Hit-and-Run? How Car Accident Lawyers Lincoln Illinois Help Victims Pursue Justice
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. You may not know where to turn or what steps to take next. But you’re not alone. At Kelly & Castagna, our experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers Lincoln Illinois are here to help. We work tirelessly to investigate your case, find those responsible, and make sure you receive the compensation and care you deserve. Call us at 309-820-0600 for a free consultation.
In Illinois, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. According to AAA, a hit-and-run crash occurs every minute in the United States. While not all are fatal, the number of deadly hit-and-run crashes continues to rise. In 2023 alone, approximately 1,900 fatal hit-and-run accidents occurred nationwide, including 69 in Illinois.
What is a hit-and-run accident?
A hit-and-run is a crash in which the at-fault driver leaves the scene without exchanging required information or offering help to anyone injured. This includes failure to leave a note in the case of a parked car accident. Drivers may flee the scene for many reasons, no license, no insurance, fear of arrest, or intoxication.
No matter the reason, fleeing the scene is illegal and unjust. If you’re the victim of one of these reckless drivers, Kelly & Castagna’s car accident lawyers Lincoln Illinois are ready to pursue every available legal avenue to hold them accountable.
Stat: According to the Insurance Research Council, 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, making legal support essential when you’re injured.
What to do after a hit-and-run
If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run:
- Call 911 | Immediately report the crash to police.
- Seek medical attention | Your health is the top priority. Go to the ER if necessary.
- Collect evidence | If possible, take photos, gather witness info, and note any nearby security or traffic cameras.
- Report to your insurance | Your policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that could help.
Once you’ve ensured the safety of everyone, you should contact our experienced car accident lawyers Lincoln Illinois. Our attorney can investigate, issue subpoenas for footage, and pursue claims. Witness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage are critical in helping identify the fleeing driver and we will do everything in our power to get the necessary information to pursue and hold accountable the person responsible.
Legal Tip: In Illinois, drivers are legally obligated to remain at the scene and exchange information. Violating this can lead to both criminal and civil liability (625 ILCS 5/11-403).
At Kelly & Castagna our car accident lawyers Lincoln Illinois are here to help
Hit-and-run cases require determination, strategy, and fast action. At Kelly & Castagna, our attorneys are more than legal professionals, we’re client advocates. We treat every person with care and compassion, while aggressively pursuing justice. Whether through insurance negotiations or personal injury lawsuits, we fight to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If the driver is found, we’ll pursue compensation from their insurer or file suit directly. If not, we’ll explore other legal options to ensure you don’t bear the cost of someone else’s wrongdoing. Contact our car accident lawyers Lincoln Illinois today for a free consultation.
