Hit-and-run accidents are serious incidents where the driver who caused the accident flees the scene without taking responsibility. For victims, this experience can be both frightening and overwhelming, as they are left with injuries and damage, with no clear person to hold accountable.

Working with a Long Island hit-and-run car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and overcome the challenges of a hit-and-run case.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, our top-rated attorneys have decades of experience fighting for victims’ rights and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Common Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Long Island

Hit-and-run accidents can happen to anyone, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable to these incidents. Understanding who is most at risk can help you stay safe.

• Pedestrians: Pedestrians are often at the highest risk, especially at crosswalks or busy intersections where drivers may fail to stop.
• Cyclists: Bicyclists are also common victims, as they share the road with vehicles and can be overlooked by careless or reckless drivers.
• Drivers in parked cars: A driver who flees the scene can hit individuals sitting in or exiting their parked vehicles.
• Motorcyclists: Due to their smaller size, motorcyclists are sometimes not seen by distracted drivers, leading to dangerous collisions.

These groups are particularly vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents due to their visibility or the locations they frequent. If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, seeking legal help after an incident is crucial for securing justice and compensation.

Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents

There are many reasons why drivers may choose to flee the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, these choices often leave victims struggling to recover both physically and financially.

Here are some common reasons why hit-and-run accidents happen:

Fear of Legal Consequences

Drivers might panic and leave the scene of the accident because they are scared of getting into serious legal trouble, especially if they’ve been drinking, don’t have a license, or have a criminal record.

In these situations, the fear of being arrested can be stronger than their sense of responsibility, so they bolt in a moment of panic. They might think leaving the scene is better than getting caught and facing charges.

Intoxication or Impaired Driving

A lot of hit-and-run accidents occur when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment can lead them to make poor decisions, such as fleeing the scene, in hopes of avoiding DUI charges or other criminal consequences.

They’re often so scared of the consequences that they don’t stop to think about the harm they’re causing.

Lack of a Valid License or Insurance

Some drivers leave the scene because they don’t have a valid driver’s license or insurance. They’re worried about getting fined, losing their car, or taking their license away, so they choose to run rather than deal with these issues. For them, paying fines or facing other penalties is terrifying.

Panic and Shock

Accidents can be incredibly disorienting, and in a moment of shock or confusion, some drivers may experience a flight response. In these cases, they may not fully realize the legal implications of fleeing the scene.

Involvement in Illegal Activities

Drivers engaged in illegal activities, such as transporting illegal substances or stolen goods, may choose to flee the scene to avoid detection by the police. They prioritize escaping law enforcement over taking responsibility for the accident.

Fear of Financial Repercussions

Financial worries can also drive someone to flee after an accident. If a driver is uninsured or underinsured, they may worry about the financial impact of being involved in a crash, leading them to choose flight over facing the potential costs.

The Importance of Hiring a Long Island Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

The situation can feel overwhelming and confusing when you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. The driver who caused the accident may have fled, leaving you with injuries and damages.

This is where a Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer becomes crucial. These lawyers have experience handling the unique challenges of these cases, like identifying the driver who took off and finding the evidence needed to prove what happened.

A good lawyer knows how to conduct a detailed investigation, speaking to witnesses, checking nearby surveillance cameras, and working with private investigators to uncover important details. They also focus on holding the responsible party accountable.

Additionally, a no-win, no-fee hit-and-run accident lawyer in Long Island fights to get you the compensation you deserve. This includes covering medical expenses, repairs for your vehicle, and compensation for the emotional toll the accident has taken on you.

Having the best hit-and-run accident lawyer in Long Island on your side can make a big difference in how smoothly your case goes and in ensuring you receive fair treatment.

Challenges in Proving Hit-and-Run Cases

Proving a hit-and-run case can be difficult due to a lack of information. However, there are several tools and methods available to strengthen your case:

• Lack of Identifiable Information: Identifying the at-fault driver and vehicle can be challenging but impossible with the right resources.
• Role of Witnesses and Surveillance Footage: Witness statements and video evidence can provide crucial information about the fleeing driver’s actions.
• Importance of Police Reports: A detailed police report can establish key facts about the accident, which can help identify the responsible party.

Steps Our Law Firm Takes to Track Down Hit-and-Run Drivers

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we work diligently to uncover evidence and identify hit-and-run drivers. Our approach includes:

Working with Private Investigators

We partner with experienced private investigators who are skilled at investigating the details of the accident. They can track down witnesses, obtain additional information, and help uncover evidence that might have been missed, giving your case a stronger foundation.

Utilizing Advanced Technology

We use tools like traffic cameras, digital forensics, and other tech to track down the driver and vehicle involved. We analyze video footage, track data, and use other digital evidence to piece together what happened and identify the fleeing driver.

Partnership with Law Enforcement

Our team works closely with local law enforcement to gather information and track down the person responsible. We coordinate with police to share findings and ensure that every lead is followed, holding the driver accountable for their actions.

Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accident Victims

Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical Bills: Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
• Property Damage: Covering the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the emotional toll of the accident and injuries.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can also apply in hit-and-run cases, helping you recover damages even if the responsible driver is not identified. A Long Island auto accident lawyer can help you understand your UM coverage and what you are entitled to.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Insurance companies may complicate claiming uninsured motorist coverage or attempt to deny your claim. Here’s how our hit-and-run accident attorney near me can help:

Challenges in Claiming Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Insurance companies sometimes use different tactics to delay or reduce your UM claim. They might question the details of the accident, ask for unnecessary paperwork, or claim you don’t qualify for specific coverage. Our lawyers know how these tactics work and can gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your case.

How Our Lawyers Negotiate with Insurers

Insurance companies often start with lowball offers, hoping you’ll settle for less than you deserve. We use proven strategies to push back against these offers and fight for fair compensation. We aim to secure the full payout you’re entitled to by presenting strong evidence and pushing back on unfair tactics.

Protecting Your Rights During the Claims Process

Insurers might use loopholes or unclear policy language to reduce payouts throughout the claims process. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with these challenges and protecting your rights. We handle the complicated parts of the process so you can focus on recovering from the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents

You may have many questions when you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident. Here, we’ll address some of the most common concerns our clients have:

What Should I Do If the Other Driver Cannot Be Found?

If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation by filing a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage. Reporting the accident to your insurer immediately and sharing any evidence you have collected is crucial.

What Evidence is Needed to Prove My Case?

Gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports can strengthen your case. Your car accident attorney in Long Island, NY, will help you identify and collect all the necessary information to build a solid claim.

How Long Does the Legal Process Take for a Hit-and-Run Case?

The length of the legal process can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of evidence available. Your lawyer will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Contact Our Long Island Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Contact our Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, for a free consultation.

We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to recover. Don’t wait—contact our team today to discuss your case.