What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run in Chicago?
We’ve all probably known someone who has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, which may prompt you to wonder what you should do if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate position. If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago and you don’t have any information on the driver who has fled, you may still be eligible for compensation under your own insurance policy. Learn more about the steps you should take immediately following a hit-and-run, and explore some common scenarios with the personal injury and car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason H. Rubens, P.C..
Follow These Steps After a Hit-and-Run in Chicago
Following a hit-and-run accident, you’ll probably feel confused, angry, and frightened, among other emotions. As with any car accident, it’s important to try to remain composed to the best of your ability, and take the following steps:
- Evaluate injuries. First, assess the injuries you and any passengers may have sustained — this takes priority over all else. If you need medical attention, call an ambulance right away. If you’re in stable condition, you can pull your car off the road to take the next steps.
- Contact the police. Be prepared to give your location and provide other details they may ask for.
- Record important information. In a hit-and-run in Chicago, you might not be able to note vital information such as the other driver’s license plate number and the make, year, and model of their car. However, you should still record the date and time of the accident, get contact information from any witnesses, take photos of the scene and any damage to your vehicle, and record any injuries you sustained.
- Contact your insurance company. This will help get the claims process started immediately. Depending on your coverage, they may also be able to provide a towing service if necessary and help you obtain alternative transportation.
- Reach out to a Chicago car accident attorney. In a hit-and-run, the other driver is usually fleeing the accident for a reason. If they cannot be identified or if they are identified but do not have insurance, an experienced car accident attorney like those at The Law Offices of Jason H. Rubens, P.C. may be able to help you seek compensation through relevant provisions in your own auto insurance policy.
Common Hit-and-Run Chicago Scenarios
Unsure what exactly constitutes a hit-and-run accident? Any time a vehicle hits another vehicle, object, or person, and fails to stop and provide their information, the accident becomes a hit-and-run. Here are some common hit-and-run Chicago scenarios:
- A driver hits a parked car with nobody in it. They drive away without leaving any contact information for the owner of the parked car.
- A driver strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist and chooses to flee the scene rather than stopping to check on the person and provide their information.
- Your car is hit, and the other driver pulls over with you. They may come up to your car and tell you something along the lines of “I’ll be right back, I’m just going to grab my insurance information,” but they get back in their car and flee the scene.
Consult The Law Offices of Jason H. Rubens, P.C. After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Chicago
Every case is different, but an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Here at The Law Offices of Jason H. Rubens, P.C., our dedicated attorneys have helped a number of hit-and-run victims in Chicago, earning a proven track record of success. To explore your options with a free consultation, contact us today.