If you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident in New York, contact Hach & Rose, LLP right now. You might be entitled to financial compensation. We could try to locate the negligent motorist and hold them liable for your injuries.
A hit-and-run accident can be scary. You probably never expected someone to cause a car crash and flee the scene without checking on you. Someone else endangered your life and lacked regard for your well-being. They should be held accountable for their misconduct.
Unfortunately, tracking down hit-and-run drivers is challenging. State law requires anyone involved in a car accident to stop their vehicle and exchange information, such as their name and insurance, with other people at the scene. However, some people flee without waiting for law enforcement. This creates obstacles for accident victims. When you don’t know the at-fault driver’s identity, you can’t pursue compensation from them.
At Hach & Rose, LLP, our team has nearly 25 years of experience investigating hit-and-run accident cases. We can gather valuable evidence and negotiate adequate settlements with insurance companies. You can depend on us to use our resources and skills to reach the best possible outcome.
Call Hach & Rose, LLP for your free consultation with one of our New York car accident attorneys today at (212) 779-0057.
How to Handle the Aftermath of a Hit and Run
Taking immediate action is crucial if you get hurt in a hit-and-run accident. You should stay at the scene of the crash until an officer arrives. They can complete an accident report and investigate. Law enforcement might be able to track down the at-fault motorist who fled.
Once you leave the accident scene, go to a nearby hospital or doctor’s office. You should begin treatment as soon as possible. Even if you have only a minor injury, allow a physician to evaluate your condition and recommend a treatment plan.
Following up with all your medical providers is necessary. You need evidence of your injury and the required treatment. Attending your appointments regularly means you will have medical records to use as evidence.
Maintain every record you receive during your case. You can keep copies of every prescription, invoice, medical report, and other documentation related to the accident. Your records could help recover compensation for your injury and expenses.
You should also hire a lawyer from Hach & Rose, LLP. Pursuing legal action yourself can be overwhelming. Many people make mistakes that lead to less compensation than they deserve. When you hire us, we can take over your case, so you don’t have to deal with the complicated aspects of pursuing compensation. We will complete every step for you.
Compensation Available for a Hit and Run
State law requires injured drivers and passengers to turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance before seeking compensation from the at-fault motorist. PIP pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other necessary expenses up to the limit on the policy. The minimum required coverage is $50,000.
You could also pursue compensation in a UM claim. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that can be used when the negligent driver doesn’t have auto insurance or causes a hit-and-run accident. UM covers medical costs and other expenses from the crash up to the limit on the policy.
If you locate the hit-and-run driver and exhaust your PIP coverage, you could file a claim with their auto insurance carrier. However, you must meet the serious injury threshold first. That means your injury results in the following:
- Death;
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, function, member, or system;
- Dismemberment;
- Loss of a fetus;
- Significant disfigurement;
- A fracture;
- A significant limitation of the use of a body system or function;
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body member or organ; or
- A non-permanent medically determined injury or impairment that prevents you from performing your customary and usual daily activities for no fewer than ninety days during the 180-day timeframe following the impairment or injury.
Whether you file a liability insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent motorist, you could receive compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Scarring or permanent loss of limb
- Property damage
You could also recover punitive damages if you file a lawsuit. This form of compensation punishes the defendant for their misconduct. You must show clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted negligently and totally disregarded the safety and life of others.
Statute of Limitations
You could pursue compensation in a lawsuit if you identify the driver that drove off after the crash. In New York, the statute of limitations on hit-and-run accidents allows a three-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you must file suit within three years of the crash date if you want to hold the negligent motorist liable in court. You will likely lose your right to do so if the three-year period passes before you initiate your lawsuit.
Speak to a New York Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
Hach & Rose, LLP has a proven track record of success. We’ve earned various awards and accolades from prestigious organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. We also received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating possible.
Our attorneys take pride in offering our clients dependable legal representation. We understand the struggles you face after a hit-and-run accident. It can be stressful, scary, and expensive. Many people can’t afford the bills they receive, especially from their attorneys. However, we take cases on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about paying us up front. We don’t get our legal fees unless we secure client compensation.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact Hach & Rose, LLP. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and advise you about your legal options.
Call us for a free consultation today at (212) 779-0057.