How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident can be frightening. In addition to the serious injuries you or a loved one may have incurred, you are left with no information about the negligent driver who caused the accident.

Hit-and-run accidents are increasing in New York and elsewhere, and it’s important to have a Brooklyn car accident attorney assist you if you’re involved in a serious collision.

The most common victims of fatal hit-and-run accident are pedestrians. The New York Times reported in the early 2000’s that pedestrian deaths make up about 12 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.

The most common victims of fatal hit-and-run accident are pedestrians.The New York Times reported in the early 2000’s that pedestrian deaths make up about 12 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.

Call 911: If you or a loved one is a victim of a hit-and-run accident you should call 911 immediately.

Stay at the Scene: Do not attempt to chase the vehicle that hit you. Stay at the scene and wait for the police and emergency medical responders. The police report that will be filed may be valuable later and is the first paper evidence that the accident occurred.

Take Notes: Write down any information you can remember about the vehicle that hit you. Try to include a description of the vehicle (including make, model, color), any numbers you may have seen on the license plate (even a partial plate match can be helpful), and any other details you may have. Proving the identity of the person who hit you can be extremely difficult so it’s important to write things down as soon as possible before you have a chance to forget.

Talk to Witnesses: If anyone around you saw the accident, write down their witness contact information before they or you leave the scene. Ask them what they saw and if they can contribute any important details which may identify the driver or vehicle.

Do Not Accept a Referral to a Doctor or Lawyer at the Scene or at the Hospital: Some doctors or lawyers employ people called “runners” to contact patients/clients at the scene or shortly after at the hospital. This is illegal and the person contacting you is breaking the law. It is unwise to accept a referral from someone who needs to break the law to get patients/clients. It is likely that their medical or legal skills are not good enough to get clients without this illegal activity.

Contact Your Insurance Company: Your insurer may require that you report an accident within a specific amount of time, so it’s important to call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Don’t say anything about how the accident happened until you’ve spoken to a Brooklyn car accident attorney. Anything you say to an insurance company may be used against you at a future date.

Call a Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney: You will need a strong advocate on your side as you navigate this difficult process. Remember, your insurance company doesn’t always have your best interests in mind, and an experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you or your loved one deserves.

You may be able to recover economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, etc. There are also non-economic damages you may be able to recover such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of your life.

A hit-and-run accident is a serious offense in New York. A person who leaves the scene of an accident in which someone was seriously injured is considered a Class E felony and they could also face a fine between $1,000 to $5,000 as well as any other penalties that may be available under the law.

If a person left the scene of an accident in which someone was killed, that is considered a Class D felony and is punishable by a fine of at least $2,000 but not more than $5,000 plus any other penalties that are available under New York law. If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run accident, then it is important that you contact a lawyer immediately who will help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities. The attorneys at Greenberg & Stein have handled all manner of car accident cases in New York City, including hit-and-runs, and we will be here to help you along every step of the way while we fight to ensure that you receive justice for the negligent actions of someone else. While every hit-and-run case is different, you can be assured that our award-winning legal representation is here to help you through this difficult time. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is important that you speak immediately with a team of qualified professionals who can ensure you receive the compensation necessary to cover hospital bills, lost wages, and other damages.

We offer a free consultation and a 24-hour phone line, so don’t hesitate to call us if you are in need of an auto accident attorney in New York City. Call us today at 888-411-3966 to schedule your free legal consultation.