Gov. Patrick Quinn has signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Act. Public Act 96-0267 provides that pedestrians or bicyclists who are injured or killed in hit-and-run collisions are now considered victims of a "crime of violence" under the act. Previously, victims of hit-and-run collisions were not considered victims under the the Crime Victim Compensation Act.
This amendment to the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Act allows for victims who have no other avenue of recovery to request compensation from the Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Act. This is particularly important in instances where the victim is not covered by insurance and the perpetrator of the hit-and-run cannot be located. In these instances, the Crime Victim Compensation Fund may be the only chance for a victim of a hit-and-run to receive any kind of compensation for their injuries.
If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run collision or have any questions about this post please contact Attorney Mike Keating at mkeating@keatinglegal.com or 312-208-7702.
