Recovering Compensation When a Hit-and-Run Driver is Never Found: Car Accident Lawyer NYC Explains
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling scared, helpless, and unsure what to do next, especially when it comes to claiming compensation for injuries after the accident. But as your car accident lawyer in NYC, we want to assure you that even though the at-fault driver looks to evade accountability, there are still ways for you to claim compensation and settle your bills. That being the case, we want to take this opportunity to educate you on your options for recovering compensation when a hit-and-run driver is never found.
Why are hit-and-run accidents different?
Hit-and-run accidents are motor accidents where a driver knowingly leaves the scene of the accident without stopping to provide any identification or insurance information or assist an injured person.
As the definition suggests, the responsible driver leaves the scene without exchanging contact or insurance information. Without this information, going after compensation becomes quite the challenge, forcing you and your legal representatives to spend significant time trying to look for the responsible party. Keep in mind that success is not guaranteed.
There is also a significant emotional burden that is not often talked about. The driver’s decision to flee the scene can leave the victims feeling angry and helpless. These feelings can make the recovery process longer and more painful.
What should you do immediately after the hit-and-run accident?
Regardless of the type of accident, there will be a lot of scrutiny into the injured person’s conduct immediately following the accident. Here are some of the things you should immediately do following the accident to protect your rights and increase your chances of securing a full and fair settlement.
- Contact 911 and report the accident to law enforcement and emergency responders.
- If injured, regardless of its severity, seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the scene of the accident and gather evidence (photographs, CCTV footage, etc.).
- Contact an accident lawyer in New York to get an understanding of your rights and liabilities.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident
How can you claim compensation after a hit-and-run accident?
In New York, with any type of motor vehicle accident, insurance is your main source of compensation. In a hit-and-run accident, if the driver cannot be found, you will not be able to claim compensation from the other driver’s liability insurance.
If you are injured, you can still rely on your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage costs for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses. Your standard PIP coverage will cover up to $50,000 in economic damages mentioned above.
However, keep in mind that one of the reasons the responsible driver can flee the scene is because they do not have proper insurance coverage. In such situations, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can be used to supplement your PIP coverage and account for damages that exceed the PIP threshold.
If you yourself lack proper insurance protection, then you can request assistance from the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). To request compensation from the MVAIC, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and file your claim with the MVAIC within 90 days of the accident.
Conclusion
When a hit-and-run accident happens and the driver responsible is never found, it can feel like justice and compensation are out of reach. However, the structure of New York’s insurance mechanism gives you a fighting chance to claim compensation, even in procedurally complex cases such as hit-and-runs.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York, then Gabriel Law is here to help. As a personal injury law firm in NYC, we are ready to take your case and do everything in our power to help get justice and compensation. Contact us today and schedule your free and confidential consultation. Do not let the faulty driver disappearing stop you from getting the compensation you deserve.