Car accidents often leave victims with life-altering injuries and a long road to recovery. After an accident, victims generally pursue the at-fault party for compensation. However, when the driver who hit you drives off, it can become a complicated process to recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered as a result.
Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP is a car accident law firm with experience helping clients in New York who have been injured in hit-and-run accidents. Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident may be more complicated, but it is not impossible with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
Reasons Why a Driver May Flee the Scene of an Accident
Whenever a person gets behind the wheel of their car, they owe a duty of care to themselves and others to not cause harm that could lead to an accident. When a driver acts negligently and their actions result in a damaging car accident, the victims may be left with severe losses. After causing a damaging accident, there are many reasons that the at-fault driver may commit the crime of leaving the scene:
- They were intoxicated by alcohol or drugs when they caused the accident and are avoiding a DUI charge
- They were driving a vehicle that was stolen or that they did not have permission to be driving
- They did not have the minimum required liability insurance required by law
- Their vehicle is unregistered
- Their license is suspended, or they do not have a license to be driving
- They have multiple citations or traffic violations on their record
- They are avoiding an increase of their insurance rate
- They have an active arrest warrant
If a driver hits you and leaves the scene of the accident, they may be facing legal penalties like costly fines or jail time, depending on the details of your case. To get help pursuing compensation for the losses you have suffered due to a hit-and-run accident, a car accident lawyer may be able to help.
How to Pursue Compensation for a Hit-And-Run Accident
The state of New York requires drivers to be covered by no-fault insurance. No-fault insurance also referred to as a personal injury protection policy, allows car accident victims to file a claim with their own insurance provider to pursue compensation for the medical expenses they have incurred due to their injuries. Unfortunately, this type of insurance will not cover other damages like property damage or pain and suffering. While this may not be the total amount in compensation that you are owed, you will be provided some financial relief as you recover from the accident.
If the police are able to locate the driver who hit you, you may be eligible to pursue further compensation from them by filing a lawsuit against them. In order to get the fair compensation you deserve, you should contact a car accident lawyer who can help you build a strong case.
Get Help From a New York Hit-And-Run Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries and losses as a result of a negligent driver who fled the scene of the accident, you deserve justice. To get help with your claim, contact a New York hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible.
The award-winning lawyers of the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have experience helping clients who are unsure of what steps to take after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. We understand that the claims process can be overwhelming as you heal from your injuries. That is why we are proud to provide clients with the trusted representation they deserve as we help them pursue the fair compensation they are owed. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form or call (866) 924-1787.
