You were driving along, when all of a sudden another motorist, seemingly out of nowhere, strikes your vehicle. You pull over to exchange insurance information and call the police to the scene, only to find the other driver speeding away. You’re confused, angry, and perhaps in a great deal of pain. In this case, you may wonder if you can file a lawsuit against the person who damaged your car and possibly injured you, but you don’t know how to find them since they fled the scene of the accident. Read on and reach out to a dedicated New York City personal injury lawyer from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about hit-and-run accidents and how our firm can help if you’re the victim in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is a hit-and-run accident?
A hit-and-run accident is when a driver collides with another vehicle, person, or property and leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or render aid to anyone who may be injured. Often, drivers will flee the scene of an accident because they are uninsured, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are driving without a valid license, are driving a stolen vehicle, or simply panic and act irrationally. In any case, however, fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime.
How can I identify the driver who fled the scene of an accident?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should call the police immediately. They can track the driver down and file a police report. Additionally, you should try to gather as much information as possible about the driver and their vehicle, including the following:
- The make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle
- The location, date, and time of the accident
- The names and contact information of any witnesses
- The photos and videos of the accident scene and any damage
How can I file a lawsuit against the driver who fled the scene of an accident?
If you are able to identify the driver who fled the scene of an accident, you can file a personal injury claim against them, and as long as you can prove they caused the accident and fled the scene, you should have a valid claim. That being said, if you are unable to identify the driver who fled the scene of an accident, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage. This is a type of coverage that protects you if you are injured by a driver who does not have insurance or cannot be identified.
For further questions about UM insurance or your specific car accident case, simply contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
