Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer after a hit and run accident in New York? This is one of the first things you may ask yourself after you've been involved in an accident and the other party flees the scene.

Hit and run accidents happen unexpectedly and without warning. If you are involved in one, it can be a stressful situation to deal with, especially if you've suffered injuries.

Should you hire a lawyer after such an accident? We will provide further details in the following article, but we highly suggest that any victim of a hit and run accident should consult with an NY car accident lawyer to discuss the case and your options.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has an experienced team of highly qualified injury lawyers ready to assist you.

Hit and Run Accidents In New York

In New York, leaving the scene of an accident — also known as a hit-and-run — is a very serious crime. Regardless of the severity of the actual collision or who is at fault, you are required by law to stop, identify yourself and provide assistance to anyone in need.

Any collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or that results in property damage (home, guardrail, lamp post, fence, etc.) is considered a "accident." If you flee, you could face criminal charges and get up to 1 year in jail. If the accident caused serious injuries or death and you flee, you can be charged with a felony and get up to 7 years in jail.

Legal requirements in NY after an accident:

If you are driving and you crash into any object or pedestrian, you are legally required to:

• Stop and check to see if there are any damages or injuries sustained
• Exchange information with the other driver, including contact and insurance details.
• If there is damage above $1,500 or if someone is killed, call 911 or your local police to file a report. Remain at the scene until an officer arrives.

How A Lawyer Can Help After An NY Hit And Run Accident

A NY car accident lawyer can help hit and run victims in a number of ways. This includes:

Legal Advice: You can receive invaluable legal advice from a lawyer who focuses on hit-and-run cases. They will counsel you on the best course of action, clearly explain your rights, and assist you in comprehending the legal system.

Investigation: The victim of a hit-and-run accident will generally have limited knowledge of the person who caused the accident. An experienced lawyer can carry out a comprehensive investigation to gather all evidence, locate witnesses, and even track down the negligent motorist. A lawyer may consult with experts in accident reconstruction, go over security footage, or make use of other tools.

Insurance Claims: Especially in hit-and-run situations, interacting with insurance companies can be challenging. Your lawyer can help you through the insurance claim process and make sure you provide the right paperwork and proof to support your claim. They will also negotiate on your behalf and get you fair compensation for your losses.

Legal Representation: Your lawyer will assist you in filing a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if they are identified. Or, they will file a personal injury claim to recover losses you have had as a result of the accident, including medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your lawyer can find all alternate avenues of compensation in hit-and-run situations. They will help you determine whether your own insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, and they will support you in pursuing it.

Settlement and Negotiation: In order to get a fair settlement, your lawyer will negotiate with all relevant parties, including insurance companies and opposing legal counsel. They will ensure you are compensated accordingly, taking into account the severity of your injuries, losses, and the impact on your life.

Call Us Anytime To Schedule An Appoint With an NY Car Accident Lawyer

Protect your rights after a hit-and-run accident by working with the best car accident lawyers in New York. The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law provides the highest level of legal assistance. We go above and beyond to make sure our clients are compensated for their losses.

We offer free consultations. Simply call us today to set up an appointment.