Hit and run accidents are incredibly stressful for victims, who are left to deal with the aftermath without the benefit of the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, leaving them unsure of what to do next. If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Garden City, NY, you don’t have to face this alone. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you get justice and seek your deserved compensation. Contact The Saul Law Firm, LLP today for a free consultation, and we’ll tell you what we can do to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In New York, a hit and run accident happens when a driver is involved in a collision but flees without stopping to exchange information or check on anyone who may be hurt. The law is clear about what drivers are supposed to do when an accident happens. They must stop, make sure everyone is safe, and share their contact and insurance information with those involved. Failing to do so makes it a hit-and-run, which is a severe offense in New York—one that can result in large fines and even imprisonment.
Common Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents
There are many reasons why a driver might leave the scene of a car crash, but none of them make it okay. Some drivers flee because they don’t have insurance and are afraid of the financial consequences. Others may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fear getting in trouble with the law. In some cases, a driver might panic and drive away, only realizing later the serious legal trouble they’ve caused.
Regardless of the reason the driver fled, by doing so, they’re avoiding taking responsibility for an accident they caused. Without the other driver’s information, a victim cannot file a claim against their insurer, making it harder for them to recover the compensation they deserve.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, acting quickly is important. Some of the things you should do to protect yourself include:
- Document the Scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle, injuries, or anything else that could be important.
- Gather Witness Information – If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information. They may be able to provide helpful details about the car or driver that fled.
- Report the Accident to the Police – Call the police right away. A police report is essential not just for legal reasons but also for your insurance claim.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel like you’re badly hurt, it is always a good idea to see a doctor for an evaluation. Some injuries, like concussions, don’t show up right away but can get serious if you don’t get them checked out.
- Alert Your Insurer – Your own personal injury protection (PIP) and mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) insurance policies will cover certain expenses caused by your bodily injuries, up to the limits of those policies.
- Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Garden City, NY – The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can start investigating your case and helping you pursue the hit-and-run driver.
How a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
A hit-and-run accident lawyer in New York, can be a valuable resource after you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident. They can investigate the accident to help find the driver who fled. Your lawyer can work with the police to gather evidence, like witness statements and security camera footage.
In addition to finding the responsible driver, a lawyer can also help with your other insurance claims. Even if the driver is never caught, your insurance should cover certain expenses through your mandatory PIP and UM policies, as well as optional add-ons like collision and comprehensive coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney will work hard to get you the full compensation available to you.
Compensation Available to Victims
After a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – This includes any costs that you incur due to treating your injuries from the accident. Medical costs may include hospitalization, surgery, and long-term care costs for therapy and medical devices.
- Lost Wages – If you cannot work while recovering from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost. Additionally, you may recover lost earnings if you are permanently disabled from your accident.
- Pain and Suffering – Hit-and-run accidents can cause a lot of emotional stress, and victims may be compensated for the pain and suffering they’ve experienced.
- Property Damage – If there is damage to your car or other property from the accident, you may be able to get money to cover the cost of repairs or replacing it.
In New York, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover certain expenses in a hit-and-run accident where the driver isn’t found. A lawyer can help you understand how your insurance applies in these cases and pursue the full amount you’re entitled to.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a smart move for anyone involved in this kind of accident. An experienced local attorney will know the ins and outs of New York law, be familiar with the courts in your area, and understand your rights under New York insurance law. They can represent you in court, talk to insurance companies so you don’t have to, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. One of the biggest benefits of working with a lawyer is that they will handle all the legal work for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Remember, it’s essential to act quickly. There are deadlines for filing lawsuits after a hit-and-run accident, and evidence can be lost over time. By hiring a lawyer as soon as possible, you can make sure everything is handled in a timely manner.
Contact Our Garden City Hit-and-Run Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident another driver caused, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At The Saul Law Firm LLP, our hit-and-run accident lawyer in Garden City, has extensive experience serving Nassau County residents injured in accidents. We can meet with you for a free consultation at your earliest convenience. Contact our office today.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, Queens, Garden City, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.