Chicago hit and run accident attorney and leaving the scene of an accident Chicago, Illinois.
In Chicago, Illinois, a driver that leaves the scene of an accident commits a hit-and-run crime that is highly punishable by law.
Assume you panicked and left the scene of an accident, or for any other reason you are charged with a hit and run, do you need to hire a hit and run accident attorney?
Will the hit and run lawyer help you escape prison sentence? who are the top recommended lawyers that know better how to juggle a leaving the scene of an accident charge? wanna explore further, let’s now dive in.
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What are the laws for hit and run in Chicago?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago can result in criminal charges. The penalties of a hit and run depend on the circumstances of the accident including the outcome of damages or injuries.
Here are things you need to keep in mind as far as hit and run laws in Chicago are concerned.
1. If the accident resulted in only property damages, you will be charged with a class A hit-and-run misdemeanor.
2. You will be charged with a hit-and-run felony if the accident involved injuries and or deaths. The charge will be a class 2 felony if there are deaths involved.
3. You must stop at the scene of an accident whether you caused the accident or not.
4. In Chicago, and Illinois at large, there are no statute of limitations for initiating a criminal charge against the driver. But, there is a time limit within which you should file a civil claim against the hit-and-run driver.
5. Failure to report the auto crash in Chicago will earn you charges of hit and run felony.
6. Finally, hit-and-run victims in Chicago have a right to hold the hit and run drivers accountable for their reckless by filing civil lawsuits.
What happens if you crash and leave the scene in Illinois?
As I already mentioned, all drivers must stay at the scene of an accident and fulfill the following legal obligations.
- Exchange personal information like your name, contact, address, and car details.
- Share insurance information
- Render help if there are injuries
- Report the accident to the police if the crash caused substantial damages/injuries.
By fleeing or leaving the scene of an accident, you will have committed a hit-and-run offense. If found guilty, you will be charged and the penalties depend on the outcome of the crash.
What is the penalty for hit and run in Chicago?
A driver that is found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident faces the following penalties in Chicago.
1. If you committed a hit-and-run misdemeanor, your will be punished by paying a fine of not more than $2,500 and or jail time of not exceeding 12 months.
2. A hit and run in Chicago that involves minor or serious injuries is a class 4 felony, punishable by 1-4 years in prison, and a fine of not exceeding $25,000.
3. A hit-and-run accident involving deaths is a class 2 felony and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and a fine not exceeding $25,000.
4. In addition to the above-mentioned fines and jail/prison time, your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked depending on the criminal charge imposed on you.
5. You will also face civil actions if you acted negligently in the accident. You will be liable to pay damages should the law find you guilty of causing the accident.
Can you go to jail for a hit and run in Chicago?
Absolutely. You can go to jail for a hit and run in Chicago and the length of your jail time depends on whether there were severe damages, deaths, and personal injuries.
The chances of going to jail also increase if you committed other violations like drinking under the influence, overrunning traffic signs, etc. Additionally, the past criminal record also increases your likelihood of going to prison.
What to do in a hit and run Chicago?
What to do in a hit and run Chicago depends on whether you are the driver at-fault, passenger, or a victim of the crime.
If you are the driver that is being accused of the crime, the first thing is to prepare for your defense. You do not want to spend more than 14 years in prison, do you?
You must have gathered any information, or pieces of evidence right at the scene that proves you are innocent, or that proves you stayed at the scene of an accident.
Your next action should be seeking the legal advice of an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer. You preferably need an experienced criminal defense attorney.
If you are the victim, then preparing your case against the at-fault driver is key. You should also have gathered any information or evidence that highly pins that at-fault driver.
You must invite police to the scene of an accident to compile a police car accident report, and you must immediately inform your insurance company.
Your worries as a hit and run victim will be centered around physical injuries, and whether you will ever be compensated. Since the other driver fled the scene, you will most likely be compensated by your own insurance company if you carry the rightful policies.
How much is a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois?
“The Illinois Secretary of State’s office assigns points to your driver’s license for various traffic violations like speeding, driving under the influence, running red lights, etc,”, says Steven J. Malman, a car accident attorney in Chicago.
However, there are no specific points a driver earns on his driver’s records for leaving the scene of an accident.
The most important thing you should remember is that accumulation of tickets or traffic points will lead to having your driver’s license suspended or revoked.
What happens if you don’t call the police after an accident in Illinois?
If you don’t call the police after an accident in Illinois, including Chicago, there can be legal and practical consequences. Here are the key points to consider:
1. Legal requirements. Illinois law requires that all auto accidents that resulted in injuries or more than $1,500 be reported to the police. Failure to do that implies criminal liabilities.
2. Criminal liability. You will be charged with a felony if didn’t report an accident that resulted in injuries and or deaths.
3. Problems with insurance. Reporting the crash to the police implies recordings of vital information that will later help during claim settlement with the insurance company.
4. Safety and Medical Assistance. Calling the police will help in dispatching medical help if there are injuries involved.
Chicago hit and run accident attorneys
Hey, finally we’re here. I know you may be looking to hire one of the best hit and run lawyers or the best of the best car accident attorneys in Chicago, and Illinois at large.
Here are the physical addresses and contact numbers of the five top Chicago hit and run accident attorneys:
1. Phillip J. Berenz
- Address: 33 N LaSalle St #3200, Chicago, IL 60602
- Contact: (312) 375-6524
2. Melvin L. Brooks
- Address: 20 N Clark St #3300, Chicago, IL 60602
- Contact: (312) 427-7800
3. Carolyn Daley
- Address: 20 N Clark St #3300, Chicago, IL 60602
- Contact: (312) 782-8372
4. Derek Dominguez
- Address: 20 N Clark St #3300, Chicago, IL 60602
- Contact: (312) 782-8372
5. Kenneth A. Hoffman
- Address: 20 N Clark St #3300, Chicago, IL 60602
- Contact: (312) 782-8372
Conclusion.
A driver that leaves or flees the scene of an accident in Chicago commits a crime known as a hit and run. In Illinois, a hit and run offense is a very serious crime and carries the heaviest punishments.
If you are the victim or the offender, you definitely need the services of a Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer to protect your right, explore your legal options, and for a fair hearing.
Source.
1. Leaving the Scene (Hit & Run) Offenses in Illinois. source: https://www.illinoisdriverslicensereinstatementlawyer.com/leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident.html
2. Hit and Run – The 2 Types and What to do if You’re Involved. source: https://www.feldmanroyle.com/vehicular-crimes/hit-and-run/
3. Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Near You source: https://www.malmanlaw.com/car-accident-lawyer/
