You’re walking home from school, or maybe you’re out for a bike ride on a beautiful Staten Island afternoon. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a car swerves and hits you. You’re scared and hurt, but when you look around for the car that hit you, it’s gone!
This is a hit-and-run accident, and it can be a really confusing and scary situation. The driver who hit you is supposed to stop, check on everyone involved, and exchange information, but by their leaving the scene, they make things much harder for you.
Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand how frustrating and upsetting a hit-and-run accident can be. We know that dealing with injuries and figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to help.
Why You Need a Staten Island Hit and Run Attorney
A hit-and-run accident can leave you with a lot of questions.
Who will pay for my medical bills? How will I find the driver who hit me? What if I can’t find them?
An experienced Staten Island hit-and-run lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what our team can do for you:
- Experienced Guidance: Hit-and-run accidents can be complex, and the legal process can be overwhelming. An experienced lawyer can guide you through each step, answer your questions, and protect your rights.
- Gathering Evidence: Finding the driver who hit you can be difficult, but a lawyer can help gather evidence and investigate the accident. This evidence can be crucial in recovering compensation or defending yourself in court.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be challenging to deal with, especially after a hit-and-run accident. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Understanding Your Legal Options: There are a number of legal options available to victims of hit-and-run accidents, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. A lawyer can help you understand your options and choose the best course of action.
- Courtroom Representation: If you need to go to court, either to fight for compensation or defend yourself against charges, a lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your best interests.
Defenses for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Staten Island
It’s important to understand that hit-and-run is a serious crime in New York, and the penalties can be severe. However, there are a few legal defenses that can be used in some cases. Here are a few examples:
- Emergency Response: If you were on your way to the hospital to get medical attention for yourself or someone else, you may not be required to stop at the scene of an accident. However, you should still report the accident to the police as soon as possible.
- Unaware of Damage or Injury: If you can prove that you were completely unaware of causing any damage or injury, this may be a defense. For example, if you accidentally clipped a side mirror without realizing it, you might be able to argue that you weren’t aware of the accident. However, this defense can be difficult to prove.
- Involuntary Intoxication: In rare cases, if you can prove that you were intoxicated without your knowledge or against your will (such as if someone drugged your drink), this might be a defense. However, this is a very complex defense and should only be attempted with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Important Note: These are just a few examples of potential defenses. The specific defenses that may be available in your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your situation.
Hit and Run Accidents – What You Need to Know
Hit-and-run accidents happen way too often, not just in Staten Island but all over New York. These accidents can involve cars, motorcycles, bikes, or even pedestrians.
No matter how you were hit, if the driver didn’t stop, you need a lawyer on your side.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is scary and stressful. Here are the steps you should take if you’re involved in a hit-and-run:
- Call 911: Your safety and the safety of others is the top priority. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical attention if necessary.
- Gather Evidence: If you’re able, try to take pictures of the scene, any damage to your property, and any visible injuries. See if there are any witnesses who can provide their contact information.
- Report the Accident: File a police report with as much detail as possible about the accident, the vehicle that hit you (if you remember any details), and the scene.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident and discuss your coverage options.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked out for any injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Even though hit-and-run accidents can be more challenging than traditional car accidents, there are still options for recovering compensation for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can explore all avenues, such as:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Many car insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage can help pay for your medical bills and other losses if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
- Hit-and-Run Funds: Some states have funds that can help victims of hit-and-run accidents recover compensation. These funds are typically financed by a fee added to car insurance policies.
Insurance and Criminal Proceedings in Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run accidents can be even more complicated because they often involve not just finding the driver but also dealing with insurance companies and potential criminal charges. Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we can help you navigate both of these aspects of your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a hit-and-run accident, you’ll likely need to file a claim with your own insurance company, regardless of whether the driver is found. This could be under your:
- Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This coverage can help pay for medical bills and other damages if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your costs.
Insurance companies can be tricky, and they may try to deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement. Our experienced Staten Island personal injury lawyers can help you understand your insurance policy, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Facing Criminal Charges
In some cases, you might be facing criminal charges related to a hit-and-run accident, even if you were the victim. This could happen if, for example, you were involved in a minor accident and left the scene without exchanging information because you were scared or panicked.
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s important to have a lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and protect your best interests.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions. The severity of your injuries will depend on a variety of factors, such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in hit-and-run accidents:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include whiplash, sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises). Soft tissue injuries can be painful and debilitating, but they usually heal with time and proper medical care.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more serious injuries like skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience any head injury symptoms after a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Broken Bones: Hit-and-run accidents can cause a variety of broken bones, depending on the force of the impact. Common broken bones include those in the arms, legs, ribs, and face. Broken bones can be very painful and require surgery to heal properly.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. They can cause partial or complete paralysis, as well as a variety of other problems, such as loss of sensation, bladder and bowel control issues, and respiratory problems.
- Psychological Injuries: Hit-and-run accidents can be a traumatic experience, and it’s common for victims to experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re struggling with any emotional problems after a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to seek professional help.
Staten Island Hit and Run Accident FAQs
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm we understand the challenges you’re facing.
This FAQs section is designed to answer some of the most common questions our clients ask. If you don’t see your question addressed here, don’t hesitate to contact our Staten Island personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
What should I do after a hit-and-run accident?
- Call 911: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical attention.
- Gather Information (if possible): Take note of any details about the vehicle that hit you, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number (if possible). Look for any witnesses who might have seen the accident and get their contact information. If you have a smartphone, take pictures of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any damage to your property.
- Report the Accident to the Police: Even if the driver who hit you fled the scene, it’s important to file a police report. The police report will document the accident and may be helpful in tracking down the driver.
- Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer: A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much is my case worth?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, lost wages, medical bills, and other factors.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and provide a more accurate estimate.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run accident case?
Hit-and-run accident cases can be complex. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal legwork, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What if the driver isn’t found?
There may still be options for recovering compensation. An attorney can explore all avenues, such as pursuing a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or hit-and-run funds (if available in your state).
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Staten Island Hit and Run Accident Law Firm – Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident on Staten Island, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. is here to help. Our compassionate and skilled team of Staten Island personal injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold the driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the CEO Lawyer, Ali Awad, today for a free consultation.
Ali is the founder and managing attorney of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the United States. With a social media following of over one million, Ali is a trusted source for personal injury advice.
The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced attorneys has handled cases just like yours and boasts a success rate of over 99.5%.
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at (516) 689-1132 or reach out to us online today.
