Any car accident is stressful, but it can be even worse when you do not know who hit you. The aftermath of a hit-and-run can become an unwelcome maze of questions and concerns.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision, you need to reach out to a skilled Chicago car accident lawyer at Therman Law with 75 years of combined experience as soon as possible.

These cases can be complex. Having the right Chicago hit-and-run car accident lawyer on your side can make a huge difference in your case. Contact us today to request your 100% free consultation.

Trouble Identifying Hit-and-Run Drivers and How We Can Help

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with injuries, medical bills, and property damage while the responsible driver disappears. Tracking down a hit-and-run driver is difficult because there is often little identifying information available.

Working with a Chicago personal injury lawyer increases the chances of locating the driver or securing compensation through your own insurance policy.

Investigative Steps to Locate a Hit-and-Run Driver

Law enforcement and legal teams use several methods to track down hit-and-run drivers. Police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements provide crucial details about the vehicle and its direction of travel. Accident reconstructionists analyze skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage to piece together what happened.

We can request footage from nearby businesses, obtain cellphone records if distracted driving was involved, and subpoena vehicle repair shops that may have serviced a damaged car after the accident. When law enforcement resources are limited, having legal support can make a difference in finding the driver responsible for your injuries.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver is Never Found?

When a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim. Uninsured motorist coverage applies to hit-and-run accidents because the driver is treated as an uninsured party.

Many Illinois drivers have UM coverage, but insurance companies often make the claims process difficult.

Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts, not making sure you receive the full compensation you need. Adjusters may delay your claim, offer a low settlement, or dispute the severity of your injuries.

Our team can negotiate with your insurance company to maximize your payout. When insurers undervalue claims, legal representation forces them to provide a fair settlement.

Illinois Hit-and-Run Laws and Your Legal Rights

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, a person who is involved in a motor vehicle accident in which people are injured, or property is damaged, is required to stop at the scene and exchange information as well as help when necessary.

A hit-and-run accident takes place when one party to an accident flees the scene of that accident. In other words, a hit-and-run accident is one in which one driver fails to stop and provide proper identification after a crash.

How Negligence Affects a Hit-and-Run Injury Claim

Drivers who fail to stay at the scene of an accident may face criminal penalties. Even if a driver’s criminal charges are dismissed or the driver has been acquitted, an injured party can often still file a negligence claim. In such cases, the injured party must prove negligence by a preponderance of the evidence.

Negligence takes place when a driver fails to use the level of care and caution that a reasonably prudent driver would use in the same situation.

To establish negligence, certain points must be shown. These include proving that the defendant owed a duty to the victim, the defendant breached the duty owed to the victim, and the plaintiff suffered harm or damage as a result.

Breaching the duty of care may or may not consist of leaving the scene. In many cases, a driver flees the scene because they were drunk or because they do not want to be cited for another traffic violation. This violation is often the reason for the accident and the victim’s injuries.

Maximizing Compensation After a Hit-and-Run in Chicago

A hit-and-run accident can leave you with significant financial burdens and serious injuries, including burn injuries, broken bones, and fractures. Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and whether the driver’s actions were reckless.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Recoverable damages in these cases include:

Medical expenses, including hospital bills and rehabilitation.
Lost wages if your injury prevents you from working.
Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement.
Pain and suffering caused by the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries result in long-term limitations.
Punitive damages if the driver is found and their actions were reckless.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payouts

Insurance companies have strategies to reduce or deny hit-and-run claims. They may argue that your injuries are minor, that you were partially responsible for the crash, or that there is insufficient evidence to support your claim. Some of the most common tactics insurers use include:

Delaying claims to pressure victims into accepting low offers.
Disputing medical records and downplaying injury severity.
Arguing that pre-existing conditions caused or worsened your injuries.
Claiming there is not enough evidence to prove the accident occurred as described.
Offering quick but low settlements before you understand the full impact of your injuries.

Insurance companies rely on victims not knowing the full value of their claim. Your Chicago hit-and-run car accident attorney at Therman Law can protect you from these tactics by gathering strong evidence, consulting with medical experts, and demanding a fair settlement. When insurers refuse to negotiate, legal action may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

Choose Charlie – Choose a Reputable Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure of your next steps, but you do not have to fight this battle alone. Your hit–and–run car accident attorney in Chicago with Therman Law is committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve, whether that means tracking down the at-fault driver or holding your own insurance company accountable.

You work hard—when you are injured, we work hard for you. Schedule your free, no–obligation consultation today by calling our office or submitting our convenient contact form.