Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. • Attorneys at Law
Hit & Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are constantly occurring all across Long Island. While being involved in a car accident is never expected and often upends your life, if the negligent driver leaves the scene of the accident, things can get even more complicated. However, just because the at-fault driver flees the scene does not mean you cannot recover for the injuries you have sustained.
If you have been injured in a hit and run car accident on Long Island, Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. is here to provide you with immediate legal assistance. Our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys are ready to fight to get the money that you need and deserve. We will work with local law enforcement agencies as they investigate the identity of the at-fault driver as well as conduct our own independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident to ensure that all known at-fault parties are held accountable. While there is an added degree of difficulty when a negligent driver leaves the scene of an accident, you can rest assured that the attorneys at Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. will take all steps necessary to ensure your rights are protected and you are compensated for your pain and suffering.
What steps should I take after being involved in a hit-and-run incident?
- Call 911 immediately and file a timely report with the police. In some instances, a police report may be the only evidence to prove that you were involved in an accident with another vehicle. Reporting the incident to the police will also ensure that the police will open an investigation into identifying the negligent driver that fled the scene.
- If physically able to, take photos of the scene and the damage to your vehicle.
- Report the incident to your insurance company. There are short timelines within which you will need to submit the appropriate paperwork to your own insurance carrier in order to ensure that your benefits are protected.
- Do not assume your physical pain will subside over time. If you are feeling pain following your accident, seek out medical attention as soon as possible.
- Get in touch with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. Your attorney will ensure that all necessary filings are completed, and your rights are protected. Now you can rest.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run and the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still be able to recover for your injuries. In New York, the law requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for bodily injury. In most instances, victims of hit-and-run accidents can recover through their own insurance policies so long as the proper steps are taken in a timely manner. The team of hit-and-run attorneys at Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. is equipped to efficiently investigate and explore all possible paths to maximum recovery on your hit-and-run case. For more information on bringing a claim for your pain and suffering following a hit-and-run incident, contact Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. today.
I was a pedestrian/bicyclist involved in a hit-and-run. Can I still recover?
Most victims of hit-and-run accidents, especially pedestrians, feel that there little to no hope for recovery if the at-fault driver is never found. However, you may have alternate paths of recovery if the proper steps are taken in a timely manner. The first step in recovering compensation for your pain and suffering after being involved in a hit-and-run incident is to retain competent attorneys at Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. who regularly handle such cases. Even if the negligent driver is not found, you may still have a claim if you own a vehicle, or you live in the same household with one of your relatives (by blood or marriage) who owns a vehicle. Under this circumstance, there is a chance that a claim can be pursued through your own or your relative’s policy.
If there is no policy under which to pursue a claim, your attorneys can then pursue a claim through MVAIC (the “Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnity Corporation”). There are strict deadlines and important steps that must be complied with in order to pursue such a claim. It is imperative that your attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced in handling all aspects of your hit-and-run accident case in order to avoid missing out on the opportunity to be compensated for your injuries
At Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys are here to listen to your story. We value each client’s individual circumstances and we are ready to help devise a winning strategy in order to uncover the best path to adequate compensation. We encourage any victim of a hit-and-run accident on Long Island to take full advantage of our experience and guidance as you navigate through the aftermath of this unexpected occurrence.
Walker & Mackenzie, P.C. offers free consultations to discuss your hit-and-run accident case and review the legal remedies available to you. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you.
Contact our hit-and-run lawyers today and set up a free consultation.