Chicago hit and run accident; leaving the scene of an accident Chicago, Illinois.
You are driving your cool new machine in one blissful evening. As you go past a certain road intersection, some other driver rear-ends you. You decide to pull over and take note of what just happened, but to your dismay, the other vehicle is nowhere to be seen.
Is this a hit and run accident, or it’s merely fleeing the scene of an accident? If you said yes, you may be right. However, there are a few things you need to get your mind over.
In Chicago, Illinois, A hit and run crime occurs when a driver fails to fulfill their legal responsibilities after being involved in an accident.
In Chicago, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. Seek legal assistance if charged.
This can include fleeing the scene, not providing contact information, and not seeking medical assistance if needed. Consequences can be severe.
If you are living in Chicago, Illinois, then this article is for you. If you are reading this article outside Illinois, yes, the basics of hit and run are the same across the USA. However, there are a few differences specific to different states you may want to google about.
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How to report a hit and run accident in Chicago?
Each state has its specific guidelines as far as leaving the scene of an accident is concerned. If you were involved in a hit and run in Chicago, follow these steps to report a hit and run accident.
1. Ensure safety. In any auto crash, the safety of those involved in the accident remains the key priority. Do not leave people dying or bleeding and run to the next police station.
You should not also leave behind a situation that could endanger the lives of others. Make sure you and any other person involved in the crash is safe from further damage/injuries.
2. Call 911. By dialing 911, you are doing 2 things at the same time. You are inviting emergency medical services and also reporting the crash to the police.
Remember you must report any car accident that involves injuries and or any property damages that exceeds $1500 in Illinois.
3. Remember, as a driver, you are supposed to report the accident to the police and to your insurance company.
The police officer that responds to the crush will ask you questions that you must answer carefully. This is the reason why you must gather as much information about the accident as possible.
Recommended reading: Can someone report you for hitting their car if they only have your license plate number?
You should know the time and location of the accident, car colors, models, make, and license plates. You should also take note of the damages and or injuries suffered in the crash.
3. Contact the Chicago Police Department. You must report any crashes that involve injuries and property damages that exceed $1500 in Chicago, Illinois.
There are 2 ways of reporting a hit-and-run accident in Chicago. These include.
Online hit and run accident reporting. Visit the Chicago police department website and complete the crush reporting forms. However, you must call 911 to report crushes that need emergency services.
In-person hit-and-run accident Reporting. If you wish, you are free to walk to any police station and complete a car accident report. Got an accident to report? walk into the Chicago metro area (cook area) and compile your crash reports.
If you wish to walk in and file a desk report in Chicago, make sure you brought things such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any evidence or witness statements you may have.
4. Make a follow-up. Do not file your hit and run accident report and go home and relax. If you were involved in a minor hit-and-run accident, chances are, police may ignore your case unless you make follow-ups.
If you need to follow-up your hit-and-run case in Chicago Illinois, call (312) 746-6000 or email clearpath@chicagopolice.org.
What are the penalties for hit and run accidents in Chicago?
Just like in any other state here in the USA, the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident are; prison time/ jail time, fines, suspension/revocation of your driving rights, and or probation.
On top of those criminal consequences, a driver the flees the scene of an accident in Chicago could face civil lawsuits and other administrative punishments.
There are potentially 2 types of criminal charges imposed on the driver that leaves the scene of an accident, ie;
1. Misdemeanor hit and run: These are criminal charges that will be pressed against you if you left the scene of an accident involving just property damages.
2. felony hit and run. You will face these criminal charges if the accident involves deaths and or fatalities.
In short, In Chicago, the penalties for felony hit and run vary depending on the circumstances.
Recommended reading: hit and run license plate lookup, An accident lawyer explains how to look up license plates after an accident.
For instance, Following a hit-and-run misdemeanor in Chicago, Illinois, expect to be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail, fines of not more than $2500, and or suspension of your driver’s license.
On the other hand, committing a felony hit and run may earn you up to 14 years in prison, fines not in excess of $25,000, and revocation of your driving rights.
In addition to the above, the victim has a right to sue you to recoup his losses/damages. You will be liable to compensate the victim by paying from your pockets or from your insurance companies.
What should I do if I left the scene of an accident in Chicago?
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in Chicago. I know a guy that recently received a sentence of life imprisonment because of a felony hit and run.
You would rather stay at the scene of an accident and battle other civil charges other than facing a multiple charges including criminal proceedings.
Having that said, this is what you should do if I left the scene of an accident in Chicago;
1. Return to the scene of an accident immediately. If a few minutes just elapsed, please, endeavor to return to the scene of an accident as soon as possible.
A driver that returns to the scene of an accident won’t face criminal charges. But you must give a sound reason as to why you had left the scene, and you must have returned back before the police completed the crash report.
2. Speak to a hit and run accident attorney in Chicago. If you are a victim of the crime call the attorney immediately for further guidance. However, if you are the driver that fled the scene, speak to a criminal lawyer before anyone else.
3. Prepare your defense. You do not want to spend your next 14 years in prison, do you? let the criminal defense attorney you hired guide you on what pieces of information/ evidence are needed in a defense against hit and run accusations.
4. Cooperate with authorities. I have been to courts of law many times. Usually, judges punish criminals who waste the court’s time and other resources. Make sure you cooperate with authorities if you want a fair sentence.
How to find a lawyer for a hit and run accident in Chicago?
You definitely need the services of a hit and run lawyer whether you are the victim, or the driver that left the scene of an accident. But just like other service providers, not every lawyer is talented.
If you are looking for a lawyer for a hit and run accident in Chicago, there are several steps you can take:
1. Seek medical attention. One of the most reasons why a hit and run victim seeks legal representation is to be helped in getting fair compensation.
From my own research, medical bills account for 60-80% of your settlement offer. Seeking medical treatment also signifies that the accident was serious, and it also serves as evidence that you suffered losses.
2. Contact a Chicago hit-and-run lawyer. You will find yourself speaking to several parties soon after an auto accident. My advice is, do not speak to any party after the accident not until you spoke to an attorney.
3. Reach out to a Chicago car accident lawyer. Many times, pieces of evidence get lost or destroyed. Additionally, eyewitnesses tend to forget important things in relation to the accident scene.
To avoid all the above mishaps, I highly recommend reaching out to your attorney soon after the accident.
4. If you are looking for the best car accident attorneys in Chicago, I got your back. Lawyers from Ankin Law are the most experienced attorney around Chicago, Illinois.
5. Lawyers from Goldberg Weisman Cairo. This firm has free-of-charge consultation and case evaluation. Call them at 1-312-626-9154 and book your free consultation sessions.
6. For those of us who do not find the above-recommended law firms better, try Gainsberg Law. They also have the best experience handling hit-and-run cases around Chicago, Illinois.
7. Apart from what I said you can also ask a friend or family to recommend one of the best hit-and-run lawyers in Chicago. Yes, tests and preferences differ, but if a friend found the lawyer friendly, chances are higher that their services could be better.
I was charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois, what do I do?
I know of a guy that is serving a year prison sentence in Chicago due to a hit and run crime he committed 5 months ago. You don’t want this experience, do you?
well, If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois, here are some steps you can take:
1. Consult an attorney. You need to fight and defend yourself against the criminal charges. A lawyer that specializes in traffic offenses and other offenses will help you.
2. Gather evidence. Look for any pieces of information or any evidence that could help you get off the hook.
To prove you innocent of a hit and run crime, take photos of the accident, eyewitness recordings, accident footage, and any documentation that will support your case.
3. Understand the penalties. Charges of leaving the scene of an accident are 2, just like I already explained. These are either a hit-and-run misdemeanor or a hit and run felony.
Understanding these charges is crucial because it will help you make informed decisions. For instance, why would your lawyer charge heavy fees if it’s only a misdemeanor?
4. Cooperate with the enforcement. Defendants that cooperate with police and other authorities usually receive fair verdicts compared to when you gave them a ‘headache’.
Recommended reading: Hit and run notice in the mail; Accident attorney explains what to do after leaving the scene of an accident notice.
Cooperate with police but do not give them any statements in the absence of your attorney. Police officers know the right questions they ask to trick you into saying things that will be used against you later.
5. Appear In court. Your lawyer should be in place to guide you throughout court hearings and should be able to represent you.
6. Explore other possible defenses. Yes, if it’s written in ‘blue and white’ that you left the scene of an accident. Are there possible lifeline defenses? yeah, sure.
You, through your hit-and-run accident lawyer, may challenge the evidence, question the legality of the traffic stop, or argue that you were not aware of the accident.
What are the long-term consequences of leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois.
In Chicago, Illinois, you will have put your life in danger if you committed a hit and run. This is because leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago comes with many consequences.
The long-term consequences of leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago, Illinois are:
1. Did the accident involve only property damages? well, expect charges of a misdemeanor hit and run. Charges of a misdemeanor hit and run in Chicago, Illinois are fines of up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail.
2. Did the hit-and-run accident involve injuries, and or deaths? that’s a hit-and-run felony. Legal penalties for a felony hit and run in Chicago, Illinois include up to 14 years in prison, a maximum fine of $25,000, and revocation of your driving rights.
3. Lastly, leaving the scene of an accident can also result in a criminal record. This could have a negative effect on your future employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.
Conclusion.
What is considered a Chicago hit and run accident? Well, you will be charged with a hit and run crime if, after the accident, you left the scene without exchanging personal information, rendering help, and or reporting the crash to the police.
There are 2 potential criminal legal consequences of leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago, Illinois. Depending on the outcome of the crash and whether there were injuries or not, be ready to battle a misdemeanor or a felony.
Sources
1. Hit and Run Accident Chicago. gainsberglaw. https://www.gainsberglaw.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/hit-and-run/
2. Hit and Run – Felonies vs. Misdemeanors. callonfitz. https://callonfitz.com/hit-run-felonies-vs-misdemeanors/
3. Best Car Accident Lawyers Chicago. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/best-car-accident-lawyers-chicago-il/
