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Click For Your Free ConsulationPosted in Car Accidents on September 19, 2022
Being in a car accident can be stressful and upsetting. In the best-case scenario, it’s an inconvenience. After the accident occurs, you pull over if able, exchange information with the other party involved, and the process of dealing with any injuries or property damage unfolds from there.
But what do you do when the other party leaves the scene? That complicates the situation immensely. You’re going to want an experienced hit-and-run lawyer to help you proceed.
In New York, if you flee the scene of an accident you were involved in, you have committed a crime. When you leave the scene of a collision that resulted in a serious injury, you run the risk of being charged with a felony.
Many people are apparently willing to take that risk. In 2020, there were 39,299 complaints of leaving the scene of an accident without reporting property damage or a personal injury. Only 351 arrests were made.
New York drivers must carry no-fault auto insurance (personal injury protection). Your PIP insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault in your wreck. However, what happens if your PIP policy limits don’t cover all your damages?
If you are in an accident and the other driver flees the scene, you could be entitled to compensation for any injuries and property damage from them. However, you need to find the other driver before this becomes a realistic option.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer will help you proceed if the police aren’t able to track the other driver down. An attorney can also help you pursue compensation from your own insurance company, such as a PIP and uninsured motorist claim.
For instance, if the police can’t find the other driver, you could file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.
Your lawyer will also help you by:
All of the above would be a huge undertaking for you to handle on your own, especially if you are recovering from injuries. You’ll be happy you have a lawyer on your side to help you.
There are many reasons someone would leave the scene of an accident. In some cases, the reason could be innocent, as the person didn’t realize they had caused an accident.
Sadly, other motivations for fleeing the scene would not be considered good-faith reasons. The other party could have been driving:
If you are fortunate enough to find the driver who fled the scene, they can be held liable for your injuries and other damages.
It’s unsettling to be involved in a car accident. When the other party flees the scene, it is disappointing and adds unnecessary aggravation to an already frustrating situation.
You don’t have to tackle this problem alone. Contact an experienced New York hit-and-run accident attorney who has seen it all when it comes to car accidents. They will know the best ways to move forward and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City car accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600