Hit-and-run accidents in New York City can be especially challenging for injured victims and their families. When a negligent driver flees the scene of a crash, it can be difficult to pursue not only compensation but also emotional closure. Often, negligent drivers flee crash scenes because they know they are to blame, and they dodge legal consequences before police arrive. Although victims face serious challenges after hit-and-runs in New York City, it is possible to pursue compensation effectively with help from a qualified, experienced auto accident attorney – such as David Resnick.
How Can a New York City Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help?
A New York City hit-and-run accident lawyer can help victims in a number of different ways. Their assistance begins with a consultation, during which the plaintiff will have an opportunity to explain their situation. A range of different people may decide to pursue compensation after hit-and-runs, including:
- Motorists
- Pedestrians
- Passengers
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
- E-bike riders
- Rideshare passengers
- Parents of teenagers or children
During the consultation, the New York City hit-and-run accident lawyer can help the plaintiff determine their next steps. If the lawyer believes that it is worth pursuing further action, they may recommend a number of strategies.
What Kind of Evidence Do I Need for a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawsuit?
After the initial consultation, an injury lawyer may help the plaintiff gather and compile evidence to help in the pursuit of compensation. This evidence might include:
- Dashcam footage
- CCTV footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness testimony
- Police reports
- Police statements
- Photos from the crash scene
- The plaintiff’s testimony
- Medical records
- Income statements
This evidence can not only establish who might be to blame for the accident, but also the extent of your injuries and their effect on your ability to earn an income.
What if the Hit-and-Run Driver Gets Away in New York City?
In the days and weeks following a hit-and-run accident, it is important to remain optimistic. Police in New York City have faced this issue on numerous occasions, and they have become quite adept at catching suspects. They may use a wide range of strategies to track down hit-and-run drivers, and it may take over a month for them to finally apprehend the at-fault party.
The best thing you can do in this situation is provide police officers and detectives with as much information as possible about the incident. Be as specific as you can about license plate numbers, model/make information, and damage that both vehicles incurred. With this information, police can track down the person responsible for the crash with greater efficiency.
With all that said, sometimes hit-and-run drivers get away scot-free. This may present several issues for injured plaintiffs, and it might be more challenging to pursue compensation. Since New York is an “no-fault” state when it comes to car accidents, establishing that someone else is to blame for an accident is not required for those seeking compensation. If you cannot locate the person responsible for the crash, you might need to rely on your personal injury protection coverage (PIP). This is why it is crucial to work alongside an experienced New York City car accident lawyer who can help you get to the bottom of the situation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Hit-and-Run Claim in New York City?
In that state of New York, the statute of limitations for filing any type of personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. This timeline is very important, as if you miss the deadline you may miss out on your right to compensation. With this in mind it is very valuable to have David Resnick & Associates, P.C. on your team. Our law firm knows how to meet deadlines and ensure that your right to compensation is protected.
We will work with you throughout the entire process. We make sure that all paperwork is filled out correctly and on time. Leave it to our New York City hit-and-run lawyers to get to the bottom of your case. Three years to file a personal injury claim might seem like a long time, but in reality that goes by really quickly. You will want to hire an attorney sooner than later to help preserve any evidence from the scene of the accident.
Find a Qualified Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in New York City
If you have suffered the consequences of a hit-and-run firsthand, it may be worth getting in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney in New York City. These legal professionals can guide you toward a positive outcome, allowing you to overcome various challenges as you pursue compensation. With the right strategy, a hit-and-run accident can still lead to compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and any other damages you have incurred. To discuss options for compensation in more detail, consider booking a consultation with David Resnick & Associates, P.C. today.