Car accidents are common. Most people have either been in an accident or know someone who has. Unfortunately, not everyone remains at the accident scene, and some drivers flee before they can be identified. Not only is leaving the scene of an accident a possible criminal offense, but it also makes it very difficult for injured victims to get fair compensation for their injuries.
When the other driver in a car crash flees the scene, you need the authorities to help you track them down. The sooner you call the police and report the accident, the faster they can get on the road and look for the other driver. Try to remember as many details about the other driver and their vehicle as you can, as this information may help the police locate them. If the other driver has left the state, which is not uncommon in hit-and-run cases, we might need to rely on cooperation between the authorities in Illinois and other jurisdictions to bring the other driver to justice.
Call our Chicago car accident lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 and ask for a free case evaluation.
What Happens When the Other Driver in a Crash in Illinois Flees the Scene?
Drivers are not permitted to leave the scene of an accident until the authorities arrive, barring special or emergency circumstances. Those who flee may be tracked down by the police, arrested, and charged with a hit-and-run. If you were struck by a negligent driver who then fled the scene, call the police and get help immediately.
The criminal charges for hit-and-run accidents vary depending on how bad the accident is and what kind of injuries and damages are involved. Hit-and-run accidents involving injuries or death may lead to charges for a Class 4 felony under 625 I.L.C.S. § 5/11-401(a). Charges for accidents involving damage to vehicles only may lead to a Class A misdemeanor under§ 5/11-402(a). Since hit-and-run accidents often involve serious criminal charges, the police are often eager to investigate and track down the negligent driver. Our Arlington Heights, IL car accident lawyers may rely heavily on the investigation by authorities to find the other driver and sue them for damages.
On top of it all, you might be in serious trouble. If you are badly hurt and cannot call for help on your own, you need someone else to do it for you. All drivers involved in an accident must stay at the scene so that someone can call for help. If the other driver leaves, no one else might be around, and you could be alone. Contact the police about the hit-and-run as soon as possible. They may rush to your location to render emergency assistance, open an investigation, and begin looking for the other driver.
How to Track Down the Other Driver in a Crash That Was Not Your Fault in Illinois
Call the police immediately. The sooner you contact the police, the better. The other driver might still be out there on the road, and the police can use whatever information you have (e.g., the other car’s color, make, model) to find them and arrest them. If you wait to call the police, the other driver might be long gone, and tracking them down might be harder.
Try to get as much evidence or information about the other driver as possible. This might be difficult if the other driver leaves the scene immediately without even exiting their car first. However, even details about the color of the other vehicle and a description of the other driver can be helpful. If possible, try to get a glimpse of the other driver’s license plate. If you can get even a partial plate number, the authorities might be able to track down the other driver quickly.
Contact an attorney to begin legal action. Even if you still do not know the other driver’s identity, it is never too early to begin. Your attorney can prepare the case with whatever details you already have and work closely with the authorities to find the other driver. If the investigation takes longer than expected, your attorney can help you work with the courts to avoid being time-barred by the statute of limitations.
Why The Other Driver in a Crash in Illinois Might Leave the Scene
A driver might flee the scene of a crash for several reasons. Knowing why they fled may be useful when we prove your claims in civil court. Many drivers leave the scene of vehicle crashes because they do not have insurance. Not only does lacking insurance make accidents extremely expensive, but it is also illegal. Drivers may be ticketed and face steep fines for driving while uninsured.
Another possibility is that they do not have a license or their license is expired. Again, this may lead to traffic tickets and hefty fines in addition to the costs of the accident. Some drivers would rather take their chances and run than take accountability and face the costs of their actions.
Some drivers flee the scene because of other legal issues involving the police. Someone with warrants for their arrests or a history of conflict with law enforcement might want to avoid dealing with the police. They might fear new legal repercussions and charges and decide to just run.
Some drivers do not really have a reason for leaving the accident scene. Sometimes, drivers are so frightened that they panic and run without thinking. While being scared after a car accident is understandable, it is no excuse to run and leave an injured driver vulnerable and alone.
How Long it Takes to Find a Driver Who Caused a Collision in Illinois and Fled the Scene
How long it takes to find the other driver after a hit-and-run accident and bring them to justice depends on your unique situation. In some cases, the police find the other driver on the same day as the accident. They might broadcast your description of the driver and their vehicle to other police officers on the road and find them very quickly. This might be possible if you call for help immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it might be for the authorities to track down the negligent driver.
In other cases, it takes a bit longer. If the driver is from another state, they might have already left Illinois, and finding them might not be possible without assistance from the police in other jurisdictions.
Some investigations take a while to complete. This might be because the driver left so quickly that you had no time to observe any details that might be helpful in an investigation. Maybe you were unconscious and did not wake up until the other driver had already fled. If details about the accident are scant, the investigation is likely to take longer.
Contact Our Illinois Car Accident Lawyers for Help Now
Call our Berwyn, IL car accident lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 and ask for a free case evaluation.
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