Hit-and-run accidents can be confusing and frustrating since you are left alone to deal with the aftermath of the accident. There’s a presumption that a driver who flees the accident scene was at least partially responsible.
Experienced New York Car Accident Lawyers can help identify options for recovering adequate compensation after a hit-and-run accident.
What Is A Hit-And-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a motorist collides with another automobile, a pedestrian, or property and then speeds away from the accident scene without exchanging insurance information with the affected party or providing assistance to the injured.
There are two essential ingredients of hit-and-run car accidents:
- The collision of a vehicle into a property or a person (the hit)
- Leaving the scene of the crime (the run)
Causes Of Hit-and-Run Accidents In New York
Reasons why hit-and-run drivers leave include:
- The driver did not have a valid New York driving licence
- The driver was driving a vehicle without the owner’s permission or was driving a stolen vehicle
- The driver was driving an employer-owned vehicle and did not want their employer to know that they got into a collision
- The driver had outstanding warrants for arrest for unpaid tickets or other crimes
- The driver was transporting illegal goods or drugs
- The driver is in the country illegally
In New York, after an accident, drivers must provide contact and insurance information to the others involved in the accident. Failure to exchange information with the other driver is considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious crime. Hit-and-run laws apply to even the smallest of collisions. Leaving after a fender bender or hitting a parked car is illegal.
Tips To Protect Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run accident, your main priority should be your health and well-being. Determine your location and call 911. Request a police officer and immediate medical attention even if you don’t think it’s necessary. Ensure proper treatment and documentation of your injuries.
Stay at the scene. Do not try to chase down the driver under any circumstances.
Try to retain any details regarding the make/model of the vehicle and its direction. Talk to witnesses of the crash and obtain their names and contact information. If possible, take photographs of your injuries and the accident scene.
What Happens If You Cannot Locate The Hit-And-Run Driver?
It’s not always possible to locate the at-fault driver. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, your insurance policy may help cover the cost of repairs and injuries.
In New York, personal injury protection (PIP) would cover injuries and may include a deductible. Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for medical bills for you or your passengers, regardless of fault.
PIP may also cover income continuation, funeral expenses, child care, and rehabilitation costs. You may be able to recover damages from your insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy depending on the nature of your policy.
Gregory Spektor And Associates: New York Lawyers Providing Expert Legal Representation For Hit-and-Run Accident Victims In New York
At Gregory Spektor And Associates, our car accident lawyers understand the tactics that your insurers will use to avoid liability. New York Insurance companies employ adjusters and lawyers to protect their assets and interests by doing everything possible to avoid paying for claims involving hit-and-runs.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident in New York, you have only three years from the date of your accident to take legal action.
Reach out to our New York personal injury law firm to speak to a hit-and-run accident lawyer.