Hit-and-Run Charges New York

A hit-and-run accident is a crash where one of the drivers involved flees the scene before exchanging crucial information or rendering aid to the victim. Hit-and-run accidents are criminal offenses in New York and can result in jail time, fines, and the suspension of the at-fault driver's license.

It is also important to note that in New York, hit-and-run is not only restricted to fleeing the accident scene without stopping or exchanging important information the other party needs. In fact, providing false information after a car accident is also considered a form of hit-and-run.

Leaving the scene of an accident in New York without exchanging information or providing aid to the other party can lead to severe penalties.

The possible penalties for hit-and-run accidents in New York are as follows:

• a fine of up to $250 for property damage and $5000 for bodily injuries;
• a jail term of up to a year for leaving the accident scene before the police arrive;
• a mandatory license suspension for at least a year;
• compulsory supercharge of between $88 and $93;
• criminal conviction; and
• three-month jail term for refusing to provide insurance information.

Here are a few things you should do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in New York:

Call the police immediately. They will ask you questions about the accident and launch investigations.

Get medical help if you need it. This step is important, even if you don't think you're injured. The doctor will conduct several tests to determine whether you suffered any serious injuries, internal or external.

Gather as much information as you can. Although this may be challenging, you should try to document everything you remember about the other driver and the vehicle they were driving, such as the license number and general vehicle description.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney for a case evaluation. The attorney will review your case to determine whether you have a valid claim and help you navigate the legal process in your pursuit of compensation for your injuries and damages.

According to New York State law, all drivers must have car insurance covering liability for personal injury and property damage. For this reason, you can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have the right coverage.

Two types of car insurance may cover hit-and-run accidents: collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Collision coverage will pay for repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. On the other hand, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for your medical expenses and property damage if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. In some cases, this insurance coverage will also pay for damages caused by a hit-and-run.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Here's how it works.

Suppose the driver who hit you is found and convicted. In that case, they may be required to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other eligible damages. However, suppose the driver is not found. In that case, you may still be able to recover compensation through the uninsured motorist coverage on your policy or other forms of insurance you may have.

The exact type and amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries. An experienced hit-and-run accident attorney in New York can help evaluate your case and determine what you may be entitled to under state laws.

A hit-and-run driver might flee the scene of an accident for various reasons, as discussed below.

• They may be intoxicated and in fear of facing charges of driving under the influence.
• They may not have insurance and fear being financially responsible for the damages.
• They may be in a state of shock, not knowing what to do.
• They may have outstanding warrants.
• They may be transporting illegal goods or drugs.

Whatever the reason, fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in New York and is punishable by state laws.

Different types of evidence may be used to prove a hit-and-run car accident. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Physical evidence includes damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, or debris left at the scene.
• Eyewitness accounts
• Security camera footage
• GPS data

In addition, to prove fault, the case must meet the basic elements of a car accident claim. These include proving that:

• The other party owed you a duty of care.
• The other party breached their duty of care.
• You got injured due to the other party's breach of their duty of care.
• You also suffered damages due to the injuries you sustained after the accident.

New York has certain legal requirements designed to protect both you and the other party involved after a car accident, not just hit-and-run. These laws also ensure that any claims or disputes that may arise are handled properly.

Here's an overview of these requirements.

First, you must stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident. This means pulling over to the side of the road. But if that's impossible, you should stop as close to the scene as possible.  

Then, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get the same information from the other driver. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

If anyone is injured as a result of the accident, call 911 for medical assistance. The same applies if there's property damage of at least $1500.

New York is home to many personal injury law firms specializing in car accidents. However, not every firm or attorney you encounter will offer the legal representation you need to win such a case. Keep in mind that although hit-and-run is considered a crime in New York, that does not necessarily mean that the other party will process your claim without fighting back. That's where Morgan & Morgan hit-and-run accident attorneys come in.

No doubt that there are many injury firms in New York, but Morgan & Morgan stands out. Here's why.

We Have Over 30 Years of Experience Fighting for the Injured

At Morgan & Morgan, our hit-and-run accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. To put things into perspective, we have been fighting for the rights of the injured since 1988.

We Have the Resources to Help You Fight Back

If you have legal grounds to sue the other party, we will thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. This is because we have access to powerful resources beyond the legal sphere, including experts in different fields, such as medical, mechanical, and accident reconstruction.

We Have an Army of Attorneys Ready to Defend Your Rights

We also have a team of experienced lawyers knowledgeable about hit-and-run laws in New York and will do everything to hold the other party responsible. And given that our team consists of over 1,000 attorneys specializing in different practice areas, you can rest assured that you have the right people on your side of the ring in this legal battle.

You Deserve Peace of Mind

Morgan & Morgan will also handle all the paperwork and deal with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

We Have a Proven Track Record of Winning

If you have any doubt about our capacity to fight for you or your beloved, you will be glad to discover that we are the nation's largest injury firm, serving clients from coast to coast. And with over 28,000 5-star reviews on Google alone and over $20 billion already recovered, Morgan & Morgan is not an ordinary personal injury firm. It is the injury firm for the people.

There are many car accident firms in New York but only one Morgan & Morgan. You can count on our reputation, experience, and resources to build a strong case for you or your beloved and hold the other party accountable for fleeing the accident scene. Remember, the fee is free; you will only pay us if we win.

Ready to fight back and claim your much-deserved compensation? Tell us about your case.