Hit and Run Accident Attorney
A hit and run accident is the act of causing or contributing to a motor vehicle accident and failing to stop and identify oneself after the accident.
Despite New York State laws, which make it illegal to leave the scene of a car accident involving injury to a person or property, drivers often attempt to flee the scene of an accident. In 2017 alone, there was about 46,000 hit and run cases in New York City.
Our firm understands how accidents involving hit and run drivers can cause more than just physical injuries. It is possible to experience severe emotional trauma, feelings of helplessness, PTSD, anxiety, and anger. Our support staff is here to assist you. We want to hear your story and help you recover your losses.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a hit and run driver, you may be entitled to recover your losses, even if the other driver is not found. A Long Island hit and run accident lawyer at TonaLaw can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 1-833-TONALAW or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You Have a Right to Compensation
The experienced Long Island hit and run lawyers at TonaLaw understand how traumatic and stressful the aftermath of a collision can be. You may be too injured to work, or you may suffer from the post-traumatic stress disorder. Our goal is to help you recover the full compensation you deserve as quickly as possible so you can start to put your life back together.
Our personal injury lawyers understand New York State law and how to deal with insurance companies when it comes to getting you paid. As a victim of a hit and run accident, you have a number of options for collecting fair compensation, including but not limited to:
- Applying for benefits under the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Act
- Recovering losses directly from your own insurance company
- Receiving protection from auto insurance policies for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Long Island
After a regular car accident, your Long Island car accident attorney would recommend you trade information with the other driver so you and your lawyer can work with their insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. Of course, this isn’t really an option if the other driver flees, at least not before they’re caught. However, as is the case in all car accidents, there are a few steps you should still take. These include:
1. Get to a Safe Location and Check for Injuries
After the collision, pull over to the side of the road if your car is still operational. Check yourself and any passengers in the car for any injuries. If there are any serious injuries, do not move the injured person! However, if your car is not operational, and there are only minor injuries, safely make your way to the side of the road.
2. Call 9-1-1
After you’re in a safe location, be sure to call 9-1-1. Make sure they send an ambulance so you can receive medical treatment at the scene of the accident. When the police arrive, provide a statement of what happened, making sure you only tell them what you know for a fact. For example, you might say a driver rear-ended you then fled, but saying they were texting at the time would likely be conjecture, and should be avoided in the report.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
While you’re still at the scene of the accident, take photos of the damage to your car, as well as any injuries you sustained. You should also take photos of road conditions, street signs, weather conditions and anything else that could have contributed to the collision. After you’ve taken the photos, either write down or use your phone’s voice recorder to note the details of your accident. Provide as much detail as you can.
4. Talk to Any Witnesses Around
If your accident happened in the city, chances are there were at least a few pedestrians who saw the collision happen. If you can, talk to them about what they saw. Take their statements, and get their contact information so you and your lawyer can talk to them later.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
Unfortunately, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company. When you call them, answer their questions as succinctly as possible. They will be looking for any reason to lessen the amount they pay you if you suffer serious injury. Simply tell them that you were in a hit and run accident, plus when and where the collision occurred. Tell them you will be consulting an attorney who can provide more detail.
6. Contact a Lawyer
Dealing with the insurance company and getting the compensation you deserve after a hit and run accident can be difficult, to say the least. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a Long Island hit and run lawyer as soon as possible after your wreck. An experienced lawyer can help you explore all of your legal options, including filing a lawsuit.
10 things you need to know if you have been injured in a car accident
Free “No Stress” Personal Injury eBook by Thomas Tona, Esq.
We Will Fight for You
TonaLaw is a Suffolk County law office that will fight for you and your loved ones! Our firm has a reputation for uncompromising ethics throughout Long Island, New York City, and New York State. We utilize our extensive legal experience and litigation acumen to represent personal injury clients aggressively, always seeking all remedies available to our clients under the law.
The TonaLaw Advantage
At TonaLaw, our focus is on helping you recover financially from your hit and run accident. We don’t want you to be deterred from seeking our help because you think you can’t afford it. We charge absolutely nothing upfront.
TonaLaw is a no-fee law firm – We get paid when we win your case!
If you or a loved one are suffering from a hit and run accident, due to the negligence of another, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today at (631) 780-5355 or toll-free at 1-833-TONALAW, or by filling in the form below for a free case evaluation.