A hit and run accident occurs when the driver of a vehicle that is involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved. This is illegal under New York law.
These types of accidents can be difficult to pursue damages for, and insurance agents may challenge claims due to lack of evidence.
If you were involved in a hit and run accident in New York, contact Morelli Law Firm. A New York hit and run accident lawyer from our team may be able to investigate your case and find evidence that can help you recover damages that you may be entitled to. We can also assist you by communicating with insurance agents and others involved in your case.
Avoid the hassle of managing litigation yourself and take steps to protect yourself from the fallout of your hit and run accident that was caused by someone else by calling Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee basis with no advanced payment required.
If You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident
On top of your injuries and medical expenses, a hit and run accident can have the added stress of not knowing who to hold responsible for your damages. Some people may assume that they cannot recover compensation for a hit and run accident if the responsible driver gets away and cannot be identified. Fortunately, there may be options to recover compensation from your own insurance company in this case.
A New York hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you navigate a hit and run case where:
The Driver Was Identified
If you were able to identify the driver responsible for hitting you, we can investigate the accident and will seek damages from the driver’s insurance company. By leaving the scene of the accident, the driver can potentially be charged with a crime, but the burden of proving that you suffered in an accident and sustained damages still lies on you.
The Driver Was Not Identified
You can still recover damages from a hit and run accident even if the driver is never identified. In this case, instead of filing a claim with the insurance company of the other driver, you will file a claim with your insurance company using your uninsured coverage policy.
According to the New York State Department of Financial Services, New York drivers must carry both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and Uninsured Motorists coverage. PIP may provide you with compensation for your injuries regardless of fault in an accident. Uninsured Motorists coverage may apply to a hit and run case in which the responsible driver could not be identified.
If you have either of these coverages, your insurance company may pay your damages up to the limits outlined in your policy after an accident with a hit and run driver.
If your insurance company refuses to believe your account of the accident and provide you with fair benefits based on the coverage details of your policy, a New York hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to appeal their decision on your behalf.
How Morelli Law Firm Can Investigate Your Case
A New York hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to investigate your hit and run accident by gathering evidence from:
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Surveillance, dashcam, or traffic camera footage, if available
- Witness statements
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- And more
This evidence may allow us to identify the driver that caused your hit and run accident. If not, it may help us prove to your own insurance company that you were not at fault for your accident.
We can also handle these tasks when we represent you:
- Communicating with all involved parties on your behalf
- Managing the legal deadlines and paperwork in your case
- Gathering evidence of the extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement offer on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if we do not receive a fair offer
To learn more about these services and to discuss your case with a member of our team in a free consultation, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.
New York Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
New York Hit and Run Law
The law requires anyone involved in a vehicular accident of any type to stop and exchange insurance information with the other parties involved. Per New York Consolidated Laws- VAT § 600, individuals who leave the scene of an accident that only involves property damage without taking these steps may receive a citation and a fine of up to $250. They may also have to spend 15 days in jail.
Hit and run drivers who flee the scene of an accident causing personal injury may face stiffer criminal charges and penalties for their actions. If we are able to locate the driver responsible for your injuries, any criminal penalties they received for fleeing the scene of the accident may be used as evidence in your case.
Contact Morelli Law Firm Today
If you were injured in a hit and run accident, a New York hit and run accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you navigate the complexities of insurance and state vehicle laws.
Do not wait too long if you are considering legal action, as New York Consolidated Law- CVP § 214 may impose a three-year statute of limitations on your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to learn more about your options after a New York hit and run accident.