Queens Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer

When you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident, the physical and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. At Davidoff Law, we know the unique challenges victims face when the at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident.

Our skilled car accident attorneys have helped many Queens residents with hit-and-run cases, ensuring they receive fair compensation. With a deep understanding of New York traffic laws and a proven success record, we're committed to fighting for your rights while you focus on recovery.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident in Queens?

Hit-and-run accidents are common in Queens, often leaving victims feeling helpless. When a driver hits you and flees, acting quickly is vital. Even in a no-fault insurance state like New York, you can pursue a legal claim and recover compensation.

A skilled hit-and-run lawyer can handle your insurance claim, pursue compensation for your medical bills, and find the at-fault driver. We will seek compensation from auto insurance, either under your policy or the at-fault driver’s policy.

Don’t wait to seek help – contact a hit-and-run accident attorney today to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

Defining Hit-and-Run Accidents Under New York Law

Fleeing the scene of an accident, even with only property damage, is a serious offense under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600. A hit-and-run happens when a driver hits another vehicle or a pedestrian and leaves without providing information or assistance.

Even without the license plate number, an experienced car accident attorney can assist you. In a no-fault insurance state, a skilled lawyer can help you file a claim and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

Legal Obligations of Drivers Involved in Accidents

Every driver involved in an auto accident in New York must fulfill specific legal duties. When a motor vehicle accident occurs, drivers are required to:

• Immediately stop at or near the accident scene
• Provide their name, address, and insurance information to other drivers
• Show their driver's license when requested
• Assist any injured persons by calling emergency services
• Wait for law enforcement if there are injuries or significant property damage
• File a written accident report with the DMV within 10 days if damage exceeds $1,000

Not meeting these obligations can lead to serious legal consequences. A routine accident can then become a hit-and-run case with criminal implications.

Penalties for Fleeing the Scene of an Accident in NY

The severity of penalties for a hit-and-run crash varies based on the extent of damage or injuries caused:

For property damage only:

• Up to 15 days in jail
• Fines: $250 - $500
• Three points on your driver's license
• Potential license suspension

For accidents involving personal injury:

• Up to 1 year in jail for minor injuries
• Up to 4 years in prison for serious injuries
• Fines: $1,000 - $5,000
• Mandatory license revocation

Common Scenarios Involving Hit-and-Run Collisions in Queens

Understanding hit-and-run circumstances helps victims protect their rights and pursue legal action with a trained car accident attorney.

Intersection Accidents and Right-of-Way Violations

Intersection accidents often lead to hit-and-run incidents, especially when drivers try to avoid blame for right-of-way violations. Common scenarios include:

• Drivers running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield during left turns
• Making improper lane changes, leading to sideswipe collisions
• Causing rear-end collisions at traffic signals

After these accidents, chaos and confusion sometimes lead drivers to flee, particularly if they broke traffic laws during the crash.

Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Pedestrians

Pedestrian accidents are a big concern in Queens. The busy streets and heavy foot traffic create many chances for danger. These incidents often cause serious injuries or wrongful death. The victims or their families must seek legal help right away.

Statistics show that pedestrians are particularly vulnerable during:

• Early morning and evening hours
• Periods of reduced visibility
• Areas with high tourist traffic
• Near public transportation stops

Bicycle and Motorcycle Hit-and-Runs

Cyclists and motorcyclists face unique challenges in hit-and-run scenarios. Their vulnerability on the road often leads to significant injuries when involved in a collision. Common circumstances include:

• Drivers failing to check blind spots
• Improper passing or lane changes
• Opening car doors without looking
• Failure to yield the right of way

The smaller size of these vehicles can make it more difficult to identify the responsible party, making immediate evidence gathering crucial.

Parking Lot and Driveway Hit-and-Runs

Parking lot and driveway accidents represent a significant portion of hit-and-run incidents in Queens. These scenarios often involve:

• Backing up without proper observation
• Distracted driving in parking facilities
• Side-swipe damage while parking
• Multi-car collisions in tight spaces

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

The moments following a hit-and-run collision are essential for protecting your legal rights and increasing the chances of identifying the driver responsible. Taking the right actions can significantly affect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Prioritizing Safety and Calling for Medical Assistance

Your health and safety should be your primary concern after any motor vehicle accident. Immediately:

• Move to a safe location if possible
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
• Call 911 for medical attention
• Do not chase the hit-and-run driver
• Stay at the scene until emergency services arrive

If injuries are minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some car accident injuries might not be immediately apparent, and medical documentation will be needed for your personal injury claim.

Thorough Documentation of the Accident Scene

Proper documentation of the accident scene can provide vital evidence for your hit-and-run case:

• Take photos of all vehicle damage
• Capture the surrounding area, including traffic signs and road conditions
• Document any visible injuries
• Note weather conditions and visibility
• Look for and photograph debris from the other vehicle
• Record any tire marks or other evidence on the road

If possible, sketch a diagram of how the accident occurred while the details are fresh in your mind.

Identifying Potential Witnesses and Obtaining Contact Information

Witnesses can be invaluable in helping to identify a hit-and-run driver or confirming the details of your accident:

• Look for people who stopped at the accident scene
• Ask nearby businesses if they saw anything
• Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses
• Ask witnesses to provide written statements if possible
• Note any identifying details they remember about the other driver or vehicle

Reporting the Accident to the NYPD

Filing a police report is crucial in hit-and-run cases:

• Wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene
• Provide detailed information about the incident
• Share any details you remember about the other vehicle
• Request a copy of the police report number
• Follow up to obtain the complete accident report

The police report is official documentation of the hit-and-run incident and is necessary for your insurance claim and legal case.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

Contact your own insurance company promptly after a hit-and-run accident:

• Report the basic facts of the accident
• Provide the police report number
• Share photos and documentation
• Discuss your uninsured motorist coverage options
• Ask about coverage for immediate medical expenses

Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases

Hit-and-run accidents pose unique challenges that demand experienced legal representation to navigate effectively.

• Identifying the fleeing driver: Locating the driver can be difficult, but vital clues like partial license plates, vehicle descriptions, paint transfer, and physical evidence at the scene can help.
• Investigative techniques: Investigators use methods such as analyzing surveillance footage, reviewing traffic cameras, canvassing repair shops, and collaborating with law enforcement to identify fleeing drivers.
• Witness testimony: Witnesses can provide valuable details about the accident, including vehicle identification, driver descriptions, and the sequence of events.
• Leveraging technology: Traffic and security cameras, dashcams, and mobile recordings often offer critical evidence in hit-and-run cases.
• Uninsured motorist claims: Accident victims rely on uninsured motorist coverage to recover damages if the driver isn't found. Proper documentation and negotiation with insurers are essential.
• Criminal vs. civil cases: Criminal cases punish hit-and-run drivers, while civil claims focus on victim compensation. Evidence from criminal cases can strengthen civil claims.

How Our Experienced Queens hit-and-run Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

When you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident, having a skilled lawyer can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case. Our trained car accident attorneys know the complexities of hit-and-run cases and work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Conducting a Thorough Independent Investigation

Our law firm employs thorough investigative techniques to build your case:

• Immediate accident scene investigation
• Collection and preservation of physical evidence
• Analysis of skid marks and debris patterns
• Review of local surveillance footage
• Consultation with accident reconstruction experts
• Identification of potential witnesses

Working with Law Enforcement to Identify the Responsible Party

We maintain strong relationships with local law enforcement and:

• Coordinate with investigating officers
• Share relevant information and leads
• Monitor police investigation progress
• Access accident reports and updates
• Assist in identifying the hit-and-run driver
• Support criminal prosecution efforts when the responsible driver is found

Gathering and Preserving Crucial Evidence

Our hit-and-run attorney excels at collecting and maintaining evidence essential to your case:

• Securing video footage before it's deleted
• Obtaining maintenance records for relevant traffic signals
• Collecting witness statements while memories are fresh
• Documenting weather and road conditions
• Preserving physical evidence from the accident scene
• Maintaining proper chain of custody for all evidence

Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation

We develop comprehensive claims that account for all damages:

• Documenting all injuries sustained
• Calculating current and future medical expenses
• Assessing lost wages and earning capacity
• Evaluating non-economic damages
• Preparing detailed settlement demands
• Building trial-ready case presentations

Negotiating with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf

Our professional attorneys handle all insurance company interactions:

• Filing comprehensive claims
• Providing required documentation
• Challenging claim denials
• Negotiating settlement offers
• Protecting your rights throughout the process
• Ensuring fair evaluation of your claim

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Representing You in Court

When required, we're prepared to take your case to trial:

• Filing within the statute of limitations
• Developing compelling legal arguments
• Managing all court procedures and deadlines
• Presenting evidence effectively
• Cross-examining witnesses
• Arguing your case before a jury

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a hit-and-run

Knowing the compensation you may be entitled to is essential for making informed decisions. Our trained car accident attorneys can guide you through recovering damages.

Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim:

• Notify your own insurance provider promptly
• Provide documentation of the hit-and-run incident
• Submit proof of injuries and damages
• Comply with auto insurance policy requirements
• Negotiate settlement offers
• Appeal denied claims if necessary

Coverage Under Uninsured Motorist Policies:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and earning potential
• Property damage repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term care needs

Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs:

• Emergency room and hospital stays
• Surgical procedures and physical therapy
• Medication and medical equipment
• Future medical care and rehabilitation

Recovering Lost Wages and Earning Capacity:

• Wages from missed work
• Lost benefits and reduced earning capacity
• Financial impact on your career
• Costs of retraining or new employment

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Psychological impact and permanent disability

Factors That Influence the Value of Your hit-and-run Accident Claim

Determining the value of your claim after a Queens hit-and-run involves several key factors:

The Severity of Your Injuries and Long-Term Impact

More severe injuries increase claim value. We consider immediate treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities, as well as the impact on your daily life and future care needs.

The Availability of Evidence and Witness Testimony

Strong evidence, such as clear documentation, witness statements, video footage, expert testimony, and medical records, greatly strengthens your case.

Insurance Policy Limits and Coverage Options

Your uninsured motorist coverage and other applicable policies affect your potential recovery. We explore all options, including additional coverage and asset recovery from the at-fault driver if found.

The Skill and Experience of Your Attorney

A skilled car accident lawyer can negotiate effectively with insurance companies and, if needed, litigate in court to help you achieve the best outcome.

Contact Our Dedicated Queens hit-and-run Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Don't face the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident alone. At Davidoff Law, our professional car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.