Chicago Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Hit and Run Accident Claim

Choosing the right attorney to represent you after a hit-and-run accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Walner Law, we bring over 60 years of legal experience to the table, coupled with genuine care for our clients’ well-being. We’ve recovered millions for injury victims across Chicago, and we don’t rest until justice is served.

The legal team at Walner Law offers a personalized approach. From the moment you contact us, we’ll treat you like family. We take the time to listen to your story and understand how your accident has impacted your life. Whether it’s medical bills, physical pain, or emotional trauma, we know what’s at stake. This is not just a case to us; it’s about your future.

We also offer unmatched skills and resources to strengthen your claim. Our legal team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and insurance professionals to build a compelling case on your behalf. And most importantly, we don’t back down. Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim, but we’re here to fight for every penny you’re owed. With Walner Law, you are not alone.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Hit and Run Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you might be tempted to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. After all, medical bills and repair costs can pile up quickly after an accident. However, accepting that initial offer without consulting a lawyer could leave you with far less than you deserve.

Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, not helping victims. Their adjusters may offer a quick settlement, hoping to resolve the claim before you realize the full extent of your injuries or damages. Keep in mind that some injuries, like whiplash or spinal issues, may not show their long-term impact immediately. Accepting an offer too soon could prevent you from being adequately compensated down the line.

That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer before agreeing to any settlement. The attorneys at Walner Law will evaluate the details of your case, including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering, to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available. We’re here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the process so you can focus on healing while we take care of the rest.

Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Chicago, Illinois

Understanding the laws surrounding car accidents in Illinois is essential when pursuing a hit-and-run claim. Here are some key legal aspects that may affect your case:

Illinois At-Fault Insurance and How It Works

Illinois operates as an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for paying damages. After a hit-and-run, however, identifying the at-fault driver is difficult, if not impossible, until the individual is located. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play.

By law, all Illinois drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist insurance. This type of coverage can help you recover compensation for injuries and damages caused by an unknown or uninsured driver. Our legal team will review your policy and help you file an uninsured motorist claim to ensure you receive the financial assistance you need.

Illinois Statute of Limitations

Another crucial aspect of hit-and-run cases is understanding the statute of limitations. This is the legal time limit within which you can file a claim after an accident.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances may either extend or shorten this timeframe. For instance, claims involving government entities may have stricter deadlines. 

Waiting too long to take action could jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation, which is why timely legal assistance is essential. At Walner Law, our attorneys will ensure all deadlines are met so you don’t lose your chance to hold the accountable party responsible.

Illinois Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault and awarding damages in car accident cases. This rule states that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% responsible for the accident, your reward would be reduced by 20%.

However, the rule has an important limitation. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Our experienced team at Walner Law works to protect our clients from unfair fault assessments. We’ll carefully investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to ensure the liability is accurately attributed and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Do I Have a Case for Compensation?

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be wondering if you can seek compensation. At the heart of most personal injury claims lies the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To have a strong hit-and-run case, you’ll need to prove four key elements of negligence.

1. Duty of Care: You must show that the other party owed you a duty of care. For example, all drivers have a legal responsibility to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely to protect others on the road.
2. Breach of Duty: The next step is proving the other driver breached their duty of care. This could involve reckless driving, speeding, running a red light, or, in the case of hit-and-runs, fleeing the scene of an accident.
3. Causation: You’ll need to demonstrate that the driver’s failure to uphold their duty directly caused your injuries. For instance, if a car sideswiped your vehicle and caused you to crash, their actions would be the direct cause.
4. Damages: Finally, you must establish that the accident resulted in actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or emotional distress.

A skilled hit-and-run accident attorney in Chicago can help you gather evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and video footage, to prove these elements and build a strong case.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Chicago Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Determining liability in a hit-and-run accident can be complex, especially if the at-fault driver is not identified. While the fleeing driver is the primary party responsible for the accident, there are other potential sources of liability in certain situations.

• The Hit-and-Run Driver: If identified, the driver who caused the accident can be held accountable for your injuries and damages. They may face both civil liability and criminal charges for fleeing the scene.
• Employers of the At-Fault Driver: If the fleeing driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might be vicariously liable under Illinois law. For instance, this could apply to delivery drivers or truck operators.
• Government or Third Parties: If road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or vehicle defects contributed to the accident, liability may extend to a government entity or the manufacturer of a defective automotive part.

When the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, your uninsured motorist coverage will often serve as the best source of financial recovery. Walner Law can assist in exploring all avenues of compensation to ensure your needs are met.

Compensation Available to Chicago Hit and Run Accident Victims

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims with devastating losses, many of which extend beyond immediate physical injuries. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can pursue several types of compensation for your damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation related to your accident.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can recover compensation for lost income and reduced earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, compensation may also address emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
• Property Damage: You can seek reimbursement for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

At Walner Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation available so you can move forward with your life after such a traumatic event.

What Does a Hit-And-Run Lawyer Do?

A hit-and-run accident lawyer provides crucial support for accident victims navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash. At Walner Law, our experienced car accident lawyers in Chicago focus on helping you secure maximum compensation while holding the at-fault driver or other liable parties accountable.

Here’s how we can help you:

Investigating the Accident Scene

When a driver flees the accident scene, uncovering the truth is essential. We act quickly to gather evidence, including witness statements, crash reports, and surveillance footage.

Whether a negligent driver flees in a stolen vehicle or drives off to avoid responsibility, we know how to use Illinois law to identify the person at fault.

Handling Insurance Claims and Companies

Dealing with your insurance company or filing an uninsured motorist claim is highly frustrating. Auto insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing claims or denying coverage outright.

We take on this burden by negotiating directly with insurance adjusters, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and property damage. If underinsured motorist coverage applies to your case, we also handle that.

Calculating Your Damages

A hit-and-run accident disrupts every aspect of your life, from mounting medical bills to financial strain caused by lost wages.

We account for everything, including medical attention, vehicle repairs, future medical care, emotional distress, and the physical pain you endure. For cases involving wrongful death or serious injuries, we count every dollar to alleviate your financial burden.

Utilizing Illinois Law

Hit-and-run crashes in Illinois bring significant legal challenges, especially when we can’t locate the at-fault party. We use Illinois law to explore every avenue, whether filing a personal injury lawsuit, pursuing uninsured motorist coverage, or holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

Illinois penalties for fleeing the scene include license revocation and misdemeanor or felony charges, giving our legal team critical leverage in your case.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

A Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer relentlessly pursues justice against drivers who flee the scene. Whether your case involves distracted driving, a fleeing vehicle, or a stolen car, we use investigative tools and legal strategies to build a strong case.

Our goal is always to ensure accident victims receive compensation that reflects the full extent of their losses.

Supporting Families

injuries or fatalities. Our experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers provide compassionate guidance for those facing these devastating circumstances while pursuing claims like wrongful death lawsuits.

From securing funds to cover medical bills to seeking justice through Illinois courtrooms, we never fail to support families in crisis.

How Much Does a Chicago Car Accident Attorney Cost?

One of the most common concerns for hit-and-run victims is the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Walner Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront for high-quality legal representation. Our fees are only collected if we recover compensation in your case.

This approach ensures that anyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to trusted legal assistance. You focus on recovering from your injuries—we’ll take care of the rest. During your free consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure and answer any questions you may have. There’s no risk in seeking the help you need from our team.

Contact Our Trusted Chicago Hit and Run Accident Attorneys Today

At Walner Law, we know how overwhelming the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be. That’s why we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way.

Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact a compassionate Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyer at Walner Law today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form. Your consultation is free, and there are no fees unless we recover for you.