New York City sees nearly 300 hit and run accidents each year that result in property damage or injuries. The majority of these reckless drivers are never arrested. But that doesn’t mean you should bear the financial responsibility. By working with an experienced hit and run accident lawyer, you can recover compensation, work to find out who caused your crash, and hold them accountable.
The NYC car accident lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. can help if you’ve been involved in a hit and run. Call 212-490-5700 or use our contact form for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
Do I Need an Attorney After a Hit & Run?
Yes. You should always reach out to a lawyer after a crash like this. You will likely have many damages, and you may be unsure of what to do next. A lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders and help you decide what actions to take.
Finding the At-Fault Driver
Finding the person who caused your accident may require an in-depth investigation, and the police may not be an enormous help. You may need to review traffic cameras, video footage from local stores in the area, and interview eyewitnesses.
At HKD, we’ve been in this situation before and have strategies to find the person responsible for a hit-and-run accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Once you find the at-fault driver, you must submit a car accident insurance claim with their liability insurance. However, even if you cannot find them or they do not have insurance, you still have options.
You may be able to file a claim through your own insurance company. Your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage should provide help in this situation.
The insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible, so even if you make a first-party claim, you should have a hit-and-run lawyer on your side.
Were You Hit by a Driver Who Left the Scene?
There are many reasons that an at-fault driver may leave the scene of an accident. In most cases, they are negligent and want to avoid the consequences.
Negligence is a legal theory indicating that they had a duty to drive safely, and they failed to uphold that duty, which caused damages to someone else. A negligent driver is financially responsible for the losses they cause.
Other reasons a hit and run driver might leave the scene include:
- They didn’t have a driver’s license
- They were uninsured
- They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- They were driving while distracted
- They know they were violating the law
Car Accidents
Hit and Run Accident Compensation
Whether you can find the at-fault driver and file a claim with their insurance company, or you have to file under your own policy, you can recover compensation for the losses you incurred.
After a hit and run, you may be entitled to your:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Property damages
In a hit-and-run accident, you may even be able to get punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault driver for their wrongdoings.
Hit and Run: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Pays Medical Bills After a Hit and Run Accident?
If your attorney can find the person responsible for your accident, their insurance company will have to pay for your medical bills. If they don’t have insurance, you can file a hit-and-run lawsuit against them and recover money to pay for all your losses.
If you don’t find the at-fault driver, your health insurance or uninsured motorist insurance may cover your bills.
2. What Injuries Are Common in a Hit and Run Accident?
Injuries that you might sustain after a hit and run accident include traumatic brain injuries, concussion, whiplash, broken bones, neck and back injuries, soft tissue damage, lacerations, seat belt burn, and more.
It’s important to get medical attention immediately after an accident so that you can establish the level of injuries you have. This will help when you file an insurance claim later.
3. What If We Can’t Find the Person Who Hit My Car?
If we never find the driver who hit your car, you might be able to file a first-party insurance claim with your own uninsured motorist policy. Your health insurance should pick up any medical costs you have. If you were working at the time of the accident, workers’ compensation might also cover some of your losses.
Call a New York City car accident lawyer for help to find out all your options.
Call The Lawyers at HKD For Help
If you were involved in a crash where the other driver sped away, you need to reach out to a lawyer right away. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. will immediately begin an investigation to determine who was involved and hold them accountable.
When you’re injured in a hit and run, it’s important to act fast. Call HKD today at 212-490-5700 or use the contact form for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
CLIENT REVIEWS
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT