Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn

Accidents can happen any time you are on the road. While New York law requires drivers to stay at the scene of an accident, hit and run accidents do happen. If a driver hit you and fled the scene of the accident, you have legal options to recover costs for the injuries you suffered.

Shulman & Hill’s hit and run accident lawyers in Brooklyn understand the challenges you face following a hit and run accident. Our team can explain your rights and help you seek compensation for your losses. Contact our Brooklyn office today to schedule a free consultation.

Dedicated Representation from Brooklyn’s Premier Injury Firm

Shulman & Hill is one of New York’s preeminent injury law firms. We maintain offices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey. Our practice has an outstanding record for compassionate and attentive legal advocacy.

Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers has successfully pursued claims on behalf of hundreds of injury victims. Our record is clear, with successful settlements and verdicts totaling over $300 million. Every client deserves personalized representation. No injury is minor. No case is too complicated.

How Much Can I Claim After a Hit and Run Accident?

Hit and run claim values differ depending on the facts of each case. Cases involving hit and run drivers can be especially complex, since they may not identify the at-fault party. Regardless of who is at fault, you deserve compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s careless or reckless actions.

The compassionate Brooklyn hit and run attorneys at Shulman & Hill seek fair compensation through every possible avenue. If the police apprehend the hit and run driver, we could sue the driver for compensation on your behalf. If authorities do not identify the driver, we could still file a claim with your insurance carrier. Our team will review your case to maximize compensation for lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

What Are Hit and Run Laws in Brooklyn, NY?

An accident is a hit and run when a driver leaves the scene without providing ID, contact details, and insurance information. According to New York VAT § 600, drivers involved in an accident must report it to the police, whether or not an injury occurred. If a driver in an injury accident fails to report to the police or provide contact information, they could face criminal charges.

The authorities will file hit and run charges in criminal court. Your hit and run injury lawsuit for compensation is a separate matter filed in civil court. However, your attorney may use the information from the criminal case to support your hit and run injury case. A hit and run attorney in Brooklyn can review your case and explain your options.

Who Is Liable for a Hit and Run Accident in Brooklyn?

While the driver who fled the scene may be liable for a hit and run, determining fault for the accident is a different process. At Shulman & Hill, we thoroughly investigate the evidence to determine the cause of the accident. Using police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence, we reconstruct the accident to establish fault. With this information, we can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries.

In some cases, more than one person may be liable. If so, you could seek compensation from all the responsible parties. Our goal is to hold all at-fault parties accountable, so you can seek maximum compensation for your losses.

Why Should I Partner With a Brooklyn Hit and Run Accident Attorney?

After a hit and run accident, you need time to recover from your injuries. Even seemingly minor accidents can be traumatic. A Brooklyn hit and run accident lawyer from Shulman & Hill will determine which sources of compensation you can seek and provide the legal support you need so you can focus on your health.

When authorities cannot find the driver, a lawyer familiar with Brooklyn hit and run accident claims can help you pursue other avenues. For instance, you could still file a claim through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), uninsured, or personal health insurance policies. We can handle the investigation and negotiations on your behalf, so you can take the time you need to recover from your injuries.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Brooklyn, NY?

A hit and run accident can be unsettling. Follow these steps to preserve your legal rights:

Call the Police

Following a hit and run accident, it is important to contact the police as soon as possible. They will have a better chance of locating the driver if you call them immediately. Drivers in an injury accident must remain on the scene and call 911 right away. You must also file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the accident.

Document the Scene

Write down everything you remember about the accident. If possible, take photos of the scene and your injuries. These details provide critical support for your insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit.

Seek Medical Assistance

Even if you do not have insurance, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a hit and run accident injury. If an ambulance does not transport you to the hospital, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. A doctor’s visit safeguards your health, and the medical documentation can bolster your injury claim.

Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer

As you recover from your injuries, an attorney can help you navigate the hit and run claims process. Although you can file without an attorney, it is best to work with a legal professional who has experience handling hit and run claims in Brooklyn.

What Causes Hit and Run Accidents in Brooklyn?

According to the New York Department of Health, NYC sees more than 12,000 hospitalizations and 1,090 fatalities every year from motor vehicle accidents. Annual reports show that the NYPD receives a staggering 39,000 hit and run accident reports each year. 

Citywide traffic reports show that the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions in NYC are:

• Distracted driving

• Failure to yield the right-of-way

• Following too closely

• Improper passing or lane usage

• Passing too closely

• Speeding

On Brooklyn’s congested roadways, hit and run accidents may involve passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicyclists. Most vehicles involved in NYC crashes are sedans, SUVs, station wagons, and taxi cabs.

Regardless of the cause, you should not have to pay for the physical, mental, and financial toll of injuries caused by someone else’s carelessness. Shulman & Hill can review your hit and run accident case and help you determine the best route to fair compensation.

Does My Insurance Cover a Hit and Run Accident in Brooklyn?

New York state requires that all motor vehicle operators carry liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP). In the event of a hit and run accident, you could seek compensation through the other party’s liability insurance. If the responsible party is not found or their insurance does not cover your costs, your PIP or uninsured motorist coverage may cover the rest.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could also file a claim through your health insurance policy. Insurance companies may deny or reduce your claim if they believe it is someone else’s responsibility. A hit and run lawyer in Brooklyn can help you file with the right carrier, compile evidence to prove your claim, and negotiate with insurance representatives.

How Soon Do I Need to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Hit and Run in Brooklyn?

After a hit and run accident injury in Brooklyn, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, per CPLR § 214. To meet legal filing deadlines, the attorneys at Shulman & Hill may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party immediately. At the same time, we proceed with negotiations with the responsible party and their insurance company.

While many cases settle out of court, we prepare your case for trial from the outset. We firmly believe that hit and run drivers should be accountable for their actions. To that end, we pursue every legal option to secure justice and fair compensation our clients deserve.

Consult With a Brooklyn Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today

If the driver who caused you injury fled the scene, a Brooklyn hit and run accident attorney with Shulman & Hill could help you seek compensation. Our team will conduct a thorough case review. If we take your case, we can begin gathering evidence immediately. We handle all our hit and run cases on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing for our services until and unless we win. 

Reach out to our Brooklyn office at 866.932.5558 today to arrange a free consultation with a member of our team.