Springfield Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Hit and run accidents are devastating collisions in which a person involved in the accident leaves the scene without providing any assistance or any contact information. These crashes are especially devastating when they involve pedestrians or bicyclists, who are often left helpless and severely injured at the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the rate of hits and runs has been rising, and more vehicle occupants and pedestrians are being impacted by these crashes. It is important to know that you have options for filing a claim and seeking compensation after a hit and run, and the attorneys at Patel Law, PC can help. Contact our experienced Springfield hit & run accident lawyer today.
Learning About Hit & Run Accidents in Springfield, IL
How often do hit and run crashes happen, and who tends to be involved in these accidents? The following facts and figures come from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:
- Nearly 2,000 hit and run accidents have occurred on an annual basis in recent years, resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities and more nonfatal injuries;
- Hits and runs are at the highest rate they have been in years based on data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA);
- More than half of all hit and run accidents involve nonvehicle occupants, including pedestrians and bicyclists;
- While more nonvehicle occupants are killed in hits and runs than vehicle occupants, the rising rate of serious and fatal injuries has increased significantly in recent years for both groups;
- Illinois is not among the states with the highest rates of hit and run accidents, but it sees more hit and run collisions than about half of all US states;
- Hits and runs are more likely in areas without witness visibility and poorer lighting conditions; and
- Speeding plays a central role in hit and run accidents, and fatal hit and run accidents are most likely on roads with low speed limits where drivers are traveling at speeds over the posted limit.
Options for Compensation After a Springfield Hit & Run Accident
While the immediate moments after a hit and run accident can feel hopeless, it is essential to know that law enforcement officers often identify the drivers, allowing injured parties to hold those motorists accountable. When a hit and run driver can be identified, it may be possible to seek compensation by filing a third-party claim through the motorist’s auto insurance company, or filing a hit and run lawsuit against the driver.
Even when a hit and run driver cannot be identified or located, other options for obtaining compensation can exist with help from an injury lawyer in Springfield. You may be able to file an insurance claim through your own provider, or you may be able to identify another party who bears some responsibility for the crash — such as a negligent property owner — who can be named in an injury lawsuit.
Contact Patel Law, PC Today
Anyone who has been injured in a hit and run crash, or who has lost a loved one in a tragic hit and run, should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our attorneys regularly represent clients in hit and run claims, as well as in a wide variety of other accident cases. We are here to help you. Contact our experienced Springfield hit & run lawyer today.
