Hit and Run in Illinois: Laws, Penalties, and What to Do (2026)

# Hit and Run in Illinois: What You Need to Know

> **KEY FACTS:**
> – Hit and run is **criminal** in Illinois — misdemeanor to Class 1 felony
> – **UM/UIM coverage** is your primary claim option
> – Report to IDOT within **10 days** if $1,500+ damage
> – **Dram Shop Act** may apply if the fleeing driver was drunk
> – Statute of limitations: **2 years PI**, **5 years PD**

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## Illinois Hit-and-Run Laws

625 ILCS 5/11-401 through 11-403 requires stopping, providing info, and rendering aid.

### Criminal Penalties

| Scenario | Classification | Penalty |
|———-|—————|———|
| Property damage only | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 fine + 1 year jail |
| Personal injury | Class 4 felony | 1-3 years prison |
| Death or permanent disability | Class 2 felony | 3-7 years prison |
| Death (aggravated) | Class 1 felony | 4-15 years prison |

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## Filing Claims After a Hit and Run

### Primary Option: UM/UIM Coverage
Illinois requires UM/UIM matching your liability limits (unless rejected in writing). File with your own insurer. Police report typically required.

### Other Options
– **Collision:** Vehicle damage (minus deductible)
– **MedPay:** Medical expenses regardless of fault
– **Health insurance:** Medical treatment
– **Lawsuit:** If the driver is identified

### Dram Shop Angle
If the hit-and-run driver is later found to have been drunk, Illinois’s Dram Shop Act may allow a claim against the establishment that served them — providing additional recovery.

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## What to Do

1. Stay at the scene
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Note the vehicle details
4. Get witnesses
5. Document the scene
6. Report to IDOT within 10 days if $1,500+ damage
7. File UM claim with your insurer
8. Seek medical attention

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is hit and run a felony in Illinois?
If injuries are involved, yes — ranging from Class 4 to Class 1 felony depending on severity.

### What if the driver was drunk?
If identified, the Dram Shop Act may provide additional recovery from the establishment that served them.

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## Related Guides

– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Illinois](/illinois/car-accident-guide/)
– [Illinois Car Accident Laws](/illinois/car-accident-laws/)

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**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.