New York City Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do After a New York City Hit and Run Car Accident?

Because of the increasing population in New York, accidents are constantly occurring. Car crashes are most common, and anyone can be randomly hurt at any time of the day. Hit and run collisions account for one fourth of all the car accidents reported in the state. The most common of these collisions occur in parking lots where one car hits another that is parked. The law requires any driver at fault to never leave the crime incident unless everything has been settled. However, there are instances when the driver at fault leaves people with injuries and flees for the hope of not being held liable for any damage. If in any case the driver leaves without any valid reason, or without leaving any contact information and identification, the collision is considered a hit and run. A driver who is responsible for hit and run will be liable for a heavier punishment.

A hit and run accident can be one of the scariest things a person can ever experience. Not only are you most likely injured, but you probably also feel very alone – especially immediately after the accident when it might seem as though there is no one there to help. And if you've lost a loved one to a hit and run accident, you probably feel more alone than ever. But with the experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, you're never alone. Call us today at (212) 986-7353 for info.

Steps Your NYC Car Accident Lawyer Will Take

After a hit-and-run accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately as your injuries can worsen over time and your memory made fade. You may find yourself in a brutal battle with another driver or an insurance company, so know that legal guidance is the best way to protect yourself and secure damages. Your NYC hit and run accident lawyer will help you:

Prove Liability. During a hit-and-run accident, proving liability is vital and the other person in question could be facing criminal charges. Your lawyer will need to prove liability by presenting enough information to show that the driver was responsible for the accident.

Gather Evidence. Gathering evidence after an accident could be confusing. You may not know what you will need to prove in court or how to collect the evidence that best supports your claim, but a proper lawyer will help you gather that information. The professionals at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP will help you assemble the evidence you need that will be admissible in court.

Stay Safe from Insurance Companies. Some insurance companies have strict policies, especially when it comes to hit-and-run accidents. In some cases, the other party in a hit-and-run accident may never be seen again and an insurance company may not want to offer compensation. A great attorney will protect you from unfair insurance practices.

Reach a Fair Settlement. A lot of the time, it can be difficult to come to an agreement with an insurance company. A lawyer is needed to negotiate a fair settlement. Never accept a payout before speaking with a professional.

Why Do Some Drivers Flee the Scene?

Although many people find it difficult to understand how someone could leave an injured individual after a car wreck, especially if it was his fault, these are real life scenarios. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as panic, or the driver having an expired driver's license or is under the influence of liquor or drugs. Unfortunately, scenarios like these have happened in the past, and they will continue to happen.

What Are Common Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents?

Hit and run accidents have several serious consequences, including a number of injuries that can be sustained during the accident. The type of injury sustained will depend on whether the victim was in another vehicle at the time of the hit and run, or if they were a pedestrian. Because pedestrians don't have the protection of a large steel frame around them, their injuries are likely to be much more severe than they would be if they'd been in a car at the time of the accident. It's because of this that more pedestrians die in hit and run accidents than other drivers.

Some of the most common injuries found in hit and run accidents include:

Brain damage, including a traumatic brain injury
Broken bones
Disfigurement
Head and neck injuries, such as whiplash
Damage to internal organs
Internal bleeding
Loss of limbs
Paralysis
Spinal cord damage

Unfortunately, along with these injuries, death isn't uncommon when it comes to New York City hit and run accidents, especially when the victim was on a bike or walking and not inside another vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that one in every five fatalities involving a cyclist or pedestrian is due to a hit and run accident.

A hit and run accident can change everything. Get help from a New York City car accident lawyer by calling (212) 986-7353.

How to Record Accidents and Document Injuries

Hit and run accidents can be very difficult to prosecute in court. Because the responsible party didn't stay to exchange information or even make sure you were okay, it can be nearly impossible to hold someone at fault for the crash. That's why the steps you take immediately after can make a big difference in the compensation you receive.

The first thing to do is check the area immediately for any possible witnesses. While you might not have noticed the license plate or make and model of the car that hit you, witnesses who were in a better state of mind and vantage point may have this information. Speak to them, get their contact information, and ask if you can use them as a witness.

You'll need medical care after a hit and run crash, even if you feel as though it's not completely necessary at the time. Be sure to record any injuries on your way to the hospital, and make sure any that are found while you're there are also properly documented. This might be the only evidence you have of the accident, so it's important to make sure it's all recorded.

Penalties for a hit and run wreck will vary depending on whether personal injury was sustained, or if it was only property damage. Of course, the penalties for personal injury are going to be much more severe for the person that hit you – it could mean up to 4 years in prison and fines that cost thousands of dollars. For this reason, it's important that you record every injury or consequence you've suffered as a result of the hit and run.

Hit and run accidents might make you feel alone, but let us reassure you that you're not. Here at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we want to help as best we can.

Types of Recoverable Damages in New York City

After a hit-and-run collision in New York City, you can be awarded compensation for your injuries. The court could also hold the other driver responsible for your damaged vehicle, lost time at work, and loss of affection or companionship such as when a family member or spouse is killed. Discuss your personal injury case with a qualified lawyer to learn how much you can earn in recoverable damages.

Fatal Hit and Run Collisions

More traumatic are the deaths caused by hit and run collisions. The families of the victims are left with no one to blame and no one to ask for financial assistance. This can be a difficult time for a family who grieves for the loss of a loved one.

With personal injury law, determining liability can depend on several factors that can be misconstrued. Cases such as these need to be handled with sensitivity and expertise. While insurance companies and other parties may offer a settlement quickly, it is imperative to speak with a qualified representative before accepting any payouts as you may be eligible for a much greater reward.

A hit and run crash can be difficult to solve especially when the person who is injured is not able to remember the plate number of the car which caused the accident. Although many hit and run cases have been solved, it is still difficult for authorities to track down the driver at fault without any given facts. If the driver is not identified, there is no way that the person injured will able to recover any damage.

It is wise to try to remember the car's color, plate number, car brand, car model and to what direction it went. Otherwise, you will have no chance of recovering the damages that were done to you and your car. Immediate help is also needed for your own safety. You can ask bystanders to call the hospital for an ambulance, or do it yourself if you are still capable of doing so.

Our NYC Car Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help

If you or someone you love has been involved in a hit and run collision, contact us today for a consultation of your situation. Our New York City injury attorneys have the experience and resources to investigate your matter fully, helping to bring the negligent parties to justice. Call us at (212) 986-7353 right away.