Aurora, IL Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Injury Attorneys Serving Car Crash Victims in Aurora, Illinois

Aurora, Illinois, is no stranger to serious car accidents. Each year, the city experiences more than 3,500 vehicle crashes, resulting in over 1,000 injuries and as many as 10 fatalities. Among these numbers is a troubling trend: drivers who flee the scene without taking responsibility. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2023 alone, Aurora reported 1,328 hit and run accidents. That number decreased slightly in 2024 to 1,136 incidents, but as of early 2025, there have already been 158 hit and run cases recorded.  Although many hit and run accidents result in only property damage, a significant number of these accidents result in injuries to drivers and vehicle occupants, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

These numbers reveal a persistent problem—one that leaves countless victims wondering how they will recover physically, emotionally, and financially after being left behind by a driver who disappears.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a car accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide information, assist the injured, or report the crash to authorities. In Illinois, this is not only illegal—it’s a serious crime punishable by fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Aurora, IL

If you’re the victim of a hit and run in Aurora, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 immediately and report the crash.

2. Document the scene—take photos, write down any details about the vehicle or driver, and collect witness information.

3. Seek medical attention right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor.

4. Notify your insurance company that you were involved in a hit and run accident.

5. Contact an experienced Aurora car accident attorney to guide you through the process.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help After an Aurora, IL Hit and Run Crash

Many hit and run victims don’t realize that they can still recover compensation even if the driver is never found. This is made possible through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

In Illinois, UM coverage is mandatory and is included in your auto insurance policy unless you specifically reject it in writing. This coverage is designed to protect you if you’re injured by an uninsured driver—or a driver who cannot be identified, as is the case in most hit and run accidents.

Your UM coverage can help pay for:

– Medical bills

– Lost wages

– Pain and suffering

– Permanent disability or disfigurement

– Property damage (if you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage)

However, even though this coverage is available, insurance companies often make it difficult to collect the compensation you deserve. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.

Our Experience Handling Hit and Run Cases

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have decades of experience representing victims of hit and run accidents in Aurora, Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout Illinois. We understand the frustration and helplessness victims feel when the responsible driver is never located.

As Aurora car accident attorney John Malm explains: “We believe that no victim should suffer financially because of a driver who chooses to flee the scene. Our firm has spent years holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring our clients receive every dollar they are entitled to under the law. We stand ready to help hit and run victims seek justice and fair compensation.”

Our firm has successfully resolved countless hit and run cases, helping clients recover damages through uninsured motorist claims. We have a proven track record of taking these claims to court when insurance companies refuse to pay fairly.

How Long Do You Have to File a UM Claim?

It’s important to understand that there are strict deadlines for filing an uninsured motorist claim in Illinois. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, but your insurance policy may impose shorter deadlines for notifying the company of the incident.

You should notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible after the crash and consult an attorney promptly to avoid any delays that could impact your case.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aurora Hit and Run Cases

Q: What damages can I recover in a hit and run accident claim?

A: Victims of hit and run accidents can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, property damage through their uninsured motorist coverage.

Q: Do I need a police report to file an uninsured motorist claim after a hit and run?

A: Yes. Most insurance policies require that you file a police report promptly after the accident to support your uninsured motorist claim. Without a report, your claim may be denied.

Q: Can passengers in my vehicle file their own uninsured motorist claims?

A: Yes. Passengers injured in a hit and run accident may also be entitled to uninsured motorist benefits under your policy or their own, depending on the circumstances.

Q: What if I was a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a hit and run driver?

A: Pedestrians and bicyclists injured in hit and run accidents may also use their uninsured motorist coverage, even though they were not in a vehicle at the time of the crash.

Q: How long does it take to resolve a hit and run uninsured motorist claim?

A: The timeline can vary. Some claims settle within a few months, while others may require litigation and can take a year or more, depending on the complexity and whether the insurance company disputes liability or damages.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for you Aurora, IL Hit and Run Accident Case?

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are proud to be a team of six award-winning attorneys with more than 90 years of combined legal experience serving clients in Naperville, St. Charles, and throughout Illinois.

Over the past 30 years, John Malm and his team have fought for our clients’ rights to bring uninsured motorist claims and have prevailed in both the trial courts and appellate courts of Illinois. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims, including those involved in hit and run accidents.

If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Aurora, Illinois, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, hold insurance companies accountable, and make sure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.