Who Pays for Victims’ Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

A 59-year-old man was killed and two other people were left injured in a hit-and-run accident in Montgomery County, Illinois. According to reports from law enforcement, the man who was killed was riding a motorcycle and the other two victims were on another motorcycle when a tow truck traveling in the opposite direction crossed over the center line, causing both bike operators to drop their bikes in order to avoid being slammed into by the tow truck. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the passenger on the second motorcycle was transferred to a local hospital. The other driver was treated at the scene. The tow truck driver did not stop and sped off. As of this writing, the driver still has not been identified.

A Growing Problem

According to national statistics, there has been an increase in the number of hit and run accidents nationwide. Eleven percent of all vehicle accidents in the United States involve a driver who takes off instead of staying at the scene of the crash.

In Illinois, it is illegal for a driver who is involved in a crash to leave the scene. In many cases, the driver either is eventually found or turns him- or herself into police. In these cases, there may be criminal charges pursued by prosecutors, as well as personal injury or wrongful death claims brought against the driver by victims of the crash or their families.

But what happens if the driver who causes the crash is never found? In these situations, victims can file a claim with their own insurance companies under the underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage clause in their vehicle insurance policies.

Recovering Compensation

Many drivers do not realize they even have such a  clause in their policies, but it is required coverage under Illinois law. Some of the damages a victim can collect under UM/UIM include:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Occupational therapy;
• Physical therapy;
• Medications; and
• Pain and suffering.

It is important to keep in mind that although you pay for this coverage and are entitled to collect under this coverage, most insurance companies – even your own – will do their best to avoid paying the full amount that you deserve. This is why it is critical to have a skilled hit and run accident attorney representing you and dealing with the insurance company directly.

If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact an experienced Orland Park personal injury attorney. Call 708-966-2408 for your free initial consultation.

Sources:

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160718/fatal-montgomery-county-motorcycle-accident-caused-by-swerving-tow-truck-authorities-told

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/aaa-sees-troubling-trend-in-hit-and-run-accidents/2011/09/20/gIQAbuuaiK_story.html

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401