Chicago hit and run accident attorney; leaving the scene of an accident lawyer in Chicago, illinois.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when of the drivers involved in an accident leaves the scene of an accident without sharing personal information, reporting the accident to the police, and or rendering help to the injured.
In Chicago and Illinois at large, it’s a serious crime and is highly punishable by law.
There are 2 largely legal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago, Illinois. These include a hit and run felony and a hit and run misdemeanor.
A driver that leaves the scene of an accident involving deaths or injuries commits a hit-and-run felony. Whereas, a hit and run misdemeanor charge will be pressed against you if the accident involves only property damages.
The penalties for hit and run in Chicago range from a Class A misdemeanor for property damage to a Class 2 felony for a fatality, with fines and imprisonment as potential consequences.
On the other hand, Hit and run misdemeanors in Chicago, Illinois can result in penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and felony charges for accidents involving injury, property damage, or fatalities.
If you are a victim of hit and run, then hiring a Chicago hit and run accident attorney will help a lot especially if you are planning to sue the hit and run driver, or if you want to file a claim settlement against the insurance company.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible, Here are some steps you can take after a hit and run accident:
1. Seek medical attention and do not refuse ambulance services. Remember, what you receive as compensation for your losses largely depends on your medical bills.
On the same note, seeking medical care implies that you sustained the injuries due to the accident. In certain instances, medical bills could constitute more than 80% of your compensation payouts from the insurance company.
2. Contact an attorney. You do not want to speak to the lawyer after you have revealed incriminating information to the police and or to the accused’s defense lawyers.
3. Gather information. Your lawyer will want evidence like photos of the scene/damages/injuries, accident footage, eyewitness statements, details about the cars, and detains about the drivers.
Make sure you have recordings of the above-mentioned information before reaching out to a Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer. If you are the driver that fled the scene of an accident, you then need to talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
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Chicago hit and run accident attorney
If you are in need of a Chicago hit and run accident attorney, there are several options available to you. Here are some law firms that specialize in hit and runs and other auto accident cases:
1. Abels & Annes, P.C. These lawyers offer free consultation and case evaluations. You can reach out to their law firm at (312) 924-7575.
2. Ankin Law. Are you injured in any traffic accidents? This is the law firm you should reach out to. They specialized in all types of car accident cases.
3. GWC Law. A very highly trained and specialized team specializing in personal injuries. Can be contacted at 1-312-626-9154 or their free chat services on their website.
4. Gainsberg Law. This law firm has the highest experience representing hit and run victims in Illinois. They offer their services to residents of Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties.
5. Curcio Law Offices. Lawyers from Curcio law Offices handle all personal injury cases, including all types of car accident injuries.
what is the statute of limitations for hit and run accidents in Chicago?
I hope you guys remember that a hit-and-run driver can face many consequences, right? I already explained these in the previous article.
If you left the scene of an accident, you could be arrested and be charged with criminal cases, or the victims could bring a civil claim against you or your insurance company.
I already explained the criminal penalties for hit and run in Chicago, right? In a civil claim, the victim will be demanding that you compensate him for his losses or injuries.
In Chicago, there is no limitation to the time a hit and run driver is prosecuted in criminal court. This implies you may be charged for a hit and run even after 100 years after the accident.
However, there is a statute of limitations for civil cases and insurance claims in Illinois, and Chicago.
The statute of limitations for all personal injury claims in Chicago/Illinois is 2 years from the day of the hit-and-run accident. Beyond 2 years, the victim loses the right to sue for compensation.
what kind of compensation can I receive for a hit and run accident in Chicago?
As I said in the previous section, the victim has a right to bring a civil claim against you if you left the scene of an accident. But, the victim must file a claim in less than 2 years, or else he/she will lose suing rights.
If you are a victim of a hit and run in Chicago, you will be entitled to receive monetary compensation for the damages you incurred.
If you are involved in a hit and run accident in Chicago, you may be able to receive compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, collision insurance, or legal action with the help of an attorney.
You will receive damages like medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, lost potential to earn, and lost consortium.
Additionally, you may also receive punitive damages, and treble damages in addition to pain and suffering damages.
How can I prove fault in a hit and run accident in Chicago?
Just like in any case before the judge, the plaintiff (complainant) needs to present the required pieces of evidence in order to stand any chance.
Remember, the prosecutor will need to prove beyond doubt in criminal proceedings against the hit and run driver. On the other hand, the hit and run victim will be asked to provide clear and convincing evidence before the jury or judge.
In short, To prove fault in a hit and run accident in Chicago, get a copy of the police report, take photos and videos, interview witnesses, review video footage, look over driving records, recreate the accident, get medical attention, and contact a lawyer.
Conclusion.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, I highly recommend seeking help from an experienced attorney. The act of leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois may cause you serious consequences like prison time of more than 15 years.
Having that said that, Several law firms in Chicago specialize in hit and run accidents, including Abels & Annes, Ankin Law, GWC Law, Gainsberg Law, McHargue & Jones, and Curcio Law Offices.
Sources:
1. Is a Hit & Run a Felony? – Potential Charges & Jail Time. https://valientemott.com/legal-terminology/is-a-hit-and-run-a-felony/
2. Hit and Run – The 2 Types and What to do if You’re Involved. feldmanroyle. https://www.feldmanroyle.com/vehicular-crimes/hit-and-run/
3. Chicago Hit and Run Accident Lawyer. daveabels. https://www.daveabels.com/chicago-auto-accident-lawyers/hit-run/
4. Hit and Run Accident Chicago. gainsberglaw. https://www.gainsberglaw.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/hit-and-run/
