On June 15th, a 52-year-old woman was struck in a hit-and-run collision in west suburban Glen Ellyn. The bicyclist was riding near the intersection of Bryant Avenue and Hill Avenue around 8:30 p.m. when the motorist struck her from behind. The driver then fled the scene. Glen Ellyn Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the hit-and-run driver, whose car is described as a gray/silver SUV or van with multiple bumper stickers.
If anyone knows any information about the collision, you are encouraged to call the Glen Ellyn Police Department at 630-469-1187. Keating Law Offices attorney Mike Keating is a native of Glen Ellyn where he attended Glenbard West High School and grew up not far from the crash scene.
Key Steps To Follow If A Victim Of A Hit-and-Run
Based on the facts reported, the driver involved in this bicycle crash violated many of the Illinois Rules of the Road. The fear of knowing they were in the wrong is the motivation behind many drivers fleeing. Regrettably, hit-and-run collisions are a reality and it is important to protect yourself in such a scenario, especially if you are a bicyclist. Bicycle accidents are very sensitive and often more challenging than cases involving just motor vehicles. Therefore, any bicyclist that was hit by a motor vehicle, even one that fled, has rights and should protect them by ensuring a few things:
- Even if the at-fault driver has fled the scene, it is essential to still file a police report. Police resources will greatly increase your chances of identifying and locating the hit-and-run driver. Additionally, when it comes to filing a claim, an insurance company providing uninsured motorist coverage will almost always require that an investigation was initiated in an effort to identify the at-fault individual.
- Taking care of yourself and your health is the most important thing after any type of injury. Likewise, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately following the collision, as there need to be records and documentation of the injuries, in order to be able to recover later.
- Lastly, identifying any potential witnesses to the collision and taking down their contact information is key. Individuals who were present at the collision scene might not only be able to help identify the fleeing motorist, but they can also help with identifying what exactly happened during the collision.
Illinois Laws Require Drivers To Give Aid To Injured Bicyclists
It is the law in Illinois for drivers to render aid to an injured bicyclist. Drivers in Illinois who are involved in a crash are legally required to:
- Stay at the scene of the crash long enough to provide the injured party with their information; and
- If necessary or if requested to arrange for medical care for the injured bicyclist.
Section 11-401(a) of the Illinois Vehicle Code provides the groundwork for the motorist:
"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."Beyond the law, there is a fundamental human need for all users of the roadways to assist one another. The act of a hit-and-run is indefensible. The driver involved in this crash should face certain justice.