Being injured in a hit-and-run accident is undoubtedly scary, but the aftermath can often be just as harrowing. Not only are there concerns about seeking treatment and keeping your head above water financially, but you must also do whatever you can to find the other driver to hold them responsible. It may feel entirely impossible to know what direction to take in these situations, but the good news is that working with the right team of Nassau County hit-and-run lawyers can help. Here’s what you need to know about hit-and-run accidents and how partnering with an attorney can help lead to a good outcome for your case.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nassau County
Check for Injuries
Hit-and-run accidents are brutal and disorienting. The first thing you need to do is stop and check yourself for injuries. If you have been severely injured, call 911 for emergency help if you are able to do so.
Contact the Police
In the state of New York, you are required to call the police after an accident if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Even if you think you aren’t injured or that the damages aren’t that great, you should still request the help of an officer. They’ll document the entire incident in an official report, which can later prove valuable in establishing your case.
Document the Accident
Although the police report will contain significant evidence as to what took place, you should still document the incident yourself if you can. Gather eyewitness statements from anyone willing to speak with you and take pictures of the accident scene. Write down your recollection of the events while it is still fresh in your head. All of the information you’re able to collect is something a Nassau County hit-and-run accident lawyer can also use to help prove your case.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you are injured, get yourself checked up by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t present themselves immediately, and if you don’t have them properly documented, insurance companies may use that lack of evidence to argue that you were not truly injured.
Call a Nassau County Car Accident Lawyer
It’s best to get a hit-and-run lawyer involved as soon as you can. They’ll conduct an in-depth investigation, gather documentation, file the necessary paperwork, contact expert witnesses, and communicate with insurers on your behalf, all to ensure that you can focus on your recovery.
The right actions increase your opportunities for a favorable outcome, and a car accident attorney’s advice can help keep you from doing anything that may jeopardize your case.
What It Takes to Get Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident
Understanding What Can Impact Your Case
Many different elements can impact the outcome of your hit-and-run accident case. For instance, the extent of your injuries will determine whether you are able to bring a lawsuit forward in the first place, as well as the type and value of compensation that would be considered fair.
For example, if you sustained fractures, disfigurement, fetal loss, body organ damage, or other serious injuries, you may file a lawsuit that seeks compensation for non-economic losses, according to New York Insurance Law ISC 5104. The value of your case may also be impacted by any pre-existing conditions in addition to any losses you’ve sustained, such as the loss of your ability to work, loss of future earning potential, and loss of quality of life.
Proving Negligence
Another major element of seeking compensation in any hit-and-run case is the ability to prove that another party was negligent. You must be able to show that the offending driver had a duty to avoid harming you and that their actions represented a breach of those duties. You must also prove that any damages are a direct result of that breach. It is also important to note that New York State operates on a pure comparative negligence law, which allows victims to recover compensation even if they are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, Civil Practice Law 1411 indicates that your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault.
A Nassau County hit-and-run lawyer will not only help you understand these laws but also may be able to help you prove your case if the insurance company suggests that you are more at fault for the accident than you actually were.
You don’t have to worry in the aftermath of your hit-and-run accident. Let the Tucker Lawyers team fight for your rights and help you get back on track. Call us today at (516) 399-2364.
Why a Nassau County Car Accident Attorney Is Key in Hit-and-Run Cases
Finding the Responsible Driver
One of the worst things about being involved in a hit-and-run accident is that you likely have no idea how to find the other driver. Car accident attorneys in New York have seen it all, though, and they’re skilled at using eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to figure out who hit you.
Properly Valuing Your Case
Nassau County hit-and-run lawyers will identify the types of damages you can seek compensation for and what factors should be taken into consideration when valuing your case. Having perspective in that regard can ensure that you don’t fall victim to accepting insurance offers that are far less than your case is truly worth.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Any insurance company that is reaching out to you has one goal in mind: to keep as much money in their pockets as possible. In some cases, they may even try to pressure you into accepting their first offer over the phone. Other times, they may:
- Dispute liability
- Delay settlements
- Claim pre-existing injuries
- Request excessive documentation
- Argue about the extent of damages
- Find technicalities in policy language.
A seasoned hit-and-run accident attorney will recognize these tactics and know how to push back against them on your behalf so that you can focus on your emotional and physical healing.
Why Choose Us?
John J. Tucker, Esq., Managing Attorney of Tucker Lawyers, has a unique past. He’s worked for insurance companies, which means he knows exactly how hard they work to avoid compensating you. Today, he and his team use that knowledge to their advantage to help you thwart even the slickest of strategies and go after what you deserve. When you partner with any of our Nassau County car accident attorneys, you’ll know you’re getting experienced legal professionals who have won millions for our clients and will diligently pursue justice on your behalf.
FAQ
Hit-and-run cases are rarely cut and dried. If you’ve been injured in such an accident and are at a loss about your next steps, consider the following answers to commonly asked questions so you can make the right decision about how to proceed with your case:
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim?
The statute of limitations for a hit-and-run in Nassau County is three years from the date of the accident. There are a few exceptions to this rule for minors and people who are legally disabled or incompetent, as well as for when a wrongful death occurs or when an at-fault driver leaves the state.
How long will it be until I receive compensation?
No attorney can promise you a particular outcome or a specific timeline for receiving compensation. It’s essential to work with your legal team and use efficient strategies to ensure your case isn’t unnecessarily dragged out in court and that you can resolve your case quicker.
How can you hold a hit-and-run driver responsible?
First, you may need deep investigative tactics to find the driver, such as eyewitness interviews and surveillance footage. Once the driver is found, you must prove their negligence in a court of law. A skilled car accident attorney in Nassau County can help you with both of these tasks.
What if I wasn’t driving a car during a hit-and-run?
The same laws that protect drivers hit by other cars also protect pedestrians, cyclists, and those who use motorized devices. If a negligent driver hits you, there are pathways available to pursue compensation, and it’s worth talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer in New York to see which route could be best for you.
Navigating a hit-and-run case is often uniquely challenging. Getting the correct information and assistance is key to building a solid case for the compensation you deserve.
Get Help From a Nassau County Car Accident Attorney for Your Hit-and-Run Case
Hit-and-run accidents are, at the very least, frustrating. You want to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions, but you have to put in a fair bit of legwork to find them first. And even then, it’s on you to prove not only their negligence but the damages you face. Everything can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to get your life back on track after a serious injury. The good news, though, is that you never have to face this situation alone. Experienced New York hit-and-run lawyers understand the laws that govern these unique types of accidents. They’ll be able to use them to your advantage, helping you build a solid case that offers the best opportunity for the outcome you need, want, and deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, don’t let the clock run out on your chance at compensation. Call Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 and schedule a free case consultation today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]