Passenger in vehicle during accident, driver at fault drove away

[windychill]

What is the name of your state? Illinois.

I live in Chicago and was the passenger in a friend's vehicle that was in an accident. We were going through a green light in a sedan and a truck made an illegal left turn and hit us square in the side of the vehicle. The driver of the truck then drove away and left.

The police have said that they cannot charge the owner of the vehicle with anything because witnesses can only identify they truck and license plate.

I suffered neck and back injuries (treated at hospital and released) and will require lengthy rehab. What is my recourse against the driver of this truck? Can I hire an attorney to sue the owner of the truck for damages? What can I expect to receive? What should I do next?

[stephenk]

"The police have said that they cannot charge the owner of the vehicle with anything because witnesses can only identify they truck and license plate."

What? If the police have the license plate they can contact the owner and find out who was driving the truck. Are you talking about a commercial truck?

Sure hire an attorney. The attorney will sue the truck owner and the driver (when identified).

[windychill]

It was a personal vehicle, and the police even gave my friend the guy's name and address.

I also believe that the police could at least go and question the owner of the vehicle, since the truck was not reported as stolen and the airbag should have gone off, thus causing visible bruising on the driver. However, Chicago's police department's response was that they are too busy and that they get too many of these incidents to track them all down.

[Meatcutter]

Originally Posted by windychill

It was a personal vehicle, and the police even gave my friend the guy's name and address.

I also believe that the police could at least go and question the owner of the vehicle, since the truck was not reported as stolen and the airbag should have gone off, thus causing visible bruising on the driver. However, Chicago's police department's response was that they are too busy and that they get too many of these incidents to track them all down.

Turn this info in to the driver's insurance company, see if they will pursue to other guy's insurance for damages. Get the truck driver's information (police report should have it) and file a claim with his insurance company.

If the other driver cannot be identified and you guys have a witness to the truck driver's actions then you may also have an Uninsured Motorist claim. Contact the insurance company for the vehicle you were riding in. Find out what they know.