How to find a lawyer after hit and run Chicago? Leaving the scene of an accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois.
Assume you are a victim of hit and run accident that occurred in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Assume the accident left you with serious injuries.
Yes, you are injured. But the worst side of it is that, The driver of the black sedan that hit you fled the scene of the accident.
Just like any other person that gets involved in an accident, your worry is now the possibility of ever getting compensated for the injuries and other damages.
According to your friends, only a hit and run accident lawyer could help fight for your rights and increase your likelihood of finding the hit-and-run driver and receiving fair compensation.
How do you find a top hit-and-run accident lawyer in Chicago?
Simple. To find a lawyer after a hit and run accident in Chicago, seek medical attention if needed, contact a hit-and-run lawyer, research reputable law firms, and schedule consultations to discuss your case.
But is that all you can do? and how do you attempt it? well, read on to discover how, and also get highlights of some of the best hit-and-run accident attorneys in Chicago, Illinois. Ready, let’s go!
Page Contents
What information should I provide to a hit and run lawyer in Chicago?
Yes, lawyers are the best investigation officers. But this does not mean walking to him empty-handed and expect miracles. Lawyers need information, and you the client are the source.
When speaking with a hit and run lawyer in Chicago, provide as much information as possible about the accident, including:
1. The date, time, and location of the accident. Make sure you remember this information before knocking on the offices of Chicago car accident attorneys.
2. The make and model of the other vehicle. There is a possibility that you have no this information because the other car fled the scene of an accident.
Ask around. Maybe there is an eyewitness that saw the car that left the scene of the accident. A nearby security camera could be useful in such scenarios.
3. The license plate number of the other vehicle. One of the valuable pieces of evidence in any car accident is the car’s license plates.
Though you may also be required to identify the hit-and-run driver, police and other authorities have the potential to perform a hit and run license plate look-up.
By performing a license plate look-up, the owner of the car, car history, and other valuable information could be discovered.
4. Any physical description of the other driver. I have heard instances where police refuse to pursue the case just because the victim cannot identify the other driver.
I remember a friend who told me he had the license plates handed over to the police. But, still, the police insisted that they won’t do anything more unless the driver could identify the driver. But that was wrong, right?
5. Any witness statements or contact information. Your lawyer will want to know if there were any eyewitnesses at the scene. These will provide other information your Chicago hit-and-run lawyer finds important.
6. Photos and footage video. Your lawyer will also want photos you took at the car accident scene. photos of injuries, car damages, and the whole scene will help.
7. Medical bills and or medical records. If you were injured, you must have sought medical treatment. Hospital records act as proof of your injuries sustained in the hit and run accident.
How to choose the right hit and run lawyer in Chicago?
Choosing the right hit and run lawyer in Chicago can be a daunting task, but here are some steps you can take to help you make an informed decision:
1. Do research. Yes, you can ask friends, or do an independent search on the internet. Just plug in Google terms like “Chicago hit and run accident lawyer” and pick up a few sites.
2. Choose lawyers with the highest experience. You do not want to hire a lawyer that specializes in business law to handle your car accident case. Choose a lawyer with experience in hit and run accident cases.
3. Read lawyer reviews. There are certain websites online that offer lawyer reviews. Get a few of the sites and read previous clients’ review comments.
4. Schedule a consultation. Book a consultation and speak to the lawyer. During the session, asses whether your personality clicked with the lawyer you chose or not.
5. Consider lawyer fees. Some accident attorneys charge contingency fees whereas others charge an hourly fee. Which of the 2 suits you as a client?
Who are some of the best hit and run accident lawyers in Chicago.
According to Google search results, there are very many hit-and-run accident attorneys in Chicago. But, do you think the services offered are equal? well, I guess not!
Recommended reading: How to beat a leaving the scene of an accident ticket?
In my own opinion, some of the best hit and run accident lawyers in Chicago include; Ankin Law, Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, Walner Law, The Kryder Law Group, and Abels & Annes, P.C.
What are the fees for a hit and run lawyer in Chicago?
The truth is, accident lawyers in Illinois, Chicago charge differently. some charge a contingency fee, whereas others prefer an hourly rate.
The contingency fee bases system implies that you will not pay the lawyer unless he/she wins you a verdict/settlement. These lawyers usually charge you 30-40% of your verdict/settlement.
Also, I also need to remind you that the lawyer fees in Chicago depend on the experience of the attorney and the complexities of the case at hand. Here is my simple guide;
1. An experienced car accident lawyer in Illinois or Chicago charges at least $250 hourly.
2. I already said this. Some lawyers will charge you a contingency fee. On average, this is around 33% of your settlement/verdict. The lawyer receives no payment unless he/she wins.
What should I do if I am charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago can result in penalties such as jail time, fines, and license revocation. The consequences vary depending on whether the accident involved property damage, injury, or death.
A hit and run accident crime in Chicago, Illinois has implications like a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine not exceeding $25,000, and revocation or suspension of your driving rights.
Additionally, you will be sued in civil claims to compensate the driver that suffered losses/damages due to your negligence.
Recommended reading: What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?
If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago, here are several steps you should take:
1. Contact an experienced Chicago hit and run lawyer. If you are the driver that committed this serious offense, quickly seek legal representation.
An experienced Illinois hit-and-run lawyer should help you understand the gravity of your charges and at the same time prepare a strong defense against the convictions.
2. Understand the law. Understanding the law will help you to make informed decisions. For example, you will understand the role of an attorney in a more serious crime like a felony hit and run.
3. Be prepared for potential penalties. Yes, you heard it right. Be ready for a prison sentence, be ready for hefty fines, and either a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
4. Cooperate with law enforcement. You must cooperate at all times. Provide the investigators with the rightful information but with so much careful not to incriminate yourself even more.
In short, If charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Chicago, contact a lawyer, understand the law, be prepared for penalties, and cooperate with law enforcement.
How long does it typically take to resolve a hit-and-run case in Illinois?
To be frank, there is no specific time it takes to resolve a hit-and-run case in Illinois. This all depends on the complexities of the accident, and the information in possession of the traffic authorities.
Generally speaking, resolving a hit and run case in Illinois should take between 30 days to 6 months. However, the case could take years if it goes to trial.
As far as resolving the hit and run case in Illinois is concerned, the following are important things you should never forget as a driver.
1. You must report any auto accident that results in deaths, injuries, and or property damages within the first 10 days. Failure to do that implies a felony or misdemeanor charge depending on the outcome of the crash.
2. Within 1 year. The statute of limitations in Illinois for accidents involving fatalities is 1 year. If your loved one was killed in the crash, you typically have 12 months to file an unlawful death lawsuit in Illinois.
3. Within 2 years. The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Illinois is 2 years. If you were injured in an accident, have your lawyer file a personal injury lawsuit within 24 months.
You should note that failure to file your civil claim within the stated time or statute of limitations implies a loss of your rights to sue.
To sum it up, Resolving a hit-and-run case in Illinois can take anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, or even up to 2 years if it goes to trial. Deadlines include reporting the accident within 10 days and filing a lawsuit within 1-2 years. Hiring an attorney is recommended.
Conclusion.
The most important reason for hiring a hit and run accident lawyer is to seek justice if you are the victim, or to get a fair hearing if you are hit and run driver.
To find a lawyer after a hit and run accident in Chicago, contact a hit-and-run lawyer, research and compare law firms, and schedule consultations. Seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Sources
1. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/best-car-accident-lawyers-chicago-il/
2. https://bencrump.com/car-accident-lawyer/hit-and-run/
3. https://ankinlaw.com/motor-vehicle-accidents/hit-and-run-lawyer/
4. https://www.curcio-law.com/practice-areas/motor-vehicle-accidents/car-accidents/hit-and-run-accident-lawyer/
