Average settlement amounts, while mathematically possible to compute, do not provide an individual injured claimant with any useful information. What matters most are the specific facts of your case and the value of your claim, and that is what we focus on.
The actual settlement for a hit and run accident depends on several conditions. Your hit and run payout will be affected by the type of accident you were in, available insurance coverage, liability determination, property damage, and injury severity, among other factors.
Even two people, both injured while sitting next to each other in a hit and run accident, may have dramatically different damages and claims for compensation. Averaging their respective recoveries provides a meaningless figure. Since every case is different, you benefit from speaking with our New York personal injury lawyers. We will review your case information and advise you on which items could affect your settlement value.
In This Article
Reading time: 5 minutes
- Damages You Could Receive for a Hit and Run Accident
- How Injury Severity Affects Your Hit and Run Settlement Value
- How Insurance Coverage Impacts Your Hit and Run Payout
- Property Damage Is Part of Your Hit and Run Settlement
- Our Legal Representatives Advocate for a Higher Hit and Run Payout
- Find Out What Your Hit and Run Accident Settlement Is Worth
Damages You Could Receive for a Hit and Run Accident
A personal injury claim for a hit and run aims to recover monetary compensation to make the victim whole. The amount of compensation you receive for a hit and run should equal the value of the economic and non-economic losses you suffered. These losses often include the following:- Medical expenses, such as medical treatment, hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, assistive equipment, and rehabilitative therapy
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Lost income, including work you missed during recovery and diminished future earning potential
- Pain and suffering, both due to physical injuries and any emotional distress caused by those injuries
- Loss of enjoyment, if you are no longer able to engage in activities you once enjoyed
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How Injury Severity Affects Your Hit and Run Settlement Value
Injury severity is a primary consideration when determining the value of a hit and run accident claim. Your injuries typically dictate the type and amount of damages you recover. If you suffer from whiplash or a muscle strain, for example, your medical treatment, lost income, and other losses are likely to be less than if you suffered a catastrophic injury that causes long-term impairment, like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. Hit and run victims with more serious injuries typically require more medical treatment and a longer time away from work. They might also receive more compensation for pain and suffering, resulting in higher settlements. Victims who are permanently disabled due to their injuries also receive higher settlements, as they could require long-term medical care and financial support.Some Types of Accidents Could Cause More Severe Injuries
Certain types of traffic collisions are more likely to result in severe injuries than others. For example, a hit and run involving a pedestrian or a bicyclist is more likely to result in a higher settlement than a car crash. Pedestrians and bikers have little protection from the impact of a collision, so they are at greater risk of catastrophic or fatal injuries.How Insurance Coverage Impacts Your Hit and Run Payout
Personal injury settlements vary depending on insurance coverage. New York is a no-fault state, so many victims of hit and run collisions have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills and other expenses, regardless of fault. When you pursue damages against the hit and run driver, you seek compensation through their auto insurance, which might or might not be sufficient to cover your losses. Your settlement value is generally restricted by the responsible party’s policy limit. For injuries that exceed those limits, it is most prudent to give strong consideration to recovering additional compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A member of our team of legal professionals will gladly elaborate as to what this type of claim is and what it entails if you reach out to our office. In cases where insurance does not cover the full scope of your losses, you have the right to pursue additional compensation through other means, such as a lawsuit. Our personal injury attorneys will determine which insurance policies and limitations apply in your case and create a strategy to maximize your settlement value.Identifying the Hit and Run Driver
A settlement for a hit and run accident typically relies on identifying the driver who caused your injuries, which would allow you to file a claim with their insurer. Unfortunately, when the perpetrator flees the accident site without leaving their contact information, holding them accountable could be difficult. Local police and law enforcement—and your auto accident lawyers—will try to identify the hit and run driver by recovering video footage, interviewing witnesses, and otherwise investigating the accident. However, if we are unable to locate them, you could still have options for recovering damages, including:- Filing claims with your own policies
- Filing a claim with a second liable party whose negligence contributed to the crash, if the circumstances of the accident support such a claim
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Property Damage Is Part of Your Hit and Run Settlement
If your car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle was struck in a hit and run, the value of repairing or replacing the vehicle is typically included in your settlement. The higher the damage repair or replacement estimate, the higher the associated damages you should recover. You could also seek reimbursement for damaged personal property, such as riding gear or cell phones.Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Our Legal Representatives Advocate for a Higher Hit and Run Payout
Appropriate legal representation often makes it easier for you to recover the true value of your hit and run injuries. Our personal injury lawyers in New York have experience negotiating the right settlement value for motor vehicle accident claims. When you work with our law firm, you receive legal support from a team that understands how insurance companies negotiate. We work toward a higher settlement by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and crafting a compelling claim. If settlement negotiations stall, your attorney will also represent you at trial as necessary.Find Out What Your Hit and Run Accident Settlement Is Worth
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, a car accident attorney at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., will provide critical legal support during this challenging time. Since 1991, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims in New York and on Long Island. We have the experience and the determination to help you. Contact our office as soon as possible after the incident to discuss how to secure a settlement for your hit and run accident.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form