Personal Injury Law Blog

Two parents taking their infant daughter to the hospital on found themselves injured and their daughter killed in a hit-and-run crash in West Woodlawn. 

The crash occurred near 10 p.m. on South Cottage Grove. Police say the driver of a Chevy SUV ran a red light, colliding with the family’s Ford vehicle in an intersection. The impact caused both vehicles to collide with two other cars as well. 

According to witnesses, two people – a man and a woman – climbed out of the Chevy. Rather than staying at the scene as Illinois law requires, however, witnesses say both parties fled on foot. 

The infant, who was en route to the hospital with breathing problems, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. It’s unclear what role, if any, the crash played in the child’s death. Two other adults were also taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. 

Police are still searching for the people who allegedly fled the scene after the collision. 

What Makes a Hit-and-Run Crash So Challenging?

All car accidents pose serious risks and challenges. In a hit-and-run, however, the dangers increase. That’s why Illinois law requires a driver involved in an accident of any kind to:

• Stop at the scene,
• Share their contact information with others involved in the crash, and
• Help anyone who is injured, such as by calling 911. 

The only exception is for a driver who proceeds immediately to a local police station to report the accident within 30 minutes of the crash. 

Criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois range from a misdemeanor (in accidents that cause property damage only) to a felony that can include up to 3 years in prison, a fine up to $25,000, and loss of one’s driver’s license. Failing to report accidents that cause injuries or death can include additional felony charges and penalties. 

In a crash where all drivers stop at the scene, determining who caused the accident can still be difficult. Even when all drivers share information, help each other, and cooperate with police, insurers, and attorneys, working out who shares which part of the responsibility for the crash can take months.

When one driver leaves the scene, the job gets even more difficult. How can you communicate with a driver whose name you don’t even know? How can you contact that driver’s insurance company when you don’t have any idea where to look for the driver? 

Because hit-and-run crashes can leave injured people without help, many Illinois insurance companies offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This insurance applies to situations in which a driver who injures you has no insurance, doesn’t have enough coverage for your injuries, or cannot be located. Even if the hit-and-run driver evades police for some time, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps ensure you get the care you need. 

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Chicago

If you’re hit by a driver who then leaves the scene of the accident:

• Safety first. Move yourself and your vehicle, if possible, to a safe place out of the flow of traffic. Using lights, flares, and other devices can help oncoming traffic see you and avoid another collision.
• Contact emergency services. Call 911 for emergency assistance. After a hit-and-run, a police investigation and a report can be extremely valuable. Emergency services can also address your injuries and the injuries of anyone else at the scene. 
• Collect all the information you can. If you can take photos, draw a diagram, or take notes at the scene, do so. Also, write down comments from any witnesses and get their contact information. Anything you can remember or note down later may prove useful in finding the person who caused the crash. 
• Get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel badly injured, see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. A doctor can determine if you have any hidden injuries and help you recover as quickly as possible.
• Inform your insurance. Tell your insurance company about the crash. Your policy may have coverage for some of your bills and losses. 
• Talk to an attorney. A lawyer can help you protect your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and track down the person who hit you. 

Few things are more devastating than losing a loved one suddenly in a crash. Even if everyone in your vehicle survives the collision, severe injuries can permanently alter the course of your life. 

If this sounds familiar, there is hope. Talk to an experienced Chicago hit-and-run accident attorney today. The team at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg is here to help.