and other expenses compounds the shock of the collision.
In Illinois, hit-and-run accidents happen more frequently than you might think, leaving victims wondering who will cover their costs. The good news is that even if police can’t locate the responsible driver, you still have options for financial recovery.
Compensation for injuries and damage
If a hit-and-run driver injures you in Illinois, your own insurance policy typically provides coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed specifically for situations like this, treating the hit-and-run driver as uninsured. Illinois law requires all auto insurance policies to include this coverage.
Your options for recovering damages after a hit-and-run include:
- Filing a claim under your collision coverage for vehicle repairs (subject to your deductible)
- Using your uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury expenses
- Accessing your medical payments coverage for immediate health care costs
- Filing a claim with your health insurance for medical treatment
- Using personal injury protection if your policy includes it
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for each person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. These minimums may be insufficient to cover serious injuries or extensive vehicle damage in hit-and-run cases, making it crucial to consider higher coverage limits for your own protection.
Steps to take after a hit-and-run
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, taking immediate action can help protect your health and financial interests. These include:
- Checking for injuries and calling 911 if anyone needs medical attention
- Moving to a safe location, if possible and away from traffic
- Calling the police and filing an official report
- Documenting everything you can remember about the fleeing vehicle
- Taking photos of your vehicle damage, the accident scene and any injuries
- Gathering contact information from any witnesses
- Notifying your insurance company about the accident
- Seeking medical attention even if you feel fine initially
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run can make a significant difference in your recovery process. They can help navigate the complex insurance claims process, identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure your rights are protected.
While you focus on healing physically and emotionally from the accident, a skilled attorney can handle the paperwork, negotiations with insurance companies and any necessary legal proceedings to help you receive fair compensation.