Hit and run accidents are a source of significant physical injuries and property damage. In many cases, they also bring confusion. When a driver runs from the scene of an accident, especially if that driver’s or that vehicle owner’s identities are not determined, a person may think, “what do I do now?…who do I make a case against and how do I start…?” As you read on you will see, in most hit & run accident cases, even when the at-fault driver leaves the scene without exchanging information, there are still ways an injured victim can obtain compensation. If you were involved in a hit and run accident an East Meadow car accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will answer your questions and address your concerns.
Our firm will work to keep you updated on your case as we identify liable parties and determine a value for your case. We will pursue compensation for your damages, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
For a free consultation with a member of our team, call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today (516) 932-0400. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis with nothing due upfront.
- Common Reasons for Hit and Run Accidents
- Injuries and Damages Caused by Hit and Run Accidents
- Pursuing Compensation for a Hit and Run Accident
- Compensation in a Hit and Run Accident Case
- Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Common Reasons for Hit and Run Accidents
Most people are confused as to why a driver would leave the scene of an accident. In many cases, drivers without proper insurance coverage flee the scene of an accident to avoid legal and financial penalties.
Some drivers get behind the wheel with no insurance policy whatsoever. Other drivers may flee the scene if they are trying to avoid law enforcement due to a warrant, or if they have illegal drugs or weapons in their vehicle that they are trying to conceal from the police.
If a driver was engaging in reckless or negligent driving behaviors that would establish them as a liable party in an accident, then they may also flee the scene to avoid legal consequences. These behaviors may include:
- Drunk and impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Aggressive and reckless driving behaviors
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, there are a few things you can do to assist law enforcement when they arrive. If you are able, try to collect the license plate number of the vehicle that caused an accident. We’ve had cases in our office where the at-fault driver stops for a moment, sometimes even signals to the other driver where they should pull over, and then takes off. If possible, try to snap a photo of the at-fault vehicle capturing the license plate in the photo. It is also helpful to make a note of the driver’s vehicle type. Any detail from the color of the car to the make and model may aid law enforcement in their investigation.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accident lawyer serving East Meadow, call 516-932-0400
Injuries and Damages Caused by Hit and Run Accidents
There are some serious consequences for those who engage in a hit and run. As New York Vehicle & Traffic § 600 states, drivers that cause property damage or physical injury must remain at the scene of the incident to share their personal information. If they run from the scene instead, the penalties may include fines and jail time.
In the process of establishing liability in a hit and run accident, local law enforcement may attempt to track down the driver who caused the accident. To do so, they may reference footage taken from nearby surveillance cameras. Video evidence may reveal the license plate number of the vehicle that fled the scene. Law enforcement can use this information to locate a driver and hold them responsible. They may also make use of eyewitness testimonies and photographs to assist in their investigation.
East Meadow Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
Pursuing Compensation for a Hit and Run Accident
If the police are able to locate the hit and run driver, you can bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit against them, just like a normal accident. However, you may still have options if the responsible driver is never found.
According to the New York Department of Financial Services, New York requires all drivers to maintain both No-Fault (also called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) and Uninsured Motorist coverage. The No-Fault coverage will pay your medical expenses and a portion of your work pay you’ve lost due to medically documented injuries you suffered in the car accident. The Uninsured Motorist coverage will permit you to recover for other damages, such as pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies may be reluctant to compensate their customers fairly in these types of cases. If your insurance company is offering you a low amount or is denying your claim, an East Meadow hit and run accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will negotiate with them. We will gather evidence of your damages and demand a fair settlement based on the terms of your policy. If they refuse to make you a fair offer, we can press the case forward toward an arbitration hearing where an impartial arbitrator will hear the evidence and the arguments and render a decision. Please note, you insurance company, yes the one that advertises and markets themselves as being so wonderful, and is so happy to accept your premiums, will typically become extremely adversarial when an underinsured claim is brought. What they don’t advertise is how motivated they are to pay you nothing or as close to it as possible. Simply stated, they are not on your side. We are. We will fight to win the best possible outcome for you.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today at (516) 932-0400.
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Compensation in a Hit and Run Accident Case
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you are probably eligible to receive compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills. Depending on your injuries and the insurance policy you are collecting from, you may also be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Property damage Lost wages
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
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Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Hit and run accidents carry several complex legal considerations. If you were injured in a hit and run accident, then it is natural to feel stressed while trying to recover. An East Meadow hit and run accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will assert your rights and give you both time and that greater degree of peace of mind, that will help you focus on healing from your injuries.
Our lawyers will:
- Keep you updated on your case
- Identify liable parties
- Communicate with all parties for you
- Gather evidence
- Determine a value for your case
If necessary, we will hire medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists to testify in your defense.
For a free consultation with a member of our team, call us today at (516) 932-0400. Our multilingual staff assists callers in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form