Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident often requires the guidance of a skilled Chicago hit-and-run lawyer. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents accident victims throughout the city who have been injured by a negligent driver who fled the scene.
Our team understands the challenges these cases bring, whether it’s locating the at-fault driver, filing an uninsured motorist claim, or negotiating with an auto insurance company. We are committed to helping hit-and-run victims secure the maximum compensation they deserve under Illinois law.
$350,000 Settlement — James, cycling on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, was hit by a car near the Oak Street underpass. The driver fled, leaving him with a fractured pelvis and deep lacerations. We filed an uninsured motorist insurance claim, with the settlement reflecting his medical costs and the loss of his competitive cycling career.
$250,000 Settlement — Angela was walking to her Loop office near the Willis Tower when a car ran a red light, hit her, and fled. She suffered a broken arm and severe knee injuries. We worked with CPD and secured security footage, recovering damages for her medical bills, lost income, and pain.
$250,000 Settlement — Carlos was riding his motorcycle near Western Avenue in Chicago when a hit-and-run driver struck him, causing multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury. The other driver was never found. Our team pursued an uninsured motorist claim, factoring in his long recovery, medical bills, and inability to work.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are recognized as one of the best Chicago hit and run accident lawyers, trusted by accident victims across the city. Our top-rated Chicago car accident attorneys have recovered over $450 million for injured clients and earned honors from leading legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
We combine in-depth knowledge of Illinois law with a proven track record in motor vehicle accident cases, from securing uninsured motorist settlements to winning complex personal injury lawsuits. When you work with our law firm, you gain an experienced car accident lawyer dedicated to recovering maximum compensation for your injuries, losses, and future needs.
Our top Chicago car accident lawyers handle a wide range of cases for injured victims and their families throughout the city. We represent pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers hurt in collisions where the at-fault driver fled the accident scene. Many of these cases involve uninsured or unidentified hit-and-run drivers, requiring an uninsured motorist claim through the victim’s own insurance company.
We also help families pursue claims after fatal hit-and-run accidents. Our attorneys regularly handle disputes involving uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as hit-and-run incidents with rideshare vehicles or public transit. Whatever the circumstances, our goal is to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the lasting effects of these crashes.
Our top-rated Chicago car accident lawyer team has seen many reasons why drivers flee after a crash. Impaired driving—whether from alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving—is a leading cause, as drivers try to avoid arrest. Some leave the accident scene because they have no valid driver’s license or auto insurance. Others fear criminal charges, fines, or suspension of their driver’s license under Illinois law.
Many hit-and-run accidents happen at poorly monitored or dimly lit intersections, especially in residential neighborhoods, where identifying the other driver can be difficult. Each case demands swift investigation to protect the injured victim’s right to recover compensation.
Our Chicago car accident lawyers have seen how devastating hit-and-run accidents can be for victims. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common, often caused by the violent impact of a car crash, and can lead to lasting cognitive and physical challenges. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care. Broken bones and compound fractures often demand surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Many clients also experience soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, which can cause ongoing pain. Internal organ damage is another serious concern, especially when immediate medical attention is delayed. In the most severe cases, hit-and-run accidents lead to death, leaving families facing both emotional and financial hardships.
Our top-rated Chicago car accident attorneys can help victims recover damages that address both the financial and personal impact of the crash. Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life.
When the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified, we often pursue uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits through the victim’s own insurance carrier. In cases involving especially reckless conduct, such as drunk or high-speed driving, punitive damages may also be available.
Based on Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, hit-and-run accident payouts in Chicago range from $6,586 to $20,200,000, with a median award of $387,500 and an average award of $2,922,156.
Several factors influence the payout amount in these cases:
$4,200,000 Verdict – Fatal West Loop Hit-and-Run Dump Truck Collision
Patricia Hartman, 43, was killed in a West Loop crosswalk when a dump truck struck her and fled. Evidence, including security footage, linked the truck to Premier Waste and Recycling. Hartman’s estate sought wrongful death and conscious pain and suffering damages. A Cook County jury awarded $4.2 million, reduced to $4,148,000 after offsets, with significant amounts to her parents and sisters for loss of society.
$3,092,000 Verdict – Brain Injury from Blue Island Hit-and-Run Truck Crash
William Andrews, 28, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, brain swelling, and lasting cognitive deficits after a truck ran a red light and hit his vehicle. The driver fled but was linked to G & G Cement Contractors. Andrews required extensive hospitalization and rehab, could not return to full-time work, and sued for negligence. The jury found the company vicariously liable and awarded $3,092,000 for medical costs, lost earnings, pain, and loss of normal life.
$400K Settlement – Ankle Fracture in I-88 Hit-and-Run Van Accident
Annabel Avila, 26, fractured her ankle and sustained arm lacerations when a white van swerved into her lane on I-88, causing her sedan to flip. The van fled but was identified as belonging to ADT through tollway records and witness pursuit. After hospitalization, surgery, and months of recovery, her case settled for $400,000 before trial through mediation.
Hit and run accidents present unique challenges, from not knowing the defendant’s identity to dealing with insurance coverage gaps and the urgent need to preserve evidence. An experienced car accident lawyer can make a difference in recovering compensation.
Our car accident attorneys work with the Chicago Police Department, review traffic camera footage, and coordinate with insurance companies to identify the hit-and-run driver or maximize recovery through your own uninsured motorist coverage. In Cook County courts, we present the strongest possible case so victims can secure damages for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
According to Chicago’s data portal, since the start of 2025, there have been 4,620 reported crashes involving injury and/or towaway in the city. Of these, 1,293 involved non-incapacitating injuries, 199 caused incapacitating injuries, and 13 were fatal.
IDOT’s 2023 crash report shows that drivers are far more likely to flee the scene after striking a pedestrian or cyclist than when colliding with another vehicle. Hit-and-run crashes account for 18% of serious or fatal collisions involving people in motor vehicles, 33% involving people riding a bike or scooter, and 41% involving pedestrians.
Hit and run accidents in Chicago often occur in areas where visibility is limited, traffic enforcement is less frequent, or drivers feel they can escape unnoticed. Lower-speed residential streets on the South and West Sides see many of these crashes, often involving pedestrians or cyclists. Collisions are also common near CTA stations and bus stops, where foot traffic is high.
Nightlife districts such as the West Loop and Wrigleyville can be hotspots for late-night hit-and-run incidents, especially where alcohol is involved. Dimly lit parking lots and alleyways present another risk, as negligent drivers may believe no one is watching. Our top-rated Chicago hit and run attorneys investigate accidents in all of these settings to help victims recover compensation.
625 ILCS 5/11‑401 requires any driver involved in a crash causing injury or death to stop immediately at the accident scene, provide information, and render aid. Fleeing can result in felony charges and support civil liability in a hit-and-run claim under Illinois statutes.
735 ILCS 5/2‑1115.05 allows punitive damages in certain personal injury lawsuits, when the at-fault driver’s conduct is willful, wanton, or shows reckless disregard for safety. These damages punish wrongful behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
Section 9-56-010 of Chicago’s Municipal Code requires drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents within the city to promptly report the crash to the Chicago Police Department, particularly if it results in property damage, injury, or death. Failure to report can lead to fines, driver’s license suspension, and civil liability.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13‑202, victims have two years from the date of a hit-and-run accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing after this statute of limitations expires will likely result in your case being dismissed, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Under 740 ILCS 180/, families seeking damages for the death of a loved one in a hit and run also have two years from the date of the accident to file a fatal car accident lawsuit.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims must meet the reporting and filing deadlines outlined in your auto insurance policy. These deadlines often align with Illinois’ two-year court timeline, but can be shorter.
Legal liability for a hit-and-run accident can rest with several parties. The fleeing driver is primarily responsible, and if identified, can be held liable for medical expenses, lost earnings, and emotional distress. When the driver cannot be found or is uninsured, your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
In some cases, property owners or municipalities share liability if dangerous premises conditions or roadway hazards directly contributed to the crash. For collisions involving rideshare vehicles, companies like Uber or Lyft may be responsible if the driver was on duty at the time of the incident.
In many Chicago motor vehicle accident cases, defendants and auto insurance companies rely on predictable defenses to avoid paying fair compensation. One is contributory negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, arguing the claimant’s own actions partly caused the accident. Another is disputing whether the car involved was actually the insured vehicle, which can be an issue if ownership or use is contested. Some also exploit timing or location ambiguities, questioning whether the accident occurred as reported.
Our top-rated Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyers address these defenses head-on. We work with accident reconstruction specialists to pinpoint precisely how the crash happened, gather credible witness statements to confirm key facts, and secure surveillance or traffic camera footage to connect the driver involved to the collision.
Strengthening your hit-and-run accident case starts with immediate action. Seek medical attention right away and keep detailed records of all diagnoses, treatments, and medical bills. If possible, collect witness contact information and secure any dashcam, bodycam, or nearby surveillance footage. Request a copy of the crash report from the Chicago Police Department to preserve official details.
Document any time delays or location circumstances surrounding the accident before notifying authorities. Finally, share your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy information with our top-rated Chicago hit and run accident lawyers promptly so we can begin building your case and protecting your right to compensation.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our top-rated attorneys are dedicated to giving accident victims every advantage in their case. We conduct thorough investigations, working closely with law enforcement and using accident reconstruction experts to identify the at-fault driver.
Our car accident attorneys handle all aspects of uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, ensuring your own insurance company honors its obligations. Whether negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in a Cook County courtroom, we fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages so you can focus on recovery.
Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists injured in a hit-and-run accident have the same legal right to pursue compensation as motor vehicle occupants. Claims may be made against the hit-and-run driver if identified, or through the victim’s own uninsured motorist coverage if the driver cannot be found. Damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings, and emotional distress. Our top-rated Chicago hit-and-run accident lawyers represent injured pedestrians and cyclists throughout the city.
If you’re injured as a passenger in a rideshare during a hit-and-run, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s commercial liability insurance, which often includes uninsured motorist coverage. If the fleeing driver is identified, a direct claim can be filed. If not, the rideshare policy or your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. Our attorneys can navigate these overlapping policies to maximize your recovery.
If the accident occurred while you were working, you may be entitled to benefits under Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). You can also pursue a separate injury claim if a negligent third party caused the crash. Coordinating both claims requires careful handling to avoid jeopardizing benefits.
If you were driving a rental car during a hit-and-run, your own auto insurance policy’s UM/UIM coverage may still apply. The rental company’s insurance—if purchased—can also provide coverage. It’s essential to notify both the rental agency and your insurer immediately and file a police report to preserve your claim rights.
Any driver involved in a traffic accident must file a crash report if the collision results in death, bodily injury, or property damage. You can report the accident to the Chicago Police Department or the Illinois State Police if it occurred outside the city. Filing creates an official record, helps law enforcement investigate, and is often required by insurance companies before paying UM/UIM claims.
Even partial license plate information can be enough for law enforcement to identify the fleeing driver when combined with make, model, and color details. This information can turn a dead-end case into a successful injury claim. Always gather witness contact information so they can provide statements to the police or your attorney.
If the driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, you can file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with your own auto insurance carrier. This coverage steps in to pay for damages up to your policy limits. Our team ensures your insurer handles your claim fairly and pays what you’re entitled to.
Yes. In Illinois, uninsured motorist coverage applies to hit-and-run accidents where the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified. This allows you to recover damages for injuries and losses through your own policy. You must promptly report the crash to both law enforcement and your insurance company to preserve coverage.
While Illinois law does not prohibit rate increases after a UM/UIM claim, many insurers do not raise rates for accidents that were clearly not your fault. However, this varies by company. Reviewing your policy and claim history with an attorney can help you anticipate potential premium changes.
Penalties depend on the severity of the crash. Leaving the scene of a property-damage-only accident can result in fines and license suspension. If the crash causes injury, it is typically a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If a death occurs, the offense becomes a Class 2 felony, carrying three to fourteen years in prison.
Under Illinois law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a claim. Damages are distributed to surviving spouses and next of kin, such as children or parents. Claims can seek compensation for loss of society, grief, and funeral expenses.
Yes. If traditional insurance routes don’t cover your losses, you may qualify for the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program. This state program offers up to $27,000 for certain crime-related expenses, including medical costs and funeral expenses, when the injury or death resulted from a criminal act like a hit-and-run.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our hit-and-run accident lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and our fee is only collected if we recover compensation for you.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Chicago, the attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are ready to protect your rights. Our top-rated hit-and-run accident lawyers represent clients in Cook County and throughout Illinois, pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney.
I was involved in a hit and run car accident not too long ago. I was able to take a picture of their license plate. My neck began to hurt later in the night and I didn’t know what to do. I asked around and with the advice of a close friend, I contacted Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers and shared my story. They were very professional! They were able to find the other driver and were even able to get me a settlement to cover my medical bills.
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Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Naperville, Schaumburg and throughout Illinois.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.