DOLTON, IL, (March 29, 2026) – Authorities are searching for a driver who fatally struck an 18-year-old Sunday in a hit-and-run crash in Dolton.
Police said Lanai Smith was hit at the intersection of Sibley Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The driver fled the scene before officers arrived.
Smith succumbed to her injuries. Investigators are working to locate the suspect vehicle.
In many hit-and-run cases, at-fault drivers attempt to evade responsibility by fleeing the scene. However, once identified, they can face serious criminal charges.
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and statistics show that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute in the United States.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, emphasized that it is essential to conduct an independent investigation promptly to protect a victim’s rights.
“Access to proper resources is crucial when investigating a hit-and-run case and establishing negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting must all be carefully evaluated.”
These steps are vital in helping families pursue justice and obtain the financial compensation they deserve after losing a loved one.
Pending the investigation, the family of Lanai Smith may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of victims can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following such tragic accidents.
“The grief and emotional pain after losing a loved one can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
“We understand the difficulties families face, and protecting their rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will stay informed on the investigation and help ensure that the family’s legal rights and best interests are fully protected.”
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident and would like the official Accident Report, Bond Legal can offer their assistance.
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