An Albany hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you secure a payout if the driver who caused your traffic accident left the scene. We understand the options victims of hit and run accidents have for seeking compensation and how each of these options would look based on your case’s facts.
Let a team member from Morelli Law Firm evaluate your legal case today. We may be able to provide representation and seek the best possible outcome for you based on your accident case. Call (212) 751-9800 for your free initial consultation with a member of our traffic accident team serving Albany.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in New York
When a hit and run accident occurs, one vehicle—or one driver—leaves the accident scene before the police arrive. Sometimes an eyewitness, the victim, a nearby camera, or evidence at the scene can prove the driver’s identity. When this occurs, they will likely face additional infractions for leaving the scene of the accident, but your insurance claims can proceed as they would in any other case.
However, even with a police investigation, it is not always possible to identify the driver who caused an Albany traffic accident and then ran from the scene. This makes it impossible to pursue a fault-based claim, even if you suffer serious injuries and qualify to recover pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
There is good news, though. You should have uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage as a part of your mandatory insurance coverage. According to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), you should file a claim based on this policy if you or someone else in your car suffered injuries in an accident caused by an unidentified hit-and-run driver.
At Morelli Law Firm, our team can handle this process for you if we think we can help you secure a payout in your case. We will review your case for free. Call (212) 751-9800 and let us take a look at the facts of your New York State hit and run accident case. We serve New York State up to Albany, New York City, Long Island, northern New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
Morelli Law Firm Knows How to Handle Hit and Run Collisions
Hit and run accidents are frequently complex, but an Albany hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm knows how to take the necessary steps to identify the other motorist or build a claim based on our client’s uninsured motorist coverage.
In some cases, our efforts to canvas for witnesses or seek surveillance video from nearby businesses pays off, and we can identify the at-fault motorist when the police could not. This will allow us to move forward with a fault-based claim if our client qualifies based on their serious injuries or another exception to the state’s no-fault rules.
However, we also know what our client’s insurance company is looking for when reviewing a claim based on an uninsured motorist policy. We develop cases with proof of our clients’ damages before moving forward with this type of claim, giving each client the best chance at recovering a fair settlement.
You can reach Morelli Law Firm now by dialing (212) 751-9800.
Albany Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Recovering Damages After an Albany, NY, Hit and Run Crash
Under New York State’s auto insurance laws, drivers have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for the first $50,000 in losses, including their medical bills, partial wage replacement, and everyday expenses. They can only step outside that system by proving they meet an exemption under New York Insurance Law (ISC) §5102(d), such as suffering lasting injuries or missing a lot of time at work because of their injury or treatment.
This means there is an option for drivers with minor or moderate injuries to recover many of their economic losses through a PIP claim. Because these claims do not rely on fault, there is no need to prove the negligent driver’s identity.
However, when a driver suffers more severe injuries, they could recover intangible losses through a third-party liability lawsuit. This is only possible if the police, the legal team, or another party can identify the driver who caused the accident. Alternatively, additional compensation may be possible by filing an uninsured motorist claim based on your UM policy if we cannot find the at-fault party.
Time Limits to Keep in Mind When Filing for Compensation
There are deadlines for almost every step of the claims process when filing a PIP claim or an uninsured motorist claim based on your policy. There is also a three-year deadline for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if we identify them. Per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, you likely only have up to three years to identify the at-fault driver and begin your lawsuit against them.
You must meet the applicable deadlines that apply in your case or risk losing the option of recovering compensation. As long as we know about your case with enough time to investigate it and take action on your behalf, we will ensure you meet these time limits. Contact us as soon as you are able following your accident so we can get to work.
Talk with a Team Member from Morelli Law Firm About Your Case
You may be able to secure compensation through a third-party liability claim or your uninsured motorist coverage following an Albany hit and run collision and a serious injury. An Albany hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to represent you and handle the claims process on your behalf. We provide services for accident victims based on contingency.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to get started with your free consultation. We can provide an assessment of your legal options and answer questions about our services during this call.