Personal Injury Law Blog

Accidents involving stolen vehicles can be devastating, leaving victims with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about their rights. In Illinois, you may pursue criminal and civil remedies if you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a stolen car or a driver attempting to flee the scene. These legal options allow you to recover damages for injuries and losses while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Under Illinois law, liability often extends to the driver of the stolen vehicle, but there are additional complexities to consider. Whether you’re seeking compensation through a lawsuit or an insurance claim, it’s essential to understand your options and act quickly to protect your rights.

What Happened on Michigan Avenue?

A recent accident in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood highlights the dangers of stolen vehicles and reckless driving. According to reports, a 16-year-old driving a stolen Jeep Cherokee ran a red light on Michigan Avenue, causing a four-car collision. The stolen Jeep struck a Dodge van, a Jeep Compass, and a Honda SUV, injuring seven people, including three children aged 4, 6, and 6. The driver fled the scene but was apprehended and taken to a local hospital. A female passenger in the stolen vehicle was also hospitalized and placed in custody.

Victims included passengers in the Dodge van and Jeep Compass, all of whom sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. While the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending, this case raises questions about liability and the potential for both criminal and civil actions.

Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Stolen Vehicle Accident?

Liability in stolen vehicle accidents primarily falls on the driver who caused the crash. In Illinois, a person operating a stolen car is generally liable for injuries and damages they cause. Depending on the circumstances, if the driver is a minor, their parents or guardians may be held financially responsible under Illinois parental liability laws.

The vehicle owner is typically not liable unless they acted negligently, such as leaving the keys in an unsecured location, which may have contributed to the theft. Victims injured in the crash may also have recourse through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the driver lacks sufficient insurance or assets to cover damages.

Can Criminal Charges Be Filed Alongside Civil Claims?

Criminal charges are standard in cases involving stolen vehicles and hit-and-run incidents. Illinois law makes it a felony to flee the scene of an accident under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, and the penalties for vehicular theft are severe. The 16-year-old driver in the recent Michigan Avenue case may face charges for both crimes, including additional penalties for injuries caused during the accident.

While criminal proceedings focus on punishing the offender, civil claims allow victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. These two processes are independent, meaning a driver can face criminal charges and still be sued in civil court. Victims do not have to wait for the outcome of the criminal case to pursue a civil claim. Civil cases operate under a different burden of proof, and delaying action could risk losing evidence or missing critical filing deadlines. Victims can promptly secure compensation for their immediate needs by initiating a civil claim while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Recovering Damages After a Hit-and-Run or Stolen Vehicle Accident

Illinois law allows hit-and-run and stolen vehicle accident victims to pursue compensation for several damages. These include the following:

• Medical costs—emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for accident-related injuries.
• Lost wages—compensation for time away from work or reduced earning capacity due to injuries.
• Pain and suffering—non-economic damages for the physical and emotional impact of the crash; and
• Property damage—repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property costs.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your UM/UIM coverage can help cover the gap, ensuring you have access to the financial support you need. This is especially important in cases involving minors or other drivers who may lack the means to fully compensate victims.

Have You Been Injured in a Chicago Car Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for what you’ve been through. At the Chicago personal injury law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have nearly 40 years of hands-on experience aggressively pursuing compensation on behalf of our clients and their families. We know what it takes to secure fair compensation for what you’ve been through and will not rest until we’ve done everything possible to ensure that justice has been served. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, give Briskman Briskman & Greenberg a call at 877-595-4878. You can also connect with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers by completing our secure online contact form.