Dupage County Hit and Run Car Accident Attorney
Hit-and-run accidents can be catastrophic, causing physical damage, emotional scarring, and financial distress. They occur when a motorist causes a crash and leaves the scene without telling police or offering help. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, a Dupage County hit-and-run car accident lawyer can fight for your rights and inform you of your legal options.
Why Choose Us?
The attorneys at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley understand the impact a hit-and-run accident can have on your life. With extensive experience handling these types of cases, we can fight for your rights and help you secure the justice you deserve. We can look at all the evidence and work on your behalf with a tailor-made defense case for you.
Hit-and-Runs in Illinois
A hit-and-run is an extremely serious crime that can carry severe penalties in Illinois. The law requires drivers in an accident to pull over as soon as possible, especially if someone is injured. Preserving evidence is crucial in these cases to ensure justice is served and to help identify the fleeing driver. Drivers involved in an accident are required to:
- Remain at the scene of the accident
- Provide their contact information to the other driver, including their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number
- Provide assistance to anyone who is injured, including contacting emergency services
If a person causes an accident and leaves the car unattended, they must leave a note with their information on the damaged car or any other damaged property, such as a mailbox.
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run, move to a safe area and examine yourself and others for injuries. Contact 911 immediately to report the collision to the police and seek medical help if needed. By providing police with information about the crash, you can log the crime and start the search for the driver.
Try to remember as much as possible about the hit-and-run vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and any portion of the license plate number. If anyone at the scene has additional information, collect witness statements and contact details as part of your evidence. You can also check nearby surveillance cameras that may have filmed the crash.
Additionally, take pictures of your vehicle, visible injuries, and the scene. This visual evidence can be used to file an insurance claim or take legal action. You also want to make sure you contact your insurance company to notify them of the accident.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents
If a person flees the scene of an accident, they could face severe penalties. The penalties they receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If there was only property damage, the charge would typically result in a misdemeanor. Penalties can include jail time, fines, and a suspended license.
If the accident results in injury or death to another person, the penalties are usually more severe. These are often charged as felonies and can result in prison time, heftier fines, a criminal record, and extended revocation of driving privileges.
In addition to criminal consequences, hit-and-run drivers may also be subject to additional penalties, such as civil claims, liability for the victim’s medical expenses, property damage costs, and compensation for emotional distress.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Recovering from a hit-and-run accident can be an emotional and confusing process, but you can count on an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through the process. They can work with investigators to secure evidence that can identify the speeding driver, including surveillance footage, witness testimony, and a police report.
Lawyers can also handle all the communications with the insurance companies to ensure victims are paid as much as possible for their injuries and damages. They try to get their clients to settle fairly for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. If a trial is needed, a lawyer can represent them in court with a persuasive case to protect their rights.
Also, a professional attorney can guide you through the complexities of the law and insurance industry with clarity and support at all points. This all-encompassing care allows victims to concentrate on healing while their lawyer advocates for justice and restitution.
FAQs About Dupage County, IL Hit and Run Car Accident Law
Q: Can I File a Claim Against Someone for a Hit-and-Run on My Car?
A: Yes, you can file a claim against someone for a hit-and-run on your car. If the driver is caught, you can file a claim against them in civil court for car repair, medical bills, and damages for pain and suffering. If the driver is arrested and uninsured, you could collect compensation with your uninsured motorist coverage or pursue punitive damages to hold them accountable for their actions.
Q: What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
A: Many car accident lawyers charge contingency fees for car accidents, meaning that they only get paid if they win your case. It’s usually a percentage of your settlement or award. The percentage can be different but tends to be within a normal range. This arrangement allows you to get legal representation without incurring any upfront fees, which makes your claim a lot more financially convenient.
Q: What Is the Punishment for a Hit-and-Run in Illinois?
A: The penalties for a hit-and-run in Illinois vary depending on the extent of the collision. If there is only property damage, it usually qualifies as a misdemeanor and could lead to a fine and jail time. However, if someone is injured or killed in the crash, the offense is considered a felony, punishable by a longer jail sentence, steep fines, and possibly even license suspension.
Q: How Do I Settle a Hit-and-Run Case?
A: Settling a hit-and-run is a process that requires several steps. You must first inform the police and your insurance company of the incident. Collect witness statements and pictures. Once the driver is located, they may negotiate with their insurance company for a settlement. Otherwise, you might use your uninsured motorist policy. You can talk to a lawyer to make sure you are getting fair damages and get through the process efficiently.
Contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley Today
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley can help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
