Long Island Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Langella & Langella are your home town personal injury law firm for Long Island, New York residents. With extensive experience in handling hit and run accident cases, you can count on our knowledge of how to construct a proper case, and take that case to trial as well. So let's look at some of the specifics.

As experienced accident lawyers, we understand that you may be looking at some very unfriendly situations with medical bills, property damage, severe injuries, emotional distress, and an uncooperative insurance company. None of that is going to help with your mental state, and bodily injury isn't the only problem in auto accidents. Any additional help of info is going to be a big burden off your shoulders.

Hit and run accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally, and the added anger at the people responsible makes it even harder to make good decisions. Our firm is fully dedicated to providing our clients with the legal support and guidance they need during tough times like these.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in the state of New York, it is crucial to take certain steps immediately after the incident. Firstly, if you are able to do so safely, take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle and any injuries you may have sustained. Additionally, try to talk to any potential witnesses who may have seen the accident and are able to provide information. It is also important to call law enforcement as soon as possible to report the accident and provide them with any evidence or information you have gathered.

If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured badly, the top priority is to get first responders to the scene as quickly as possible. Your health and safety should never be compromised in any situation, and seeking medical attention should be the main concern in the event of serious injuries.

It is also important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options following a hit and run accident. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Dealing with the Aftermath of a Hit and Run Accident

Dealing with a hit and run accident is almost always a traumatic and frustrating experience. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately to receive a proper diagnosis of any injuries sustained in the accident. This will not only ensure your well-being, but also provide documentation of your injuries for any potential legal claims.

In addition, it is important to collect any and all relevant information about the accident. This includes contact information for any witnesses at the scene, and preparing all of your personal photographic material for provision to your attorneys. Furthermore, it is advisable to seek visual evidence from CCTV cameras near the area. This can provide crucial evidence to identify the vehicle that fled the scene and hold the responsible party accountable.

Of course, if you retain the right attorneys early on in your case, they will assist you with getting these materials together.

Explanation of Financial Liabilities for Hit and Run Accidents

In New York State, the financial responsibility for paying damages in hit and run cases can be quite complicated. If the at-fault driver is never identified, it may seem as though there's no one to hold accountable for the damages. However, there are potential avenues for recovering damages in hit and run cases.

One potential avenue is through the victim's own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is designed to provide compensation for injuries and damages caused by a hit and run driver or a driver who is uninsured. This coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, the only other realistic avenue for recovering damages in hit and run cases is through a lawsuit against the at-fault driver once they are eventually identified. In this case, the victim can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Though it is difficult to identify a hit and run driver, it is actually becoming easier by the day with surveillance seemingly everywhere.

New York's Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Accidents

In New York State, the statute of limitations for hit and run accident cases is typically three years from the date of the incident. This means that individuals who have been involved in a hit and run accident have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court.

It is important to keep in mind that the statute of limitations is a strict deadline, and once the time limit has passed, the individual loses their right to bring a claim to court. It is crucial to take action as soon as possible if you have been involved in a hit and run accident in order to protect your legal rights.

Reacting to a Hit and Run Accident as a Witness

As a bystander who has just witnessed a hit and run accident, it is crucial to take immediate action to help the victim and to assist in any legal proceedings. The first and most important step is to ensure the safety of the victim and call for emergency medical assistance if needed. If it is safe to do so, try to gather as much information as possible, such as the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number, and any distinguishing features of the driver.

It is also important to provide this information to the authorities as soon as possible and to cooperate fully with any investigations. Your eyewitness account and any evidence you can provide may be crucial in identifying and apprehending the driver responsible for the hit and run. Additionally, if you are able to safely do so, offer your contact information to the victim or any law enforcement officers involved in the case, as your testimony may be necessary in future legal proceedings.

Witnessing a hit and run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but your actions in the immediate aftermath can make a significant difference in helping the victim and in pursuing justice for the responsible party.

Hit and Run Accidents Including Pedestrians

In New York state, pedestrians injured in hit and run accidents have legal avenues to collect damages for their injuries. One potential avenue is through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which provides compensation to individuals who are injured in hit and run accidents or accidents where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

To pursue a claim through MVAIC, the injured pedestrian must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow specific procedures for filing a claim. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide the injured pedestrian through the process and advocate for their rights to fair compensation.

Additionally, if the hit and run driver is later identified, the injured pedestrian may be able to pursue a claim against the driver's insurance policy or through a civil lawsuit. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident, including witness statements and any available surveillance footage, to aid in identifying the at-fault driver.

Talk Through Your Long Island Hit and Run With a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Long Island New York, in Nassau or Suffolk County, it's crucial to seek out the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Talking with an attorney can provide you with a clear understanding of your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. An attorney can also help navigate the complex legal process and ensure that all necessary documents and evidence are gathered and reviewed.

In hit-and-run cases, it can be challenging to identify the responsible party and hold them accountable. However, an attorney can use their resources and expertise to investigate the accident and pursue all available avenues for seeking justice. They can also ensure that the proper legal procedures are followed and that you receive fair treatment under the law. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, call Langella & Langella. We’ve been representing victims of hit-and-run accidents in the Hauppauge, Smithtown, Brentwood, Centereach areas and all Long Island for over 40 years.