Hit-and-run incidents in Nassau County, including areas like Queens and throughout New York, present a serious concern for public safety.
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or private property and fails to stop or briefly stops but leaves the scene without exchanging crucial information with the other party or waiting for the police to arrive.
Despite being against the law, hit-and-run incidents have become increasingly prevalent, with a disturbing rise of over 25% in recent years in New York. In 2017 alone, there were 46,000 hit-and-run collisions in the state, resulting in over 5,000 injuries and at least one fatality each week.
The illegality of a hit-and-run extends beyond the immediate consequences, as it can leave victims grappling with the financial burden of property damage and medical bills.
Moreover, abandoning an injured victim without alerting the authorities can exacerbate their injuries, potentially leading to severe or fatal outcomes due to delayed emergency treatment.
Fortunately, avenues exist to identify and locate hit-and-run drivers and seek assistance with medical expenses and other damages, even if the responsible driver cannot be immediately apprehended.
In Nassau County, The Ward Law Group is here to support you when you or your loved ones face the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident.
Our dedicated team of hit-and-run accident lawyers understands the complexities of such cases. It is committed to helping you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in New York and is strictly against the law.
According to New York statutes, drivers must stop at the scene of any accident involving property damage or personal injury.
The driver must exchange critical information with the victim, such as their driver’s license and insurance details. Failure to comply or the driver fleeing can result in significant legal consequences.
In cases where accidents in New York involve only property damage, a driver who leaves the scene can face fines of up to $250 or imprisonment for up to 15 days.
However, if the accident results in someone injured or dead in a hit-and-run accident, it is considered a felony, carrying severe penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 and potential imprisonment for an extended period.
Although the overall arrest rate of hit-and-run drivers is relatively low, the accident's severity increases the likelihood of police involvement in identifying the responsible party.
New York has recently implemented a hit-and-run alert system to notify residents and aid in locating the fleeing driver.
If the hit-and-run driver can be identified and your injuries meet the criteria for serious injury under New York law, you may have the opportunity to file a tort claim against the driver.
This legal action can help you recover the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as seek punitive damages to hold the hit-and-run driver accountable for their illegal and dangerous actions.
When the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified or lacks insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes crucial. New York mandates all drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance, including UM coverage matching their liability limits.
UM coverage not only provides protection when an uninsured driver hits you but is also applicable in hit-and-run cases.
Following an accident, your initial recourse should be your personal injury protection (PIP) no-fault coverage.
If your injuries surpass the serious injury threshold outlined in New York law, pursuing a UM claim for the complete damages is essential.
For those without UM coverage or PIP, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnity Corporation (MVAIC) offers a solution by providing no-fault coverage.
This coverage is available to individuals without other insurance, particularly in hit-and-run cases.
However, prompt action is crucial as MVAIC requires notification within 24 hours or as soon as possible. Eligible claimants can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, prescription medicines, housekeeping assistance, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
What The Ward Law Group Can Do for You in a Nassau County Hit and Run Accident
At The Ward Law Group, we understand the unique challenges posed by hit-and-run accidents, and our legal approach is tailored to meet each client's specific needs.
Here's how we can assist you:
Holistic Approach to Legal Representation
We engage in detailed conversations with you to understand the specifics of the accident, the extent of damages, and other crucial aspects of your case.
We consult with your loved ones who have witnessed the impact of your losses firsthand.
Our team collaborates with your healthcare providers to gain insights into the nature and severity of your injuries.
We accommodate any specific requests you may have, ensuring that our communication and updates align with your preferences.
Empathetic and Personalized Handling
Our hit-and-run lawyers in Nassau County, NY, are committed to satisfying you throughout the legal process.
We approach your case with empathy, attentiveness, and a personalized touch, recognizing the unique circumstances of your situation.
Our primary objective is to secure a favorable outcome for you, and we pursue victory with determination.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering
- Identifying Liable Parties: While a hit-and-run driver may be the obvious liable party, we conduct a thorough investigation without making assumptions. We gather all pertinent details before pinpointing defendants in your case.
- Compiling Crucial Evidence: Evidence plays a crucial role in legal proceedings. Our team collects the police report on your accident, providing insights into how the collision occurred. Additionally, we obtain reports related to the act of fleeing the scene. Other essential evidence includes video footage, witness statements, property damage photographs, and accident reconstruction data.
Strategic Case Planning
Hit-and-run cases can be intricately complex, and our legal approach is tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
Depending on whether the hit-and-run driver is found, we explore various options, from filing an insurance claim to pursuing a lawsuit.
Negotiating for a Just Settlement
We tirelessly negotiate with insurance companies or opposing attorneys on your behalf.
Our negotiation strategy involves presenting compelling evidence, explaining how your losses were calculated, and advocating for a fair and just recovery.
Utilizing Expert Resources
We have access to a network of experts in fields such as medicine, economics, and accident reconstruction, bolstering the strength of your case.
These experts provide valuable insights that contribute to the robustness of your claim.
Moreover, at The Ward Law Group, we handle all case-related expenses. You pay nothing upfront, and we cover any costs incurred.
Our commitment to your case remains unwavering, ensuring you receive the legal support you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Nassau County, call us now at 855-DOLOR-55 for expert guidance and legal representation in Spanish, bridging the gap for the Spanish-speaking community to access professional and efficient legal assistance in their native language.
At The Ward Law Group, we handle all levels of injury cases with equal dedication and diligence. Our commitment is to successfully resolve each client's case, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve after a motor vehicle or bike accident.
File a claim could be the first step to settling in the future. However, it is important to understand each phase of the process to avoid mistakes.
Common Causes Behind Hit-and-Run Accidents in Nassau County
Leaving the scene after an accident is not only against the law in Nassau County but is a violation throughout the United States. That is why you must report the accident if you have been a hit-and-run victim.
Drivers must stay at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving injuries or property damage.
They are required to exchange identification and insurance details, assist injured parties if feasible, notify law enforcement, and remain until the police arrive.
While any collision, especially involving property damage, is distressing, the situation becomes even more disheartening when the responsible party leaves after causing injuries.
In many instances, hit-and-run drivers are motivated more by fear than intentional harm. Their anxieties often stem from the severe penalties they might face, including:
Impaired Driving
Fear of legal consequences for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision.
Uninsured Status
Concerns about penalties for driving without insurance coverage.
License Violations
Apprehensions about facing consequences for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Traffic Violations History
Anxiety regarding the potential repercussions of a lengthy history of traffic violations.
Law Enforcement Issues
Fears of being wanted by law enforcement for various reasons.
However, it's crucial to emphasize that regardless of these fears, leaving an injured driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian without assistance is inexcusable.
At The Ward Law Group, we are dedicated to seeking justice for victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Our initial consultations are free, and we only charge attorneys' fees once we successfully recover damages. If you've been a hit-and-run accident victim in Nassau County, contact us for expert guidance and legal representation at 855-DOLOR-55.
What to Do If the Hit-and-Run Driver Remains Unidentified
If the responsible hit-and-run driver cannot be located, we turn to your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM or UIM) at The Ward Law Group.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM):
This coverage becomes applicable when the person responsible for your injury is not found or lacks accident insurance. Although New York State mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 of UM coverage per person ($50,000 per accident), these amounts may not be sufficient for severe injuries.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM):
Underinsured Motorist coverage steps in if the at-fault driver has insurance but insufficient coverage to address your damages, such as medical treatment expenses or loss of income.
Unfortunately, the state-mandated coverage may fall short in catastrophic injuries or long-term incapacity cases.
Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage is recommended to enhance your protection. This optional coverage, included in policies purchased since June 18, 2018, offers more comprehensive protection unless opted out.
In many instances, hit-and-run drivers are uninsured or underinsured, emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable hit-and-run accident attorney.
When you contact The Ward Law Group, rest assured that we are well-equipped to handle all aspects of your personal injury case.
Compensatory Damages You May Receive in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Depending on your case's circumstances, The Ward Law Group will seek some or all of the following damages.
- Compensatory Economic Damages:
Designed to cover past and future payments for medical and rehabilitation costs, property damage, replacement services, and lost income due to incapacity.
- Compensatory Noneconomic Damages:
Aimed at addressing intangible losses, including permanent disability, disfigurement, physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages:
More frequently awarded in hit-and-run accidents due to the egregious nature of leaving the scene with injuries.
Contact a Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer in Nassau County
Our dedicated efforts aim to secure resources for final medical costs, funeral expenses, and compensation for lost financial and emotional support.
If you find yourself in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Nassau County, The Ward Law Group is here to guide you through the complexities of the legal process.
We commit to aggressively advocating for your present and future needs, whether through strategic negotiations or vigorous litigation. A Hit-and-Run Lawyer from NYC is ready to serve you! Schedule an appointment here.
Call us today at 855-DOLOR-55 for comprehensive legal assistance tailored to your needs. The doors of our law office are open for you!