Hit-and-Run in Illinois: What You Need to Know

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Pedestrian Accidents

For many it may seem unfathomable to be involved in an accident and then flee the scene without exchanging information with the other person. Unfortunately, not every driver remains at the scene.

The number of hit-and-run incidents in the U.S. is on the rise. In fact, the number increased more than 13 percent between 2009 and 2011. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as reported by USA Today, roughly one in five pedestrian accidents is a hit-and-run.

Pedestrians, however, are not the only victims of hit-and-run accidents. Bicycle riders can be victim to hit-and-runs as well. And as the number of Chicago bicyclists continues to increase, so does the number of accidents involving cyclists. Noted by the Chicago Sun-Times, the number of “bike crashes reported to police rose by 38 percent between 2001 and 2011.” When involved in a hit-and-run accident in Illinois, the most important first step is to record all available information, notes DMV.org. To start, if the crash involved two vehicles, check your car for marks. Write down detailed descriptions of anything you remember about the offending vehicle. Next, take note of any injuries you may have sustained as well as the exact time and day of the incident. Also, look around for possible witnesses. Another set of eyes could help reveal any details you may have missed. Finally, you will then need to contact the police and file a police report, and then contact an accident lawyer. Though it may seem counterintuitive, do not chase the other driver of the car.

If you or someone you know in Illinois has been injured in a hit-and-run crash or any other accident in which another party was responsible, you may be eligible for compensation. The most important step is to contact an Illinois accident attorney. Contact a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney today.