Few accidents are as jarring as a hit and run car accident. For most people, the thought of speeding off when after a serious accident would never enter their mind. Yet, there are hundreds of hit and run accidents each year in and around Chicago. Sadly, many of these accidents result in serious injury or death. And unfortunately, recovering after a Chicago hit and run accident can be difficult for accident victims.
While recovering financial compensation after any Chicago car accident can raise certain challenges, hit and run accidents often present unique difficulties for accident victims. For one, in a Chicago hit and run accident, there may not be another party to look to for financial responsibility. By their very nature, a hit and run accident involves a situation in which one of the motorists leaves the scene of the accident without calling the police or providing their information to other drivers. Thus, when it comes to pursuing a claim for compensation, the only option is often with the accident victim’s own insurance policy, under the Uninsured Motorist (UM) provision.
Illinois Auto Insurance Requirements
In Illinois, motorists are required to keep a certain amount of insurance on their vehicles. Specifically, those amounts are as follows:
- Liability Coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage
- Uninsured/Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage (UM): $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance (UIM): Only required if the motorist purchases higher limits of UM coverage.
The availability of insurance coverage after a hit and run accident is crucial to an accident victim’s full financial recovery. For example, in many serious car accidents, an injured party will sustain serious injuries resulting in significant medical expenses that may not be covered by the limits of their UM policy. In some cases, there are multiple policies that may be available to an accident victim. Anyone injured in a hit and run accident should consult with a dedicated Chicago injury lawyer for immediate assistance.
Woman Killed in Chicago Hit and Run Accident
In late May, a woman was killed in a Chicago hit and run collision. According to a local news report, the fatal collision occurred near 600 South Canal Street. Evidently, the woman was walking across the street around 1 p.m. when she was struck by what authorities have said was a “purple or blue-colored Ford Escape SUV.” A photograph of the vehicle was released, however, the license plate was not visible from the picture. Authorities are still looking for the driver involved in the hit and run accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Chicago Hit and Run Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Chicago hit and run accident, consider contacting the dedicated injury advocates at Abels & Annes, P.C. Our law firm has a lengthy history of representing injury victims in and around Chicago. Our experienced team of Chicago personal injury attorneys represent clients in car accidents, slip and falls, as well as instances of medical malpractice and other personal injury claims. To learn more, call 312-924-7575 to schedule a free consultation. Calling is free, and if you work with us there is no fee unless we are able to help you financially recover for your injuries.