New York car accident lawyers often advise clients who have been involved in a hit and run accident. A hit and run refers to drivers who crash into other vehicles, pedestrians or property and then flee the scene of the wreck. You might be surprised to find that many car accidents are actually hit and run crashes. USA Today reports that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were almost 1,500 reported incidences of hit and run accidents in the United States in the year 2011. That number has been steadily increasing, according to data from prior years.
At CarAccidentCases.com, we understand the seriousness of a hit and run. It is a crime that is punishable by jail or prison time, and most people receive a fine as well. Unfortunately, too many hit and run drivers get away with their crimes. Victims might be unable to get a good look at a license plate, or even see the color of the car following such an accident.
If you have been the victim of a hit and run, you most likely have a lot of unanswered questions. This is a very confusing time for you, and you are eager to find the person responsible for your injuries and the damages to your car. You may be wondering:
- How can you identify the driver of a car who caused a hit and run?
- What legal rights do you have in a hit and run crash?
- What do insurance companies do about compensation for a hit and run?
If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, there are a few different things you can do to attempt to track down the other driver. They include:
- Contacting local businesses to obtain video surveillance footage of the crash.
- Talking with people who saw the accident occur.
- Knocking on doors to ask questions about what people may have seen from their homes.
It may take some persistence, but once you obtain additional information, you may be able to track down the other driver. If you have a license plate number, your local Department of Motor Services may be of assistance. Even so, you will need the help of a qualified New York car accident attorney before you proceed with filing a personal injury claim. An experienced New York car accident lawyer will be able to meet with you and discuss your case in greater detail. Upon acceptance of your case, he or she will work with you to obtain compensation for your hit and run.
To learn more about car wreck compensation and personal injury claims, please be sure to check out another article on our website, entitled, 4 Types of Car Accident Compensations.
Check back for more information on the following topics:
- Understanding personal injury settlements
- Pedestrian accidents and compensation
- Getting compensated for a truck accident