A hit-and-run accident can leave you injured, overwhelmed, and wondering who will pay for the damage. If a driver struck you and fled the scene on Long Island, New York, Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC can help you explore your options for compensation. Call (212) 433-3100 today to speak with a Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer during a free consultation.
Finding the driver responsible isn’t always possible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. Insurance coverage and other sources of financial recovery may still be available. At 212-CARRION, we’ll help you navigate the claims process and fight to protect your interests.
How Can Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident on Long Island, NY?
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, we can handle the legal details while you focus on getting better.
Our Long Island car accident lawyers can help by:
- Working with investigators to identify the fleeing driver
- Reviewing police reports, witness accounts, and available camera footage
- Determining which insurance policies may cover your injuries
- Collecting medical records and evidence of your financial losses
- Negotiating with insurers that dispute or undervalue your claim
- Taking legal action when necessary to pursue fair compensation
Our team brings more than 50 years of combined experience to personal injury cases. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients and understand the challenges that can arise when liability or insurance coverage is disputed.
You shouldn’t have to figure everything out while recovering from an injury. Contact our Long Island personal injury attorneys to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident?
Not every driver who flees a collision does so for the same reason. Some panic in the moment, while others deliberately leave because they fear the consequences of stopping.
A driver may flee because they:
- Were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Don’t have a valid driver’s license
- Lack the required auto insurance
- Were speeding or driving recklessly
- Have an outstanding warrant or another legal concern
- Want to avoid paying for the damage they caused
Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of an accident can have serious legal consequences.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, drivers involved in certain collisions must stop, exchange identifying information, and report the accident when required. Failing to meet these obligations can lead to criminal charges, particularly when someone has been injured.
Can I Get Compensation if the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Identified?
You may be able to recover compensation even if the police never locate the other driver. The options available will depend on your insurance coverage, how the collision occurred, and whether you meet the requirements for a particular claim.
New York requires auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can apply to certain accidents involving unidentified drivers, including qualifying hit-and-run collisions.
However, there are important restrictions. For example, uninsured motorist claims involving an unidentified vehicle generally require physical contact between that vehicle and the injured person or an occupied vehicle.
If you don’t have applicable insurance coverage, you may qualify for benefits through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This program provides a potential source of compensation for certain victims of uninsured or unidentified motorists who meet its eligibility requirements.
These claims have specific reporting and notice deadlines, so waiting too long could affect your ability to recover benefits. Our attorneys can examine your circumstances and help determine which options may be available.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Long Island Hit-and-Run Accident?
New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means qualifying accident victims can generally receive certain benefits for medical expenses and lost earnings without first proving who caused the crash.
Depending on your injuries and the type of claim involved, you may also be able to pursue compensation for:
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and other medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income while recovering
- Reduced ability to earn a living
- Future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Not every loss is recoverable through every type of insurance claim. In many New York motor vehicle cases, pursuing pain and suffering damages requires meeting the state’s serious injury threshold.
We can review how the collision has affected your health, work, and finances to help identify the damages you may be entitled to seek.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawsuit in New York?
Time limits are especially important in hit-and-run cases because insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits may follow different rules.
Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. However, this deadline doesn’t necessarily apply to every claim arising from a hit-and-run collision.
Uninsured motorist claims and MVAIC applications have separate requirements. For example, certain MVAIC claims involving unidentified vehicles require prompt police reporting and notice within 90 days of the accident, subject to applicable exceptions.
Contact a Long Island Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Being hurt by a driver who refuses to stop can leave you with more questions than answers. You may not know who caused the crash, whether your insurance will cover your expenses, or what steps to take next. Those uncertainties shouldn’t prevent you from exploring your legal options.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, we help injured Long Island residents pursue compensation after serious motor vehicle accidents. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our team is prepared to investigate your claim and advocate for your interests.
Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island hit-and-run accident attorney.
