A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating situations a driver can face. The person who caused the crash disappears, and you are left with injuries, vehicle damage, and no one to hold accountable—at least at first glance. But if you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto policy, you likely have a path to compensation even when the at-fault driver is never found.

Hit-and-Runs Are More Common Than You Think

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roughly one in five pedestrian fatalities nationwide involves a hit-and-run driver. In Illinois, hit-and-run crashes are a criminal offense under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, but criminal penalties do not help injured victims recover compensation for their losses.

That is where your own UM coverage comes in.

How UM Coverage Works in Hit-and-Run Cases

When a driver flees and cannot be identified, Illinois law treats them as an uninsured motorist. Your UM coverage steps in to pay for your injuries and damages, up to your policy limits. But there are important conditions:

Physical contact: Many policies require that the unidentified vehicle made actual contact with your vehicle or person. This is designed to prevent fraudulent claims, but it can create genuine problems for victims of so-called “phantom vehicle” crashes where the other driver forces you off the road without touching your car.
Prompt police report: You should call 911 immediately. A timely police report is essential evidence and satisfies your policy’s reporting requirements.
Witness corroboration: Independent witnesses who can confirm another vehicle was involved strengthen your claim, especially in no-contact scenarios.

What to Do Right After a Hit-and-Run in Peoria

The steps you take in the first hours matter enormously:

Call 911. Report the crash and the fleeing vehicle. Note any details you remember—color, make, model, partial plate numbers, direction of travel.
Document the scene. Photograph your vehicle, the road, debris, skid marks, and any injuries.
Talk to witnesses. Bystanders, nearby business owners, and other drivers may have seen the crash or captured it on dashcam or surveillance cameras.
Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and delayed symptoms are common after car accidents.
Notify your insurance company. File a UM claim, but be careful about giving detailed recorded statements before consulting a lawyer.

Why Your Own Insurer May Fight Your Claim

Here is the uncomfortable reality: when you file a UM claim after a hit-and-run, your own insurance company is paying. That means they have a financial incentive to minimize your payout. Common tactics include disputing that a second vehicle was involved, arguing your injuries were pre-existing, or offering a lowball settlement.

This is why having an experienced UM/UIM attorney matters. We handle the insurer communications, preserve critical evidence, and prepare every case for arbitration if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Contact Parker & Parker

If you were injured in a hit-and-run in Peoria or anywhere in central Illinois, time is critical. Evidence disappears, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses forget details. Call Parker & Parker as soon as possible for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the police find the driver later?

If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can pursue a direct claim against them. If they are uninsured or underinsured, your UM/UIM coverage still applies to bridge the gap.

Am I covered if I was walking or biking when the hit-and-run happened?

Yes. Your UM coverage typically extends to you as a pedestrian or cyclist, as long as you are a named insured or qualifying family member under the policy.

What if there was no physical contact?

These claims are harder but not impossible. Strong witness testimony and physical evidence showing another vehicle caused the crash can overcome the contact requirement.

Hit-and-Run in Peoria: UM Coverage and What to Do