When you get into a car accident in the Bronx, you expect the other driver to do the decent thing and remain at the scene. However, for reasons best known to most motorists, they flee the crash scene, leaving the other party alone without rendering help or calling 911. If this happens to you, you can take legal action against the hit-and-run driver once they are identified.
However, due to the nature of these cases, it is best to retain the services of a Bronx hit-and-run lawyer. At Tucker Lawyers, our experienced attorneys have helped several clients seek fair compensation and secure favorable outcomes. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to learn how we can help you hold the hit-and-run driver accountable and get compensation.
Why choose our Bronx hit-and-run lawyer?
We understand the frustration and confusion that follow a car accident. Upon our first meeting with you, we will conduct a needs assessment to see what support, along with our legal support, can help move you toward recovery. Then, we focus on building a solid case to prove your claim, keeping you informed throughout the process.
When you partner with a Bronx hit-and-run lawyer from Tucker Lawyers, you will never be left to wonder about your case’s progress or with unanswered questions. We welcome your questions and work hard to keep you informed. You can count on us to prioritize you and your needs.
At Tucker Lawyers, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts and leave no stone unturned in helping our clients get compensation.
What to Do After a Bronx Hit-and-Run Accident
New York law requires drivers to stop when involved in an accident. Even the driver not at fault for the incident must stop, exchange contact and insurance information with others involved, and, if there are injuries or more than $1,500 worth of damage, call the police and file a report.
Drivers who hit a parked and unoccupied car must leave a note with their contact information on the car’s windshield and call the police to report the incident if they cannot locate the vehicle owner.
Despite these laws, hit-and-run accidents still occur. However, there are proactive steps victims can take to work toward justice.
- Call the police: Even if you do not sustain injuries, filing an official report is in your best interests. Police can find the perpetrator only if they know a hit-and-run has occurred.
- Document the details: Write down everything you can remember about the accident, including the car that hit you, the direction the other vehicle was traveling, license plate information, and any physical description of the driver. If you were not present when the accident occurred, note what damage the vehicle sustained, how long the car was unattended, and any other relevant information.
- Take pictures: Document the damage to the car and take photos of the accident scene overall.
- Talk to witnesses: Get contact information from bystanders who saw the accident. If businesses have security cameras nearby, ask if they can access footage of the accident.
- Get medical care: If you were in the car during the accident, get medical attention even if you think your injuries are only minor. The effects of some damage can take time to appear.
Report the incident to your insurance company, but mind your words if you have yet to speak with an attorney. Stick to the facts of the situation without speculating. Then, contact our Bronx hit-and-run lawyer for legal advice.
Who pays for damages after a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx, New York?
Generally, drivers in New York are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) since New York is a no-fault state. The no-fault status means that drivers use their own PIP to cover their injuries if they are involved in an accident, no matter who is at fault. While PIP covers injuries and other “reasonable and necessary” accident-related expenses, it does not cover damage to the car or non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Drivers must also carry minimum liability insurance in case an injured person makes a claim against them and uninsured motorist insurance (UIM) should they sustain damages in an accident with an uninsured driver. UIM can cover vehicle damage, but only if the victim can prove the damage came from contact with another vehicle.
After a hit-and-run accident, irrespective of fault, you can receive benefits from your insurer if your wounds are minor. You can rely on your UIM coverage if the hit-and-run driver is later identified but lacks insurance. However, insurance companies are not always fair when paying benefits.
Your insurance company will look to cover as little as possible and interpret “reasonable and necessary” according to their needs, not yours. Therefore, ensure you have a Bronx hit-and-run attorney advocating for your best interests.
Our dedicated and enthusiastic team is committed to getting you results that will make a real difference in your life.
When can you file a third-party claim after a hit-and-run accident?
Third-party claims come into play when you sustain severe injury or property damage or someone dies from the crash. The compensation sought in a third-party claim is paid with the hit-and-run driver’s liability insurance coverage. This insurance policy pays for:
- Current and future accident-related medical costs
- Damaged property
- Wages lost during recovery time and future wages if you must stay out of work
- Additional accident-related expenses
- Emotional suffering and physical pain.
In some instances, you might be able to file a lawsuit, especially if the at-fault driver’s insurance company fails to pay fair compensation. This also applies if the driver’s insurance coverage is not enough to cover your losses. Our attorneys can advise you on the best choice, so do not hesitate to seek legal representation.
Does New York’s pure comparative negligence law affect third-party claims?
When you file a third-party claim in New York, your compensation is affected by the state’s pure comparative fault system. This system is different from modified comparative negligence — where you lose compensation if you are 50% or 51% at fault — and contributory negligence, where 1% of fault takes away your compensation. Under pure comparative negligence laws, you will still be eligible for compensation even if you are 99% at fault.
Do not let the at-fault party victimize you twice. Instead, protect yourself with the aggressive advocacy of a Bronx hit-and-run lawyer from Tucker Lawyers.
Bronx hit-and-run accident lawyer FAQs
Hit-and-run accident victims always have questions, and we do our best to provide answers during the initial consultation and throughout the claims process. Here are some of the questions we frequently get:
What compensation can I recover in a hit-and-run accident lawsuit?
You can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. The facts of your case generally decide what you receive and how much.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those related to hit-and-run accidents, is three years from the accident date. Not filing a claim within this time equals forfeiting your right to compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer?
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when we secure a favorable outcome for you. Our complimentary initial consultations allow you to discuss your case with us at no cost.
How our Bronx hit-and-run accident attorney can help
Hit-and-run events are incredibly unfair. Someone else injured you or damaged your property and left you to clean up the mess they created. When you partner with our Bronx hit-and-run accident lawyer, you do not have to clean up that mess alone. We will look into your accident, work with your insurance company so you get the benefits you’re entitled to, and, if the perpetrator is located, help you pursue a claim against them.
Book a free consultation with us today!
The attorneys at Tucker Lawyers are dedicated to serving residents of New York City and the surrounding areas. We know New York’s laws and want to see victims of preventable and intentional actions get justice and fair compensation for their losses. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free case evaluation.
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 ]