What Happens If You Are Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

 Posted on March 17, 2026 in Car Accidents

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating car wreck situations possible. Your car is damaged, you may be hurt, and the person responsible just drove away. If this happens to you in Illinois in 2026, you still have options for getting the compensation you deserve. A DuPage County car accident attorney can help you understand what steps to take next.

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Hit-And-Run in Illinois?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, see if anyone is injured, and wait for police to arrive. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, Illinois law requires drivers involved in an accident that causes injury or death to stop immediately, give their information, and offer reasonable assistance to anyone hurt. Law 625 ILCS 5/11-402 requires drivers to stop in the event of property damage.

If the other diver does leave after hitting you, you have rights. You may seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run

If you’re in a hit-and-run accident, do your very best to note identifying features of the culprit before they drive off. These include color, make, model, and any part of the license plate number you can see. Write these down as soon as you’re able so you don’t forget.

Other steps to take immediately include:

• Call 911 and report the accident, even if your injuries seem minor.

• Stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive.

• Take photos of your vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area.

• Look for witnesses and get their contact information before they leave.

• Check for nearby security cameras or traffic cameras that may have captured the incident. Make note of these so you can refer back to them as evidence later.

• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay

A police report is especially important in hit-and-run cases. It creates an official record of the crash and is often required when filing an insurance claim.

How Do You Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run When the Driver Is Unknown?

This is the question most victims have, and the answer depends largely on your own insurance coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In Illinois, drivers are required to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Under 215 ILCS 5/143a, drivers must be offered this coverage when purchasing an auto policy. If you have it, your own insurance can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver cannot be found.

It is important to know that dealing with your own insurance company is not always simple. Insurers sometimes look for reasons to reduce or deny claims. Having a lawyer on your side can help you push back on this.

What If the Driver Is Later Identified?

Sometimes, hit-and-run drivers are caught after the fact through witness accounts, traffic cameras, or police investigation. If the driver is later found, you may be able to file a personal injury claim directly against them. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so act quickly.

Other Possible Sources of Compensation

A property owner's security footage may help identify the driver and strengthen your case. Tell your lawyer about any security cameras you noted at the time of the accident so they can follow up with the property owner.

If the accident happened in a construction zone or a poorly maintained road area, a third party may share liability. Similarly, if the at-fault driver is found and was driving a company vehicle, the employer may also be responsible.

Call a Mt. Prospect, IL Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a hit-and-run in Illinois, call a DuPage County car accident lawyer for help. At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, our lawyer has decades of experience and has recovered over $150 million for clients. We are willing to aggressively fight your case and go to trial when that is what it takes to get you the result you deserve.

Contact Grauer & Kriegel, LLC at 847-240-9010 today for a free consultation.