Poplar Grove Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorneys
Hit-and-run car accidents happen every day, leaving thousands of Americans seriously injured or dead. When a driver strikes another vehicle or pedestrian and leaves the scene without stopping, there can be serious consequences, especially for those facing injuries. A Poplar Grove hit-and-run car accident lawyer at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley can offer assistance.
One of the most challenging aspects of hit-and-run accidents is the lack of accountability and the devastation that can happen when someone is involved in an accident without any source of contact information or help. In Illinois, leaving the scene of an accident can be a felony, especially when injuries are involved. A lawyer can help you recover damages.
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you are not alone. In the United States, a hit-and-run car accident occurs every 43 seconds. You may feel as though you have no options when someone leaves you with hit-and-run injuries, but that is not true. An experienced attorney can help you investigate your case and receive a fair settlement for your losses.
How Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley Can Help
Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley has strong community roots, and you can rest assured knowing you are more than just a client. As a firm, we prioritize understanding our clients’ cases and gaining their trust. When you hire a hit-and-run car accident lawyer from our firm, you can focus on healing.
As lawyers who have fought for the well-being of McHenry County, Illinois, for over 50 years, we can apply our extensive knowledge and skills to your case. Our Poplar Grove hit-and-run car accident attorney can answer all your questions and help you navigate a complex legal system during what can be an emotionally and physically trying time.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
A hit-and-run car accident is when one or more drivers flee the scene instead of stopping to provide information and offer aid. It is a criminal offense and can include striking another vehicle, person, or property without stopping. Key elements of the offense include:
- Failure to stop
- Failure to provide information
- Failure to render assistance
- Failure to report
The law requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and provide assistance to any injured parties. Any time someone fails to do so, it is a violation of the law and constitutes a hit-and-run crime.
What to Do if You Are a Hit-and-Run Victim
You never know when or where a hit-and-run car accident will happen, but if you are within city limits, you are over three times more likely to be the victim of a hit-and-run accident than on rural roads. Regardless of your location, there are some basic steps to follow if you are the victim of a hit-and-run car accident:
- Prioritize safety. Check for injuries and call 9-1-1 immediately for medical assistance if needed.
- Call the police. File a police report and provide as many details as possible about the other vehicle and driver.
- Gather evidence. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, and get contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek medical assistance. Get a medical evaluation, regardless of how you feel, and document any injuries.
After getting medical care, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to get professional legal guidance on your hit-and-run car accident claim.
Hit-and-Run Legal Consequences
Dealing with the consequences of a hit-and-run car accident can be devastating and expensive. The good news is that you do not have to sit back and do nothing. Instead, you can file a claim and press charges to recover costs. Typically, consequences for a hit-and-run violation can include:
- Criminal charges. Penalties can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
- Call the police. The costs can be substantial.
- Jail time. Time behind bars is also a possibility, especially if someone suffered injuries as a result of the accident.
- License suspension. The court may take away someone’s license after committing a hit-and-run offense.
When you contact our Poplar Grove hit-and-run car accident lawyer, we are on your side. We can use our legal skill and knowledge to ensure you receive justice.
Why Should I Hire a Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accident cases in Poplar Grove, Illinois, are handled by the Boone County 19th Judicial Circuit Court. Paperwork can be confusing, and court deadlines can be overwhelming. Working with an attorney can alleviate stress because they can provide guidance on the ins and outs of a complicated court system, even if you have never set foot inside a courtroom before.
Personal Injury Matter Types We Handle
Our firm provides expert legal representation for the following specific accident and injury matters:
- Poplar Grove Car Accident Injury Lawyer – Comprehensive representation for motor vehicle collision victims, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries
- Poplar Grove Truck Accident Lawyer – Aggressive advocacy against trucking companies and commercial drivers whose negligence caused catastrophic injuries on Northern Illinois highways
- Poplar Grove Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Skilled representation for motorcyclists who have suffered serious injuries due to other drivers’ negligence, speeding, or failure to see motorcycles on the road
- Poplar Grove Rideshare Accident Lawyer – Expert handling of complex Uber and Lyft accident cases involving multiple insurance policies, whether you were a passenger, driver, or struck by a rideshare vehicle
- Poplar Grove Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Dedicated representation for pedestrians struck by negligent drivers, securing compensation for severe injuries and long-term medical needs
- Boone County Truck Accident Lawyer – Strategic litigation against trucking companies throughout Boone County for accidents involving commercial vehicles and semi-trucks
FAQs About Poplar Grove, IL Hit-and-Run Car Accident Law
What Percent of Hit-and-Run Accidents Do Police Solve?
Nationwide statistics of hit-and-run accidents that are solved by police are difficult to calculate. In some places, such as Chicago, the hit-and-run solve rate is less than 1%, whereas in Los Angeles it is 8%. More reporting and tracking at the individual city level is needed to make an accurate determination.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Illinois?
In Illinois, there is no single average car accident settlement because amounts can vary significantly based on factors such as injury severity, lost wages, and insurance coverage. For minor accidents, settlements may be under $3,000, while cases with even moderate injuries can average over $20,000. When you hire a hit-and-run car accident lawyer, it can help you maximize your compensation.
How Much Do Hit-and-Run Lawyers Charge in Illinois?
The cost of a hit-and-run attorney in Illinois can vary depending on the complexity of the case, a lawyer’s experience, the probability of going to trial, and the size of the law firm. Often, hit-and-run accident attorneys charge a contingency fee and take a percentage of the settlement. During an initial consultation with our firm, you can discuss your case and fee structure.
Does the Law Take Hit-and-Runs Seriously?
According to hit-and-run car accident laws, the crime is very serious, often resulting in felony charges. Leaving the scene of an accident is often a misdemeanor for minor property damage, but it can escalate to a felony with severe consequences, including prison time and heavy fines, in cases involving injury or death. Even in cases where there is no injury, the law takes the crime seriously.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Trying to navigate a hit-and-run car accident injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries. At Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, we know how important it is for you to focus on your health. Call our Poplar Grove hit-and-run car accident lawyer to schedule your consultation and get the justice you deserve today.
Serving Poplar Grove and Northern Illinois
When accidents shatter your life in Poplar Grove or throughout Northern Illinois, you need attorneys who aren’t just skilled legal advocates but also neighbors who genuinely understand this community. At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, our strong family ties to Marengo and the greater McHenry County area run deep, making us that much more passionate about serving the people who live and work here. With over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, we bring both sophisticated legal expertise and a genuine commitment to giving back to the Northern Illinois communities we call home.
Based in Marengo with roots throughout McHenry County and serving Poplar Grove and surrounding areas, our firm combines decades of personal injury experience with the personalized attention you simply won’t find at large, impersonal law firms. Our attorneys are heavily involved in local bar associations and actively volunteer with community organizations, from supporting our troops through local Cub Scout initiatives to numerous other charitable efforts. This deep community involvement means we understand the local roads where your accident occurred—from high-speed collisions on US-20 and Route 173 to crashes on smaller county roads—and we’re personally invested in helping our neighbors recover.
Whether you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident on Route 173, struck while riding your motorcycle through Boone County, hit as a pedestrian in downtown Poplar Grove, involved in a complex rideshare accident, or suffered injuries in a truck collision on US-20, partnering with Poplar Grove accident attorneys who take the time to truly understand your individual situation and provide genuinely personalized legal counsel—rather than treating you as just another case number—can be the difference between struggling through recovery alone and having dedicated advocates who fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
