Factors like distracted driving, along with other forms of reckless behind-the-wheel misconduct, compromise traffic safety. All too often, drivers cause accidents and then leave the scene without exchanging contact information. As may seem obvious, if the identity of the at-fault driver and the identity of the owner of the vehicle operated by that at-fault driver are unknown and cannot be ascertained, (i.e., no person or camera captured the hit & run vehicle’s license plate or other identifying information,) it is impossible to bring a direct claim against those parties. Simply stated, if we don’t know who they are, we don’t know whom to pursue. However, there may be other options for getting a payout in your case.
Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today at (516) 932-0400 to learn more from our car accident lawyer. We offer free initial consultations and case reviews. We are passionate advocates for the injured, so let us fight for the compensation you need based on the facts of your case in Levittown, New York, or the New York metropolitan area.
- Hit and Run Accidents Occur More Often Than Many People Realize
- Let a Hit and Run Lawyer Review Your Levittown Accident Today
- Recoverable Damages in a Hit and Run Accident in Levittown, NY
- You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Case
- Talk to a Levittown Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
Hit and Run Accidents Occur More Often Than Many People Realize
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic law, it is illegal for anyone to not stop and share their contact and insurance information with other parties involved in an accident. However, it happens every day in greater NYC. A Levittown hit-and-run accident lawyer will review your case if you were the victim of a hit and run:
- Car accident
- Truck accident
- Drunk driving accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Pedestrian accident
- Bicycle accident
- Other motor vehicle accident
We will investigate your accident case and if we are able to discover evidence that identifies the hit-and-run driver we will proceed as we would in a typical car accident case. For example, a witness may have noted or taken a photo of the license plate of the hit-and-run vehicle. Perhaps a video surveillance camera of a property near the accident site captured the license plate or other identifying information, such as a business name written on a truck. If your injuries are serious, we will file a fault-based claim and, depending upon the unique circumstances of your case, present the case to a judge and jury. Whether we pursue a claim that is ultimately settled or proceed with litigation that culminates in a trial that leads to a verdict, all our actions are taken with the goal of winning the best possible outcome for you.
Some of the types of damages that we will fight to recover for you are:
- Uncovered medical treatment costs
- Future medical care costs related to your accident injuries
- Additional lost wages and benefits
- Property damages, including the repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other noneconomic damages
If we cannot find the identity of the hit-and-run driver, there are other options for helping you recover your damages. First, you should already have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of the auto insurance for the car you were in. As a minimum auto insurance requirement from the DMV, PIP coverage will cover some of your accident-related expenses, at least up to the minimum policy limit of $50,000.00 in New York State. It will also cover care for the passengers in your vehicle. (Pedestrians and bicyclists would be covered by the PIP benefits of their own auto insurance policy or of the PIP benefits under the auto policy of a resident relative with whom the injury victim resided on the day of the accident. Many people are surprised to learn this since those policies cover cars that were not involved in the accident when pedestrians and bicyclists are involved. Still, that is how the law in New York State has been structured to help pedestrians and bicyclists injured in hit & run accidents where the identities of the driver and owner of the offending vehicle are unknown. If there is no household policy for the injured person, PIP benefits may be available to the injured person through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation.)
To learn more about how a Levittown hit-and-run accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will help you after an accident call (516) 932-0400 for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accident lawyer serving Levittown, call 516-932-0400
Let a Hit and Run Lawyer Review Your Levittown Accident Today
At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. our team will meet with you in Levittown, on Long Island, or elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area to help you understand your options. We have a multilingual staff that is able to discuss your case in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada if desired. We want you to know we support you and will fight for your financial recovery.
You can count on Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. to:
- Keep You Updated on Your Case
- Identify Liable Parties, if applicable
- Communicate with All Parties for You
- Gather Evidence
- Determine a Value for Your Case
We will gather evidence to help bolster your insurance claim or lawsuit, and help you prove your damages. This includes, when indicated, enlisting the help of expert witnesses such as medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists.
Levittown Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
Recoverable Damages in a Hit and Run Accident in Levittown, NY
Your no-fault PIP policy will cover medical care costs for you and those of any passengers in your vehicle, up to the limits of the policy. It will also cover other losses, including a portion of your lost wages.
Any medical bills in excess of the policy limit would generally be covered by compensation from a fault-based claim or lawsuit in a case where the at-fault driver is known. However, health insurance or other sources may cover any additional treatment costs. If you are unable to identify the at-fault driver or the owner of the at-fault vehicle in your accident, we may be able to pursue a “SUM” claim. SUM stands for Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist. In a manner similar to what was described for the PIP benefits.
SUM is claimed against the policy of the host vehicle, (i.e., the vehicle the injured person was driving or was a passenger in at the time of the accident,) or in the case of an injured pedestrian or bicyclist who does not own a car, against the SUM coverage of the policy of a resident relative with whom the injured person resided on the day of the accident. If there was no available household coverage on the day of the accident, a claim for up to $25,000.00 can be made with the aforementioned MVAIC).
If your loved one passed away as a result of a hit and run accident in Levittown, know you have our deepest sympathies and that a Levittown hit and run accident lawyer is here to help. We will review your case and explain your options for pursuing wrongful death damages.
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You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Case
The longer it has been since your accident, the less likely it is we will be able to identify the at-fault motorist and hold them accountable. If we learn about your case soon after the accident, we will approach local businesses to see if they have video, or take other steps to identify the hit and run driver. However, they do not keep these videos long, so reach out as soon as possible. The sooner you contact us, the greater our opportunity to build the strongest case possible for you.
In addition, New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules § 214 prohibits filing car accident lawsuits after a certain point. That puts a deadline on these cases, and you will be barred from taking legal action after that deadline passes. Calling us as soon as possible after your accident will help ensure your right to file suit remains protected.
Additionally, other time-restrictions apply to claims and lawsuits. We will make sure all deadlines are met or complied in a timely and appropriate manner. It is one of our goals to handle all the case details so as to relieve you of stress and worry, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment, healing, and rebuilding your life.
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Talk to a Levittown Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a hit and run accident in Levittown, or if you live in Levittown and suffered injuries elsewhere on Long Island or in the New York metropolitan area, our team is here to help. We offer free case evaluations and will pursue a payout in your auto accident case. A Levittown hit and run accident lawyer will seek damages on your behalf and present evidence to support a fair payout or court award.
Call (516) 932-0400 to speak with a member of the Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. team, and discuss your case for free.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form