Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Long Island
Approximately 39,000 hit and run accidents occur every year in New York City, per the New York Police Department (NYPD). Of those, authorities arrest only a fraction of the parties responsible.Â
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you may feel there is no recourse. Fortunately, Shulman & Hill can help you secure financial compensation following a hit and run accident, even if you do not know who caused it. Consult with a hit and run accident lawyer on Long Island today to learn more.
Filing a Claim for Damages Following a Long Island Hit and Run Accident
Damages you can seek in a Long Island injury claim differ depending on the circumstances of your hit and run. Typically, you can seek compensation for:
- Lost income due to your injuries
- Past and future medical bills related to the accident
- Pain and suffering
A hit and run accident attorney from our firm can help you determine which damages you can seek in a personal injury claim.
Dedicated Legal Representation From Skilled Hit and Run Attorneys in Long Island
Hiring the right attorney can strongly affect your case’s outcome. At Shulman & Hill, we understand how a hit and run accident can affect your physical, mental, and financial well-being. We can explain your legal options and guide you through the legal process to claim maximum compensation.
Millions in Successful Settlements and Verdicts
The personal injury attorneys at Shulman & Hill provide dedicated legal advocacy for victims in Long Island and across New York. We have extensive experience handling accidents that may involve hit and runs, including:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
Through vigorous representation and skilled negotiations, we have recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our injury clients.Â
Personalized Advocacy Means Satisfied Clients
Every accident is different, which is why we focus on personalized advocacy specifically tailored to your needs. We know that a hit and run collision creates unique personal challenges that require dedicated legal attention.
Our compassionate Long Island lawyers use extensive local knowledge to build a unique case for each client. Visit our Testimonials page to read about our successes in the words of our satisfied clients.Â
Hit and Run Legal Representation on Contingency
After a hit and run, you may feel that legal representation is outside your financial scope. At Shulman & Hill, we know that money can be tight when you are going to the doctor and missing work.
Rather than adding to your stress, we reduce the financial burden by taking your case on contingency. When we achieve a settlement or verdict in your favor, we keep part of the award for our legal services. That means if we do not win, you do not pay
Determining Fault in a Long Island Hit and Run Accident
When you suffer injuries in a hit and run accident, determining fault can be tricky. The police could locate a hit and run driver after an injury accident. However, even if they arrest the person who left the scene, you must still prove that they caused your injuries.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Incidents in Long Island
Part of determining fault after a hit and run is establishing the accident’s cause. In Long Island, some of the most common causes of these accidents are:
- Speeding
- Illegal passing
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
A person may also decide to flee the accident scene for a variety of reasons. They may not have a license or insurance, or they might fear an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Regardless of the reason, the at-fault driver should be held accountable for the injuries they caused.
When You Cannot Locate the Hit and Run Driver After Your Accident
If the police or your lawyer do not find the driver responsible for your injuries, you could still seek compensation. During the investigation, you can begin a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP coverage applies regardless of fault, and you can often file a PIP claim if you were walking or biking when the incident occurred.
You may also be able to seek compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage after a hit and run. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the hit and run driver does not have insurance coverage to meet your total losses.
If you do not have PIP or uninsured motorist coverage, you may seek medical attention through your health insurance carrier. A hit and run attorney on Long Island knows which insurance coverage applies. They can walk you through the process and help you file your claim.
Ways a Long Island Hit and Run Attorney Can Support Your Injury Claim
After a hit and run accident, you need time to recover from your losses. Your lawyer can take care of the legal process so you can take the time you need to focus on your health. At Shulman & Hill, our dedicated legal team can provide all the legal support you need throughout your case. When we take on a hit and run case, we may:
Compile Evidence to Establish Your Injury Claim ValueÂ
We collect evidence to prove injuries, including:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Treatment plans
- Expert medical testimony
Testimony from your care provider can provide critical details about the extent and severity of your injuries. They can also support your claim for lost income if your injuries resulted in a disability.
Obtain Police Reports
We can request copies of police reports, which will include any details they can find about the other party. The report may also include witness contact information and other important details.
Follow Hit and Run Criminal Proceedings
We may also get evidence from criminal legal proceedings, if possible. When someone is injured, it is illegal for the other driver to leave the scene of the accident without reporting to the police, per VAT § 600. If officers can locate the perpetrator, they may file criminal charges for the hit and run incident.
A criminal case is separate from your personal injury case. Your attorney could use evidence from the criminal case to establish fault and support your damage claims.
Request Video Footage
Review CCTV footage from nearby businesses, traffic camera footage, and dashcam footage. If witnesses took photos or videos during or following the hit and run, we may also request copies of that information to support your case.
Take Witness StatementsÂ
Our team tries to obtain witness statements as soon as possible after the accident. Since their memories can become less reliable over time, we seek witness details while the accident is fresh in their minds.
Reconstruct the AccidentÂ
In some cases, our attorneys may hire an accident reconstruction expert. The expert uses photos, witness testimony, and other details to reconstruct the accident timeline. This allows your attorney to present your case clearly to secure a more favorable settlement or verdict.
Handle Correspondence and Negotiations
Following a hit and run accident injury, your focus should be on healing. Our team can handle phone calls, emails, and legal correspondence. We can submit demand letters to insurance carriers and negotiate for maximum compensation.Â
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If we can identify the responsible party, we can file a lawsuit and pursue the full scope of damages. Although many cases settle out of court, a lawsuit lets you pursue the total compensation you deserve following a hit and run accident.Â
Meet Legal Deadlines
CPLR § 214 establishes a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. While you typically have three years from the accident to file a lawsuit, the time limit may differ depending on your circumstances. Your attorney could request an extension, so do not let the time limit prevent you from reaching out to a lawyer about your accident.Â
Schedule Your No-Obligation Consultation With a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Long IslandÂ
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a hit and run accident due to someone else’s carelessness, you have a legal right to seek compensation. A compassionate Long Island accident attorney at Shulman & Hill can review your case and help you understand your legal rights.Â
If we take your case, we can provide legal advice and support to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact our Long Island injury lawyers today at 866.932.5558Â to schedule your free consultation.
WE WORK WITH YOU
TO GET YOU COMPENSATED
Everyday working people often struggle to afford top-tier legal representation. To ensure equal access to justice, we work on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorneys’ fees unless we achieve a settlement or verdict in your case.