Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
Hit and run accidents are scary. Often, after being struck by a hit and run driver, you are confused and worry about what to do next. Do you attempt to chase down the other driver or do you call the police? What if you were injured as a result of the accident? There are several steps you should take immediately to aid in the investigation and preserve any claims you may have against the hit and run driver.
First, if you can, take photographs of the other driver, their vehicle, and their license plate. These photographs can help the police track down the driver. You should also look out for witnesses who may have seen the hit and run accident, or who may have captured the accident or the driver on video. It is important to get this information to help the police with their investigation.
Then, you should contact the police immediately so they can begin an investigation into the accident and the hit and run driver. It is important to give the police all of the information you have about the accident and the hit and run driver right away so they can try to track down the hit and run driver. A recent investigation by NBC News revealed that the City of Chicago had approximately 37,000 hit and run accidents in 2021, which resulted in only 95 arrests. While the investigation by NBC News revealed that several of the hit and run investigations by the City of Chicago stalled, there was no explanation given as to why the police investigations stalled or why they resulted in few arrests.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me After a Hit and Run Accident?
If you were injured as a result of a hit and run accident, it is important to contact an attorney immediately after you have sought treatment for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you set up an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. An uninsured motorist claim allows for your insurance company to compensate you for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent injuries. For more information about why you need to notify your insurance company when you weren’t at fault for the accident, visit our blog HERE.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the special rules and coverage terms associated with hit and run accident claims. The attorney will be able to help you put forth a settlement or litigation strategy and will be able to help you resolve any liens or medical bills that arise as a result of the injuries you sustained in the hit and run accident. The attorney can also help you pursue a claim against the hit and run driver if they are identified by the police.
Being involved in a hit and run accident can be scary and dangerous. Serious injuries can result and the costs of treating those injuries can easily add up. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another’s negligent conduct, contact personal injury attorney John Malm at John J. Malm & Associates to learn more about how you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
About the Author: Rachel Legorreta is an associate with the law firm of John J. Malm & Associates, where she focuses her practice on personal injury litigation. She graduated magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law and is the current Editor-in-Chief of the DCBA Brief.