Nassau County roadways see their fair share of traffic, and with that comes the potential for accidents. However, hit-and-run accidents take these incidents to a new level of danger.
Not only do they leave victims with physical injuries from the crash, but the fleeing driver makes it difficult to receive medical attention and financial compensation. Hit-and-run drivers often leave victims feeling violated and vulnerable, adding emotional distress to the physical trauma.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents are left to grapple with a multitude of challenges. The immediate aftermath often involves serious injuries requiring extensive medical care, which can lead to hefty medical bills.
Lost wages due to missed work add to the financial burden. Beyond the physical pain, hit-and-run accidents inflict significant emotional damage, and feelings of fear, anger, and frustration are common as victims struggle to understand why the driver didn’t stop.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Nassau County, you don’t have to face this ordeal alone. A qualified Nassau County hit-and-run accident lawyer can be a powerful advocate in your corner.
Our expert attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm have the experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of your case. Our Nassau County personal injury lawyers can assist with filing claims with your insurance company, track down the hit-and-run driver, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In the face of a hit-and-run accident, we can be the allies you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact our Nassau County personal injury law firm today at (516) 689-1132 for a free consultation.
The Advantages of Working With a Nassau County Hit and Run Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. With the added difficulty of an unidentified driver, securing compensation for your injuries and damages becomes an even greater challenge.
Here’s where a Nassau County hit-and-run attorney brings a significant advantage:
- Investigation Expertise: Hit-and-run cases often involve limited evidence. An experienced attorney will know how to conduct a thorough investigation, leveraging police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build the strongest possible case for identifying the at-fault driver.
- Experience with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating. A Nassau County attorney understands how insurance companies operate and knows how to negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They can handle the complex legal jargon and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
- Understanding New York Law: Hit-and-run accidents have specific legal implications in New York. A Nassau County attorney will be well-versed in these laws and can advise you on your rights and options. They can help navigate the legal system and ensure your case is handled according to New York state regulations.
- Peace of Mind: The emotional toll of a hit-and-run accident can be immense. A lawyer can take the legal burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on healing. Knowing you have a skilled professional fighting for your best interests can provide much-needed peace of mind during this difficult time.
By working with a Nassau County personal injury attorney, you increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Their expertise, knowledge of the law, and negotiation skills can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
New York Hit and Run Laws
New York State, like most places, has strict laws in place to deal with drivers who flee the scene of an accident. These laws are meant to protect those involved in collisions, ensure an exchange of information, and aid investigations.
The severity of the penalties for a hit-and-run in New York depends on the extent of the damage or injuries caused by the accident. Let’s delve into the specifics of these laws and what you should do if you’re ever involved in a hit-and-run incident.
What Is a Hit and Run?
In New York State, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit-and-run, is a crime as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 [NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600]. This applies to any collision, even minor ones, involving a vehicle and another car, person, or property.
The law requires drivers involved in incidents causing bodily injury or property damage to stop and exchange information with the other party. This includes showing your driver’s license, insurance ID card (if required), name, address, insurance carrier details (policy number and dates), and license plate number.
If the property owner isn’t present, you must report the incident to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
The law also applies specifically to drivers operating vehicles for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber or Lyft. These drivers must additionally provide proof of insurance coverage if they were logged into the TNC app at the time of the incident, regardless of whether they had a passenger.
They also need to disclose if they were logged in but not on a trip or actively engaged in a prearranged trip.
What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run in New York State?
VAT § 600 outlines the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident after causing either property damage or personal injury.
If there is only property damage and the driver fails to exchange information, they face a traffic infraction with a maximum fine of $250 and up to 15 days in jail. However, if the accident results in personal injury, the penalties become more severe.
Just failing to exchange information can be a misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on if it’s a first or subsequent offense. If the driver leaves the scene entirely, they could face felony charges with fines up to $5,000, especially if the accident results in serious injury or death.
The Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Accidents in Nassau County
In New York State, the statute of limitations dictates the timeframe within which a lawsuit can be filed. For many common cases, including personal injury, property damage, and malpractice (excluding medical, dental, and podiatric), the statute of limitations is three years, according to Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 214.
This three-year window begins from the date of the incident or when the injury was discovered. There are some exceptions, such as fraud-based annulment of marriage, where the clock starts ticking when the fraud is discovered.
Of course, this statute applies to car accident claims as well, even if the driver who caused the accident fled the scene (hit and run).
Avenues for Compensation After a Hit and Run in New York State
There are three main insurance avenues for compensation that a Nassau County attorney can help you pursue in the aftermath of a hit and run: Personal Injury Protection (PIP), liability insurance carried by the at-fault driver (if they’re ever identified), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own insurance policy.
Understanding these options can empower you to navigate the claims process and get the financial support you deserve.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of auto insurance mandated in New York State. It functions as a no-fault insurance, meaning it covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
This is different from traditional liability insurance, which comes into play only when you are found at fault for an accident. PIP acts as your first line of defense, reimbursing you for accident-related costs up to your policy limits.
New York has specific requirements for PIP coverage. Like liability insurance, which varies depending on the level of coverage you choose, PIP has a mandated minimum.
All drivers in the state must carry a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage per person per accident. This minimum ensures a baseline level of financial protection for medical expenses and lost income following an accident.
It’s important to note that $50,000 might not always be enough, especially for severe injuries. You can choose to purchase higher PIP limits for additional peace of mind.
However, not everyone has a car, and PIP isn’t strictly required for people without a vehicle of their own. For victims without PIP, liability insurance may another route to recovery.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance acts as a financial safety net in case you’re found legally responsible for an accident. It kicks in when someone (other than yourself) is injured, or their property is damaged due to your negligence.
When filing a claim under a liability insurance policy, the insurance company will cover the associated costs up to the policy limits chosen by the driver. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and repair or replacement costs for damaged property.
New York State requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage in order to register their vehicles and legally drive on the roads. Here’s a breakdown of the minimums:
- Bodily Injury Liability: This covers injuries to others you cause in an accident. New York requires minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: This covers damage to another person’s property caused by you in an accident. The minimum required coverage in New York is $10,000 per accident.
These minimums come into play specifically after an accident victim has exhausted their PIP benefits. Once PIP reaches its limit, minimum liability insurance takes over, ensuring the injured party receives compensation for their remaining medical bills, lost income, and other covered damages up to the policy limits.
There are some caveats to consider; first, you can only turn to liability insurance, assuming the at-fault driver is found. In addition, under the state’s comparative negligence system, your claim may be reduced by an amount proportional to your degree of fault in the accident.
Imagine, for example, a car accident at an intersection. Car A runs a red light and slams into Car B, which is traveling straight with the right of way.
The evidence shows Car A was clearly speeding as well. A court might determine Car A was 80% at fault for the accident (running the red light and speeding) while Car B holds some responsibility (perhaps going slightly above the speed limit) and assign them 20% fault.
If Car B suffered $100,000 in damages, they wouldn’t receive the full amount under comparative negligence. The court would reduce the award by their percentage of fault (20%), meaning Car B would recover $80,000.
UM/UIM Insurance
UM/UIM stands for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. It’s an optional but highly recommended type of auto insurance that protects you financially in two key situations.
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) kicks in if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who has no liability insurance at all. This can include hit-and-run accidents, where the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits aren’t enough to cover the full cost of your damages, like medical bills or car repairs.
UM/UIM insurance is a valuable shield against the financial burden of accidents caused by irresponsible drivers. In a hit-and-run scenario, where finding the culprit might seem impossible, UM coverage can be a lifesaver.
UM insurance can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and even car repairs if your vehicle is damaged. Similarly, if you’re struck by a driver with minimal insurance, UIM coverage steps in to bridge the gap between their limited policy and the actual cost of your damages.
This can be crucial, especially with serious injuries that can result in significant medical bills. As with liability insurance, UM/UIM coverage can only apply if PIP coverage is exhausted first.
Contact Out Nassau County Hit and Run Accident Law Firm Today
Nobody deserves financial hardship due to a hit-and-run accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs can quickly add up, leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
You shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden alone.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in Nassau County, NY, can help. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of hit-and-run cases and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
We’ll handle all the legal legwork, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Don’t hesitate to call the CEO Lawyer today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and answer any questions you have.
Let us help you get back on your feet. Contact us today at (516) 689-1132.
