Being the victim of a hit and run accident is shocking and distressing. If the driver leaves the scene of a car accident, they can face criminal charges, and even felony charges if there are injuries. While these drivers can face criminal charges, you can also seek compensation for your injuries in Nassau County with the driver or your insurance company if the driver was never found.
These accidents can be complicated and difficult to navigate, but having a strong personal injury attorney on your side can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our experienced hit and run accident attorneys are well-prepared to be your advocate and fight for your rights to compensation. Contact Kohan Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Reasons for a Hit and Run Accident in Nassau County
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal throughout the U.S. All drivers are legally required to remain at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving injuries and/or property damage. They must exchange identification and insurance information with the other parties, offer assistance to injured parties if possible, call law enforcement, and wait until the police arrive.
When an individual collides with a parked car or causes other property it is bad enough, but if the defendant causes injuries and leaves the scene, it seems cruel. Nonetheless, the majority of drivers who hit and run are acting out of fear rather than malice. Typically, they fear the harsh penalties they will face for:
- Being impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision
- Being uninsured
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Having a long string of prior traffic violations
- Being wanted by law enforcement for other reasons
Clearly, none of these reasons excuses leaving an injured driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian injured and defenseless. Contact Kohan Law Group where we are determined to seek justice. Your initial consultation is free and we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
Why You Need Our Experienced Nassau County Attorney
Kohan Law Group has the in-depth legal knowledge of New York State law and the well-honed skills to get the job done, even in the face of the challenges associated with hit-and-run accidents. We will always make your best interests our top priority as we:
- Handles all communications with opposing attorneys/insurance adjusters
- Investigates the site of the accident and examines all forensic evidence
- Take photographs of the site and examines any surveillance footage
- Thoroughly checks police reports and medical records
- Interviews witnesses and potential witnesses (e.g. nearby storekeepers)
- Consults with medical and accident reconstruction experts
Most importantly, our attorneys will do everything we can to help find the driver of the vehicle that hit you to seek maximum damages from the responsible party. Even if the driver remains at large, our attorneys will fight to obtain damages under your Uninsured Motorist coverage.
What happens if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
If the hit-and-run driver who caused your injury cannot be found, we will turn to your
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM or UIM).
- Uninsured Motorist coverage kicks in only if the person responsible for your injury is not found or has no accident insurance — even though New York State requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 of UM coverage per person ($50,000 per accident)
- Underinsured Motorist coverage provides coverage if the offender has insurance but not enough to cover your damages (e.g. medical treatment, income loss)
Unfortunately, the amounts mandated by New York State are not anywhere near enough to cover catastrophic injuries or long-term incapacity. For this reason, it is best to carry Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage which is optional but much more comprehensive. If you have purchased an insurance policy since June 18, 2018, your policy will include SUM unless you opted out.
All too often hit-and-run drivers are uninsured or underinsured, which makes it critical to have a knowledgable hit-and-run accident attorney on your side. When you call on Kohan Law Group, you can be sure that we are well-prepared to deal with every aspect of your personal injury case and to fight aggressively to meet your present and future needs through sharp negotiations or vigorous litigation.
Damages the Law Entitles You to Receive in a Hit and Run Accident
It is important to be aware that you are entitled to receive damages whether or not the defendant in our case is criminally charged or convicted because our lawsuit will be for civil damages. Depending on the particular circumstances of your case, Kohan Law Group will seek some or all of the following damages:
Compensatory Economic Damages are designed to cover all payments you have made and will make in the future for medical and rehabilitation costs, property damage, replacement services, and all of the income you have lost or will lose in the future due to incapacity.
Compensatory Noneconomic Damages are meant to cover intangibles, such as permanent disability or disfigurement, physical pain and emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages are more commonly awarded in hit-and-run accidents than in other types of accidents since leaving an accident with injuries is considered egregious in most cases.
If a hit-and-run driver has caused the wrongful death of your loved one, Kohan Law Group will treat you with compassion as we work tirelessly to bring you resources for final medical costs, funeral expenses, and lost financial and emotional support.
Contact Our Experienced Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys Today
The emotional intensity caused by a hit-and-run accident cannot be overstated. You are no doubt overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, rage, and fear for the future. Contact us now so we can offer you moral support and the personalized attention you deserve. No matter what, we will fight to bring you the resources you need to move forward with comfort and security.
Kohan Law Group represents hit and run accident victims throughout Nassau County as well as in New York City, including Queens and Brooklyn, from their Manhasset office in North Hempstead.