Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law in New York. Hit-and-run accidents are frightening and can be catastrophic. If you or your loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run, you may not know what your next moves should be. Here is a guide illustrating what you should do.
Top Ten Things You Must do if You are the Victim of a Hit-and-run Accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident, and the vehicle involved in the accident leaves the scene, or if you find that your parked car has been damaged without anyone letting you know, you are the victim of a hit and run. Here are the measures you should take:
Contact the police even if the damages are minimal and you are safe. Law enforcement should evaluate the situation and take appropriate action.
Seek medical attention. Injuries do not always appear immediately after an accident. Go to the emergency room. The medical professionals there are trained to evaluate you.
Follow-up medical visits are a must. Go to all appointments. This can show the court that you are taking your injuries seriously.
Take medical advice seriously once you have been seen by a doctor in the emergency room. Follow any and all suggestions for your care, documenting every detail.
Don’t chase the driver, though you may be tempted. A car chase is a dangerous situation that is best avoided.
Take down the details while they are fresh in your mind. Information on the car and its driver can be helpful to the police. Things like license plate information, the car’s color, make, and model, as well as details about the driver, like their hair and distinguishing features.
Photographing the accident from all angles is an excellent way to record the damages and the conditions surrounding the wreck. Photograph your car, the scene of the accident, damage to other vehicles or property, street signs and traffic signals, and record the weather and road conditions.
Collect witness information such as their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Even if they do not feel that they saw anything that would matter, let the police and lawyers be the judge of that.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Even if the hit-and-run driver is not located, you may receive compensation for injuries and damages under New York’s PIP insurance statute.
Contact a New York hit-and-run accident injury lawyer so they can aid you in identifying the driver. They can help you to recover compensation for your injuries and damages that you have sustained due to the driver’s hit-and-run.
Contact Us if You Are the Victim of a Hit-and-run Accident
If the reckless actions of another driver have left you with physical and emotional injuries and damage to your vehicle or property, you deserve compensation. Contact Gold & Gold, PA, to help you get the financial settlement to which you are entitled. New York has laws against leaving the scene of an accident, and you should not have to pay the price for another driver’s crime. Reach out today for a free consultation.
