Dealing with the fallout of a car accident can be stressful. These accidents are especially difficult when the driver responsible for the crash flees the scene, leaving you with limited options for securing compensation.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash by a hit-and-run driver, your choice of legal counsel could have a major impact on your financial recovery. Let the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd advise you on how to proceed after a hit-and-run car accident in Elgin.
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen
Every person who leaves the scene of a crash has their own reason for doing so. Some motorists simply fail to notice that they collided with another driver and drive away unaware of the accident. In most cases, however, leaving the scene of a car accident is intentional. Some common factors that lead a person to leave the scene of an auto collision include:
- Active arrest warrants
- Lack of insurance coverage
- Intoxication
- Possession of stolen items
- Fear of liability
No matter their reason, it could be possible to hold a person who leaves the scene of a motor vehicle wreck accountable with the help of a skilled Elgin attorney.
Hit-and-Run Collision Laws
According to Illinois state law, it is mandatory to remain at the scene after a vehicle collision and notify the police of any bodily injuries or major property damage. Failure to comply with this law is a criminal offense. If someone fled the scene of a crash, they could face potential jail time and fines if they are found.
In addition to the potential criminal consequences, leaving the scene of an accident could impact a civil case as well. In order to secure compensation, a plaintiff must show the hit-and-run driver acted negligently. An Elgin court could infer that the defendant left the scene of the crash because they wanted to avoid liability.
How to Recover Damages from an Elgin Hit-and-Run Driver
The major issue in hit-and-run auto accident claims is the inability to identify the at-fault driver makes it difficult to hold them accountable. In some situations, law enforcement is able to track down the responsible party. When that happens, it is possible to pursue a civil lawsuit against them like in any other case.
Challenges arise when the other driver is never identified, however. When that happens, your best opportunity for compensation is filing a claim with your own insurance company. It could be possible to secure monetary benefits to cover medical bills and other expenses by filing an uninsured motorist claim.
It is important to note that not all drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers who do not have this type of insurance cannot make a claim for benefits when they are injured by a hit-and-run driver. If you are unsure about what options are available in your circumstances, connect with a local lawyer and ask about hit-and-run collisions.
Call an Elgin Attorney to Discuss Your Hit-and-Run Car Accident
You should never assume that you are on your own after a hit-and-run accident. You could have options available for recovering compensation, even in cases where the other driver remains unidentified.
An experienced injury attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd could help you evaluate your options after a hit-and-run car accident in Elgin, including filing a claim with your own insurance provider. Reach out right away to learn more.
