Hit-and-run accidents are surprisingly common. Nationally, there is one hit and run accident every minute.
Here are three things to know about these incidents.
Hit-and-run is a criminal offense in Illinois.
In most states, leaving the scene of an accident without offering information or aid to the victim or properly reporting the crash to the authorities is a criminal offense. Illinois is no exception: under Section 11-401 of Article IV of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code, leaving the scene of an accident that causes personal injury or death is a felony.
Many of these cases involve drivers who operate a vehicle while distracted or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Drivers who are intoxicated may fear license suspension or other consequences if they stay at the scene. Fortunately, the data shows that as many as half of these hit-and-run drivers are caught.
In fatal hit-and-run incidents, pedestrians are often the victims.
According to the AAA Foundation, about 1 in 5 pedestrian deaths are caused by a driver who leaves the scene of the accident.
States with higher density populations, like Chicago, tend to have more hit and runs. Thus, it’s more important than ever for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to exercise caution while traveling in the Chicagoland area.
Many insurance issues result from hit-and-run accidents.
Hit and run incidents can lead to numerous insurance issues, including:
- Collision coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Medical payments coverage
If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run incident, it is vital to take the following steps:
- Assess whether you are injured. If you are hurt, get immediate medical attention.
- Call the police so that they can begin an investigation.
- Inform your insurance company.
Contact Martin Law at 847-261-4995 to help you with your claim and protect your rights.
