A hit-and-run incident occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or private property and then leaves the scene without stopping or departs prematurely before the arrival of the police, failing to provide contact information to the affected parties. Such behavior is not only illegal but also alarmingly common.
Recent statistics reveal a sharp increase in these incidents, with New York experiencing a rise of over 25% in hit-and-run cases. In 2023 alone, New York reported approximately 46,000 hit-and-run accidents, resulting in over 5,000 injuries and at least one fatality every week.
The implications of a hit-and-run extend beyond legal repercussions; they can leave victims struggling with unreimbursed property damage and medical expenses. More critically, when an injured victim is left without immediate aid, the lack of quick medical attention can exacerbate their injuries, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
However, resources are available to track down hit-and-run drivers and secure assistance for medical and other expenses, even if the driver remains unidentified. In New York City, for instance, the specialized attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm provide expert legal assistance to those affected by hit-and-run incidents, helping victims navigate the complexities of their cases and get justice.
Damages Our Long Island Hit and Run Accident Attorneys Recover for Victims
You shouldn’t face financial strain if you’ve been involved in a car accident on Long Island due to another driver’s negligence. You can claim economic and non-economic damages to compensate for the incident’s repercussions.
Economic damages you can claim include:
- Medical expenses (both past and future)
- Lost wages (both past and future)
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage or loss
- Depreciation of property value
Non-economic damages cover:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Decreased quality of life
The negligent driver must be held accountable for the consequences of the accident. If the driver remains unidentified, you can seek compensation through your insurance provider.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to manage all dealings with insurance companies to ensure you receive the financial support you deserve.
How to Choose the Right Long Island Hit and Run Accident Law Firm?
Choosing the right lawyer for a hit-and-run accident on Long Island is crucial for effectively handling your case.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a Long Island personal injury attorney:
- Experience: Choosing a lawyer with extensive experience in dealing with hit-and-run cases is essential. Look for someone with a strong track record of navigating similar cases and understands your area’s specific laws and regulations. Our firm boasts years of experience and a successful history of securing significant settlements for our clients in hit-and-run accidents.
- Reputation and Client Feedback: A lawyer’s reputation can provide significant insight into their capability and reliability. Check reviews from former clients and seek a lawyer with positive feedback and a solid standing in the legal community. Our firm is well-regarded for our commitment to client satisfaction and has consistently received positive reviews.
- Availability and Communication: Effective communication is vital. Your lawyer should be accessible and willing to keep you informed throughout the process of your case. Our firm emphasizes open communication, ensuring that we are always available to address your concerns and update you on the progress of your case.
- Fee Structure: Understanding the fee structure is important. Opt for a lawyer who is transparent about their fees. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. This aligns our goals with yours and motivates us to achieve the best possible results for you.
Consider these factors when selecting a lawyer for your hit-and-run case in Long Island. Our Long Island personal injury law firm will help you find someone who is not only capable but also a good fit for your specific needs.
What Is a Long Island Hit and Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident in Long Island occurs when a driver is involved in an accident and leaves the scene without offering assistance or exchanging contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Such incidents can involve vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
The repercussions of these accidents can range from property damage to severe injuries or even death.
In Long Island, authorities treat hit-and-run accidents with high seriousness due to the potential harm they cause. Drivers fleeing the scene may face criminal charges and are liable for any resulting damages or injuries.
If you find yourself a victim of a hit-and-run in Long Island, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through your legal options and help protect your rights.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Long Island?
Suppose you find yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Long Island. In that case, following specific steps to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving appropriate compensation is crucial.
Here’s what you should do:
Prioritize Safety and Assess Injuries
Immediately after the accident. If your vehicle can still be driven, move it to the side of the road to avoid further hazards. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call for medical help if there are serious injuries.
Carefully move to a safe location if the vehicle is inoperable and has minor injuries.
Contact Emergency Services
Once you’re in a secure spot, dial 9-1-1. Request both police and medical assistance. When you provide your accident account to the police, stick to the facts you know and avoid speculation.
Document the Accident Scene
Use your smartphone to take photographs of your vehicle’s damage, any visible injuries, and the overall scene, including road conditions and nearby signs. Additionally, document the accident details verbally using your phone’s voice recorder or by taking notes—include as many specifics as you remember.
Speak with Witnesses
If any bystanders witnessed the accident, approach them and ask for their account of what occurred. Collect their statements and contact information, which could be valuable for your case.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Report the accident to your insurance company without delay. Provide them with the essential details of the incident—where, when, and how it occurred.
Respond concisely to their questions, as they may look for reasons to reduce your claim’s value.
Consult with a Specialized Attorney
Contact a lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents in Long Island as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can guide you through the legal process, help with insurance matters, and discuss the possibility of pursuing further legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Do Police Find a Hit & Run Driver in the Long Island?
When you’re involved in a hit-and-run incident, it’s crucial to contact the police immediately to start an investigation.
Here are some steps the police might take to locate the driver:
- License Plate Information: If you manage to note down the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle, this is the most direct way for the police to track down the driver by checking vehicle registration details.
- Vehicle Description: If the license plate number was unavailable, any details you remember about the vehicle—such as its make, model, and color—can be extremely helpful. Provide all the information you can to the police.
- Surveillance Footage: Police often review footage from surveillance cameras near the scene, such as those in stores, office buildings, or other public areas that might have recorded the incident.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Talking to people at the scene can provide additional details. Witnesses might recall the direction in which the vehicle fled or other distinctive features of the vehicle or the incident.
- Local Enquiries: The police may also canvas the area, asking residents and business owners if they witnessed anything that could be related to the accident.
- Media and Social Media Appeals: In some cases, police may use local news outlets and social media to request information from the public that could lead to identifying the hit-and-run driver.
The duration and success of the investigation can depend on various factors, including the time of day the incident occurred, the details provided in the police report, the resources available to the police, how quickly the incident is reported, and the number of witnesses.
If the police successfully locate the driver, legal proceedings can be initiated. These generally include criminal charges for fleeing the scene and civil proceedings by victims seeking damages. It’s important to remember that the outcomes of these proceedings are independent; a criminal conviction does not guarantee financial compensation, and vice versa.
Should the driver not be found, you still have options for financial recovery through your insurance. Consulting with our legal experts, such as hit-and-run accident attorneys, can provide further guidance and support in pursuing your claim.
Compensation Available in a New York Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in New York may believe they have no recourse. Still, several options are available to pursue compensation:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This coverage is part of your auto insurance policy and can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if an uninsured driver hits you or the driver flees the scene.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC): If you do not receive compensation from other sources, MVAIC provides a safety net. To remain eligible, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and directly to MVAIC.
- Criminal Restitution: If the hit-and-run driver is caught and convicted, the court may order them to pay restitution, which can compensate you for your losses.
- Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit: If investigators identify the responsible driver, you might file a claim against the driver, their insurance, the vehicle owner, or the employer. This can address damages like medical bills, property damage, and more.
Our lawyers specialize in hit-and-run accidents and may provide situation-specific advice, assisting you in understanding the best course of action to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Long Island, New York
In Long Island, New York, it is illegal for a driver to leave the scene after being involved in an accident that results in injury. The law mandates that all motorists must stop, provide necessary assistance, and call for emergency services if they are involved in a collision that injures another person.
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation from such claims may cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, living costs, and other damages related to the accident.
Additionally, if the accident leads to permanent disability, you may be eligible for further compensation to address this long-term impact.
Common Injuries Suffered in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can result in a wide range of injuries similar to those found in other vehicular collisions. These injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Facial trauma
- Head injuries
- Herniated disks
- Internal bleeding
- Knee injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
The dangers of hit-and-run accidents are particularly severe because victims may be left unattended at the scene, unconscious, and unable to summon help. This delay in medical attention can exacerbate their injuries, increasing the risk of severe complications.
Additionally, if the accident scene is not promptly marked or visible, subsequent accidents may occur, causing further harm.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Long Island, NY, consider reaching out to our experienced team of Long Island personal injury lawyers. At our family-operated firm, now in its third generation, we deeply value family bonds and are committed to providing compassionate legal support to protect you and your loved ones.
Contact Our Long Island Hit and Run Lawyers For Help!
If you’ve been impacted by a hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to get legal help. Our personal injury lawyers in Long Island are dedicated to understanding every aspect of your case.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we secure a settlement or court award for you.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help if you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run in Nassau County, Queens County, Suffolk County, or anyplace else in New York. We are prepared to fight for you because we have a demonstrated history of getting significant client compensation.
For a free case evaluation and an estimate of your case’s potential value, please contact us immediately at (516) 689-1132 or contact us via the online form.
