On Saturday, January 5, two Chicago police officers were injured when their vehicle was struck by a vehicle believed to have been stolen. After the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving the officers with severe but non-life threatening injuries. For Illinois drivers, the hit and run collision served as a reminder that some drivers will attempt to flee the scene of an accident even when it involves law enforcement.  

After a hit and run accident, one must act quickly and calmly to help ensure law enforcement officials are equipped with the requisite information to find the perpetrator. 

Earlier this month, a man was charged in a hit-and-run crash that occurred last summer which ultimately resulted in the death of a 64-year-old man. The accident happened in Cook County’s Cragin neighborhood when the driver struck a pedestrian while traveling at almost twice the speed limit. The driver, who continued home after the accident, was caught largely due to surveillance footage and the cooperation of an eyewitness. 

This tragic accident is a reminder to Illinoisans that hit-and-run accidents do occur. Here are some important steps you should take if you are involved in a hit-and-run collision: 

Immediate Action 

In the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash, it is important to act as quickly as possible. Your ability to react to the accident, contact medical professionals and law enforcement, and gather information can make all the difference in ensuring your physical well-being and helping build a case against the perpetrator.  

Typically, if you are injured in an accident, you file a claim with the driver that hit you. Unfortunately, this is not always an option in a hit-and run accident. Even if the other driver is eventually tracked down, they may not have had insurance (which is fairly common in hit-and-run accidents). You can still receive compensation, however. The following information explains how.

Hit-and-Run Accidents often Caused by Intoxicated Drivers

Lack of insurance is just one major issue with hit-and-run accidents. Many have been linked to intoxicated drivers. Others have also been linked to individuals who are driving without a license (potentially due to suspension from a previous DUI conviction). What is worse is that, collectively, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise, increasing by a concerning 13.7 percent over a three-year period.