Brooklyn Hit & Run Accident Lawyers
Hit And Run Accident Lawyers In Brooklyn, NY
In New York, and in other states across the country, it’s illegal to flee a scene after causing an accident. This is known as hit-and-run and can have serious legal repercussions in NYC, or anywhere else for that matter. By law, drivers must pause at the site of any collision with another vehicle or object on the road to identify themselves before driving away. Despite the existence of laws created to counter hit-and-run cases, it still happens. If you were injured in an accident with a driver who left before providing you with their details, speak with a Brooklyn hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible.
With a combined experience spanning over seven decades, Rosenberg & Rodriguez has been dedicated to representing individuals who have become victims of car accidents in all five boroughs of New York City. Our personal injury lawyers are devoted to providing clients with thoughtful, individualized legal counsel that’s tailored to their unique needs and concerns. We’re here for you whenever you need us. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
What Is A “Hit & Run?”
Hit-and-runs are accidents in which one of the drivers fails to remain at the scene. The State of New York mandates that all drivers involved in any type of crash must stop, exchange their information with other parties, and provide reasonable assistance if necessary; this includes collisions between vehicles but also damages caused by vehicles onto private or public property such as mailboxes, fences, parked cars, etc.
Hit-and-runs are illegal and deeply immoral, for a person who drives away from an accident could be condemning the injured to their fate without any chance of receiving emergency care. Furthermore, when hit-and-run accidents only result in property damage, victims find themselves with no choice but to pay out of pocket; they cannot identify the driver responsible and consequently cannot file a claim against them or their insurance provider.
Common Reasons For Hit & Run Accidents In Brooklyn
While the consequences of a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn can be both moral and criminal, numerous people still commit them on an annual basis in New York City. Some may do this for various reasons, such as but not limited to:
- They were driving drunk/under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- They were committing a traffic violation, including illegally using a cell phone
- They do not have any auto insurance
- They were scared of the consequences
- They did not realize they had caused an accident/property damage
- They simply panicked
No matter the reason, fleeing from an accident without offering reasonable aid to others or revealing one’s identity is never acceptable. Rosenberg & Rodriguez understands that you deserve justice if you have suffered damage or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash. You should not be required to bear all of the repercussions alone, our Brooklyn hit and run accident attorneys will fight to provide you with the justice and compensation that you deserve.
What To Do After A Hit And Run Accident In Brooklyn
After a hit-and-run accident, it can be incredibly daunting to know what steps to take next – especially if you’ve been injured. But the actions you decide on could have an effect on whether or not the other driver is found and your chance of recovering compensation for any damages. If possible given your injuries, here are some immediate tasks that should be done in Brooklyn following a hit-and-run accident:
1. Call The Police
Calling the police right away is essential after a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn. The more quickly you make that call, the more likely it is that law enforcement will be able to find and apprehend the driver responsible for your accident. Taking fast action increases your chances of getting justice.
2. Write Down As Much As You Can Remember
Documenting as much as possible about the crash – such as specifics on the vehicle and driver who left – is essential when you are submitting an incident report, aiding law enforcement or your lawyer in locating this person, and filing with insurance. These facts will be invaluable to ensure that justice is served so take a few moments now to write them down.
3. Get Medical Care
Don’t let your fear of a lack of insurance coverage stop you from seeking medical attention after a hit-and-run accident, it is absolutely critical. Don’t wait to go to the hospital following such an incident, no matter how scared you are about costs and bills.
4. File An Insurance Report
Even if the other motorist has escaped, and you don’t have their insurance details, it’s still a must to notify your own insurer of the accident.
5. Call A Brooklyn Hit And Run Accident Lawyer
Although you may be hesitant to work with a lawyer, it is highly encouraged – especially when the other driver has fled. This will greatly enhance your chances of obtaining the compensation that you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene Of A Hit and Run Accident?
It can be baffling to comprehend why someone would abandon an injured person after a car accident they caused, yet such occurrences transpire. There are numerous potential explanations for this, like fear, or perhaps the driver is inebriated, has an invalid license, or has another form of legal issue. Unhappily these kinds of scenarios have become increasingly common and will likely keep occurring until more stringent laws are enforced. Regardless of the reason, you deserve justice. Contacting a Brooklyn hit and run accident lawyer should be done promptly after the incident occurred to determine the best next steps.
Who Pays For A Hit And Run Accident?
According to New York state law, the driver at fault for your accident is financially responsible for any compensation you receive. Unfortunately, this individual has absconded and thus cannot be named as a defendant in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Fortunately, our clients are still afforded several avenues of recourse; all drivers should have personal injury protection coverage (PIP) available to them if needed. All drivers in New York are legally required to have a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage. However, depending on the incident and losses incurred, this limit may not be enough for claimants who suffer greater damages due to an automobile accident or even a hit-and-run case. As such, many individuals opt for higher amounts of protection—or enroll under the policy their family member has secured—in order to allow them peace of mind if the unexpected should occur.
In the wake of a hit and run accident, Uninsured Motorist coverage can be used to take care of your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. In New York State this type of insurance is required by law in an amount equal to your bodily injury liability coverage. If you don’t have any policy for such misfortune then we suggest filing a claim with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation. Our Brooklyn hit and run accident lawyers are ready and able to help you figure out the next steps.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against The At-Fault Driver?
When someone involved in an auto accident with a fleeing driver is left wondering if they can take legal action against the at-fault party, it depends. Before filing any claim in New York against another driver, one must first submit a claim to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage since this type of protection is mandatory for all drivers living within the state. Although you may have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver, it is possible that they do not possess enough insurance coverage or any at all. This could be why they took off from the scene of the accident. In such cases, there are generally other avenues for recovering damages which often provide more successful results than suing does.
Contact Our Brooklyn Hit And Run Accident Lawyers Today
At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we comprehend the awful impact hit-and-run accidents have on those affected and their families. Not just financially or physically, but emotionally too – leaving victims to suffer from both tangible and intangible losses in equal measure.
Our team understands the hardship you’re facing and remains committed to providing compassionate, personalized advice tailored to your distinct requirements, worries, and legal objectives. We never forget that our clients are real people navigating through one of life’s most trying times – making it a priority for us to stand with them every step of their journey. Our experienced Brooklyn hit and run accident lawyers have provided justice to those injured or wronged in a variety of accidents. From cyclist and pedestrian accidents with other motorists to more severe cases, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions worth in compensation for our clients. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.