A couple weeks ago, two vehicles traveling on I-64 near mile marker 43.5, were involved in an accident. A Chevy truck rear-ended a Toyota Camry, pushing it off the road and eventually overturning it. The Camry’s driver was uninjured but his passenger was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Unfortunately, the driver of the Chevy truck drove off immediately after the collision; investigation is ongoing at this time.
Hit and run accidents, such as this one, happen often. As a matter of fact, and according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA), nearly 11 percent of all reported auto accidents involve at least one vehicle fleeing the scene. A lot of times they involve fatalities! Also according AAA, hit and run accidents result in about 1,500 fatalities every single year!
It is important to know and understand what to do if you are involved in a hit and run accident. First, however, if you, or a loved one, were involved in a hit and run, it is imperative that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for compensation. Your compensation may include, but is not limited to, medical expense, lost wages, emotional distress and pain and suffering.
What to do if you are a Victim of a Hit and Run
Being involved in a hit and run is certainly a very stressful experience. Despite this extreme stress, it is important that you try to stay calm and to collect as much information as you can to assist in finding the person who hit you. Not only will information assist police, it will also assist your car insurance company make a decision on your accident claim.
As for the information that you should gather, it is important that you get as much information as you can regarding the vehicle’s: model, make and license plate number.
Furthermore, you should note the time of the day the accident occurred and the location of the accident. You should also take photos of where the accident occurred and of the damage to your car; there is a chance that the other car’s paint may be visible on your car (this may aid police in their search).
Of course, it is helpful if there are witnesses to your accident. If there are witnesses, you should jot down their names and contact information; maybe even have them write a statement of what they witnessed.
Take Action and hire an Attorney for your Case
If you or your loved one are the victim of a hit and run accident, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will not only provide you with an ease of mind, but will help establish your case and will ensure that your case is timely filed pursuant to Illinois’ statute of limitations.
Fortunately, the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are here for you. Our lawyers have the experience needed to aggressively take on your case. Call us today at (312) 332-2872 or toll free (877) 374-1417 to schedule a FREE consultation.
