White Plains, NY
Hit-and-Run Car Crash Lawyer
What is a “Hit-and-Run Accident”?
“Hit and run” refers to the action taken by one or more drivers involved in a collision. In a typical hit-and-run case, the driver strikes a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist, causing bodily injury and/or property damage; instead of staying to exchange insurance information or offer assistance, they leave the scene of the accident.
How common are hit-and-run accidents?
While leaving the scene of an accident in this fashion is illegal in New York, it is also shockingly common; more than 400 hit-and-run cases occurred in New York City in 2023.
Hit-and-run accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but they usually involve the driver’s fear of legal consequences. They may have been driving under the influence, with a suspended license, or without the required insurance coverage. No matter the reason, our hit-and-run accident attorneys stand ready to help.
You typically have up to three (3) years to file a hit-and-run lawsuit.
New York’s statute of limitations gives hit-and-run accident victims up to three (3) years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. In cases involving a wrongful death, victims are permitted up to two (2) years from the date of death. It is critical that you file your case promptly to maximize your potential for full, fair compensation. Call Martin+Colin today to discuss your claim: (914) 771-7711.
Speak to a Hit-And-Run-Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a hit-and-run car crash can be devastating, confusing, and financially challenging. Whenever a driver flees the scene, it can leave victims feeling vulnerable—and uncertain about what happens next. If you have been involved in an accident where the driver fled the scene, securing skilled legal representation can be critical to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run car crash, White Plains, NY hit-and-run accident attorneys at Martin+Colin are here to help. We specialize in accidents involving hit-and-run claims; we’re here to help you file a claim with your auto insurance, track down and pursue a claim against the driver(s) involved, and help secure the compensation you deserve.
Questions? We Are Here For You.
New York Personal Injury Lawyers
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident?
All hit-and-run cases begin with an insurance claim with your insurance company. In cases where your damages exceed your insurance coverage, you will benefit from having a White Plains, NY hit and run attorney by your side.
Our team can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your accident. With 30+ years in the legal field, our experienced team will do everything in our power to help you receive full, fair compensation.
The car accident lawyers at Martin+Colin understand the stress and uncertainty a hit-and-run accident can bring—and we’re here to help make things right. Call (914) 771-7711 for a free legal consultation on your White Plains, NY hit-and-run accident.
Read More: Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics
How To Recover Compensation after a Hit-and-Run Crash
Even if the responsible party has not been (or cannot be) identified, you still have legal options. New York’s minimum auto insurance requirements specify that drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance; this coverage will pay your medical bills and some
lost wages regardless of who was at fault, up to $50,000 per person. (Note that this insurance does not cover auto body repair, property damage, or damage to personal property; your mandatory liability insurance usually covers this.)
Additionally, the state of New York requires that you carry uninsured motorist coverage to cover injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver. Uninsured motorist coverage covers injuries resulting from hit-and-run accidents, as the hit-and-run driver is presumed to not have insurance. As with PIP insurance, this coverage applies only to bodily injury, not damage to your vehicle or your personal property.
If the damages related to the accident exceed your No-Fault, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage—for example, in cases involving catastrophic injury or prolonged pain and suffering—you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full compensation.
Read More: Consumer FAQs About No-Fault Insurance
What is my hit-and-run car crash worth?
While no two hit-and-run cases are exactly alike, several common factors often influence the value of these claims:
- Injury severity (this may include things like ambulance rides, surgery, ER care and other life-saving measures)
- Wage loss and/or loss of future earnings from your injuries
- Disability and/or disfigurement
- Liability
- Other specifics of the case that may broaden the defendant to include a company or government entity
Pro Tip: If your hit-and-run injuries prevented you from going to work, you may be eligible for compensation related to your lost earnings. This includes wage loss due to your recovery period, medical appointments, and other factors reducing your earning capacity. If you can no longer work in the same capacity as a result of your injury, you may be eligible to recover compensation that makes up the difference.
At Martin+Colin P.C., our expert legal team will evaluate your insurance policies, review the accident and any evidence pointing to the responsible party, and determine the best course of action to secure maximum compensation. Call us today to learn more: (914) 771-7711.
How Our White Plains, NY Hit-and-Run Lawyers Can Help
After a hit-and-run accident, you may be tempted to handle the case without legal representation, fearing an accrual of legal fees on top of your already-daunting medical costs.
We encourage you to remember that our legal fees are contingency-based, meaning we never collect money from you until we’ve collected money for you. Moreover, our experienced hit-and-run lawyers in White Plains provide comprehensive legal support, including:
- Accident investigation. With the help of forensic experts and accident reconstructionists, we undertake a thorough investigation into your hit-and-run accident. We may seek out eyewitnesses, dashcam footage, or public cameras that captured the event. Our team often works with law enforcement and city officials to help identify the driver(s) at fault.
- Determining liable parties. Our research does not stop with the at-fault driver. We also look into the circumstances of the event to determine if other factors were at play: poorly maintained roads, illegal activity, items on the road, and so forth. Each of these factors may broaden the sources from which you may collect compensation.
- Speaking with insurance representatives. Insurance adjusters must follow strict policies regarding the circumstances under which they pay their insureds. Martin+Colin P.C. has an expert-level understanding of how to speak with insurance adjusters to minimize ambiguity—and maximize your settlement offer.
Hit-and-run accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. Martin+Colin pursues all avenues of compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our success record speaks for itself. Call Martin+Colin, P.C. today for a free consultation: (914) 771-7711.
Compensation Available in Hit-and-Run Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation for a number of types of damages resulting from your hit-and-run accident. Compensation can include:
- Medical costs: Covering current and future medical costs associated with your injuries, including ER care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medical devices.
- Lost wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, these may be covered in your compensation package. If your earning potential is impacted by the accident, this may be covered as well.
- Pain and suffering: This is a common line item in hit-and-run awards; “pain and suffering” is intended to address the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
- Property damage: If your liability insurance is not sufficient to repair or replace the costs for your vehicle and other personal property, your hit-and-run accident settlement award may be able to fill this financial gap.
In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not found, we will seek compensation through other avenues, such as your uninsured motorist coverage or a potential civil claim if other parties are identified.
At Martin+Colin, we understand the unique challenges hit-and-run accident victims face. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you navigate this difficult time. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run car crash in White Plains, NY, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions and work diligently to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t face this challenge alone—let our experienced hit-and-run car crash lawyers in White Plains guide you every step of the way.
How is liability determined in a hit-and-run accident?
The hit-and-run driver is liable for the accident under the theory of negligence per se, which states that “a defendant who violates a statute or regulation without an excuse is automatically considered to have breached their duty of care and is therefore negligent as a matter of law.” Because it is illegal to leave a crime scene or scene of an accident in the state of New York, the hit-and-run driver acted negligently by leaving the scene of the accident, regardless of any extenuating circumstances.
Pro Tip: Never admit blame to first responders, law enforcement, or insurance adjusters after a hit-and-run accident. Sharing some of the liability may not prevent you from recovering compensation, but it will proportionally reduce your compensation by the percentage you are found at fault. For that reason, it is important that you not discuss matters involving your case with anyone except your hit-and-run accident attorney.
What kinds of compensation might I be eligible for after a hit-and-run accident?
Damages from a hit-and-run accident may include:
- Medical costs, including ER visits, hospitalizations, medication, surgeries, and medical devices
- Physical therapy and other costs associated with rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Mental anguish (“pain and suffering”)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (loss of intimacy and/or close relationships)
No two hit-and-run cases are exactly the same; that’s why it’s critical that you speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in New York to fully understand the potential value of your claim. Call Martin+Colin P.C. today to discuss your case: (914) 771-7711
