Hit and Run Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions Chicago hit and run victims ask most. Still have questions? Call us anytime at (312) 766-1000.
Below are answers to common questions about hit and run claims in Chicago and Illinois. For advice on your specific situation, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also explore our practice areas for detailed information on each type of case.
Common Questions About Hit and Run Claims
Yes. Illinois requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on every auto policy, and it applies when the at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified. You file a UM claim with your own insurer. An attorney helps you pursue the full value of that claim when the insurer tries to underpay. Learn more on our uninsured motorist claims page.
Call 911 and get a police report. Note any vehicle details you can. Photograph the scene and your injuries. Get witness contact information. Seek medical care even if you feel okay. Then speak with an attorney before giving a statement to any insurer. See our full guide on what to do after a hit and run.
Illinois generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, uninsured motorist claims carry their own notice requirements, sometimes as short as 30 days. Do not wait to contact an attorney.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
Illinois law limits an insurer's ability to raise your rates or cancel your policy for a claim where you were not at fault. A hit and run caused by another driver is not your fault.
You may still be covered under the uninsured motorist policy of a resident relative. We review every policy in your household that could apply to your claim.
A partial plate, a vehicle description, or nearby camera footage can sometimes help identify the driver. Even if the driver is never found, your uninsured motorist coverage still applies.
Illinois generally requires physical contact in phantom vehicle cases, but there are exceptions. Do not assume you have no claim. We can evaluate the specific facts of what happened.
A uninsured motorist claim costs the insurer money. Even though you pay for this coverage, the company has a financial incentive to dispute and minimize your claim. An attorney levels the field and holds the insurer to its obligations.
Yes. We represent hit and run victims across the Chicago metro area, including the suburbs of Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. See the communities we serve.
