Hit and run in New York is very common. A hit-and-run accident happens when a vehicle hits something, like another vehicle, object, or person, and then the driver just takes off without stopping to help or give their information. This kind of accident can really hurt or even kill someone, and the drivers who run away can get in big trouble with the law.
You probably need a New York car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run accident, especially if you cannot locate the driver. In general, any car accident can be stressful and things does get really complicated when a driver flees the scene. Getting the compensation you need and deserve can be a challenge. Hiring an attorney to handle your injury claim after any recent hit and run accidents can make things a lot easier.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run?
Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from reputable law firm is one of the best ways to safeguard your financial future in the accident aftermath with a hit and run driver. Here are just a few of the ways a lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs:
- Address any inquiries you may have regarding the claims process
- Handle communication with your insurance provider on your behalf after reporting a hit and run accident
- Develop a personalized legal strategy for your hit-and-run case
- Clarify and advice the available legal avenues for you
- Conduct a thorough search for evidence collection to support your compensation rights claim
- Offer reliable legal counsel and support throughout the process
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident
- Provide insights into the functioning of the legal system
- Collaborate with relevant experts to examine the specifics of your case
- Analyze the details of your crash and evaluate your damages for hit and run charges
- Manage the administrative aspects of your hit-and-run case
- Negotiate with your car insurance company for a fair settlement
- Advocate for you in court proceedings by presenting evidence and making arguments through legal representation, if necessary.
By entrusting your hit-and-run case to a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the legal complexities with confidence and work towards securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Making Sense of Hit-and-Run Compensation with a Lawyer
Securing compensation for a driver in a car accident injury case after a hit-and-run accident can be tough. But with a hit-and-run accident lawyer by your side, things can get easier. These lawyers know how to deal with such cases and can handle everything for you or take legal action against the driver who caused the accident. They work hard to protect your interests and get you the money you need. In most places, if someone hits you and runs away, you still have options to get compensation. Your lawyer will look at all the details, like the laws in your area, your insurance, and any information about the person who caused the accident, to figure out the best way forward. If someone is proved to be liable in a car accident, a court may also order punitive damages.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Understand Your Legal Options
Role of an injury lawyer is very important in identifying the at-fault driver in your crash. This would likely open the possibility of pursuing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against them. Even if you don’t know who caused the hit-and-run, your attorney will still stand up for your rights throughout the claims process. Dealing with insurance companies and persuading adjusters to provide the compensation you deserve is always challenging, even if you’re filing a claim under your own policy. But with your attorney’s expertise, you have a strong advocate by your side to ensure you’re treated fairly and receive the compensation you need.
What You Can Do Legally After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The legal pathways available after a hit-and-run accident vary depending on the specific circ*mstances and the relevant laws. Discuss your case with an experienced and knowledgeable hit and run attorney. If you’re able to identify the at-fault driver, the case will typically follow a similar process to other collisions in your jurisdiction. However, if the driver remains unidentified, your attorney can assist you in exploring alternative options for seeking recourse as noted below:
1. Deciding Between Claiming Fault or Suing the Driver
In many states, car accidents are typically governed by a fault-based system. Under this system, if you know who caused the hit-and-run incident, there are avenues to pursue compensation:
- Negotiating a Settlement: You can engage in discussions with the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance company to reach a settlement agreement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: Alternatively, you have the option to initiate legal proceedings by filing a lawsuit against the responsible driver. This involves presenting your case in a civil court for any hit and run penalty.
2. Using Your Insurance to File a Claim
In the event that you are unable to identify the driver who struck you, your uninsured motorist policy becomes a viable recourse. This type of policy provides coverage when an uninsured driver causes an accident, resulting in injuries and damages to you. Additionally, it extends to situations where an unknown driver is responsible for the collision and flees the scene. Certain states require motorists to have this coverage in place. If your attorney is handling your hit-and-run claim, they can thoroughly review your policies, including checking for uninsured motorist coverage. This ensures that all available options for compensation are explored and pursued effectively.
3. Exploring Other Ways to Get Compensation
In rare cases, the responsible driver might remain unidentified, and the victim may not possess uninsured motorist coverage. Despite this challenging scenario, avenues for seeking compensation may still be available. Potential options may encompass:
- Collision Insurance: Utilizing a collision insurance policy can help cover the costs of car repairs resulting from the accident.
- Health Insurance: Medical treatment expenses can be addressed through health insurance coverage, ensuring you receive necessary medical care without incurring significant financial burden.
- Identifying Additional At-Fault Parties: Your attorney can explore the possibility of identifying other parties or contributors responsible for the accident. Holding these individuals or entities accountable could provide an alternative means of obtaining compensation for your damages. They review traffic footage, analyze physical evidence at the scene of the crash and ask witnesses if they have any information that helps with identifying additional at-fault parties.
Don’t give up on your case before you speak to a hit and run lawyer.
Figuring Out How Much Your Case Might Recover
Understanding the value of your case is crucial for getting fair compensation after a collision. Whether you’re filing an uninsured motorist claim or a fault-based lawsuit, you’re entitled to similar types of damages.
These damages typically include:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Costs for ongoing care and support due to lasting injuries
- Lost income from missing work
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Other emotional distress
While some damages, like medical bills, are straightforward to calculate, others, like future care needs and emotional distress, can be more challenging. Having a hit-and-run accident attorney on your side can make things easier. They know how to document all your damages, even the ones that are harder to quantify. They can bring in medical experts to help estimate future care costs and use their experience to determine a fair value for non-economic damages.
What if I Learn Who Caused My Hit and Run Accident?
Discovering the identity of the hit-and-run driver changes the course of your case significantly. Instead of relying solely on your uninsured motorist policy for compensation, knowing who hit you empowers you to hold them accountable and seek justice, along with compensation. This outcome is often seen as favorable by many.
Although the police report should inform you if they identify the driver who hit you shortly after the incident, this notification doesn’t always happen. Attorneys frequently follow up to check for any updates on the case.
It’s essential for your lawyer to inform the police if they identify the driver as well. Having this crucial information documented in the crash report filed by law enforcement strengthens your case against the responsible driver, particularly if they are cited for leaving the scene.
Consult a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer to Learn More
If you or a loved one have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to file a claim for damages. A hit and run attorney can provide legal assistance and help you come up with the best course of action and fight for you in court if necessary.
If you have questions about a hit-and-run insurance claim or civil lawsuit, talk to a Car Accident Attorney. A lawyer can answer your questions and advocate for you. If you would like to have our team review your case and provide you with a rundown of how we can help you, please give us a call or contact us online today for attorney advice.
