Bicycle Accident Lawyers Who Help With Hit-and-Run Crashes

Helping the injured recover compensation in Chicago and throughout Illinois

Bicycle accidents can be complicated, but they can be even more complicated when the driver who caused the crash leaves the scene. The bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. are committed to helping injured bicyclists in hit-and-run accidents get the best possible outcome after they’ve been injured. Hit-and-Run crashes in Illinois have reached epidemic numbers and are a legitimate threat to public health.

When a driver causes a crash, they need to stay at the scene. This is to make sure that everyone is OK and to gather information for insurance claims. It’s not just an ethical obligation, it’s a legal one. Section 11-401(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Code states:

"The driver of any vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in personal injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible and shall then forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until the requirements of Section 11-403 have been fulfilled."

Sometimes, a driver does not stay on the scene. There can be different reasons for this. The driver may have been speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver may have a suspended license, or no insurance as required by law. They may be afraid of legal consequences.

Lawyers helping the injured recover compensation

Whatever the reason, an injured bicyclist or pedestrian is left in need of medical attention. There are more problems to come. Medical expenses can add up quickly and become overwhelming. If a bicyclist is unable to work because of their injuries, there is less income coming in. It can become difficult to make ends meet.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash, it’s important to file an accident report with the police. They can then investigate to try to identify the driver. This is sometimes possible through your own recollections, witness interviews, traffic camera footage or business security camera footage.

You deserve financial compensation for your injuries. Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run crash can be complicated. It partially depends on whether the driver of the vehicle that hit you is identified.

If the driver is identified and has insurance, you can file a claim with that insurance company. Sometimes drivers in hit-and-run crashes do not have insurance. In those cases, you can file a claim through your own insurance company, using the uninsured motorist coverage in your policy.

You need an experienced accident attorney on your side

Whether you pursue compensation through your own policy or the driver’s, you still need to deal with an insurance company. Insurance companies generally try to keep their profits high by keeping payments low. They may dispute the extent of your injuries or the need for certain medical treatment. They may try to blame you for what happened.

That is why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney representing you. We fight back against insurance company tactics aimed at preventing you from recovering the compensation you deserve. We focus on building strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable, cases that the insurance companies must take seriously.

We are proud to have recovered compensation for hundreds of injured bicyclists through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts. Hit-and-run cases can be complex, but you can expect us to fight to help you recover maximum compensation.

Learn more about how an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.