One of the most unfortunate situations a person can get into is being hit by another vehicle, which then flees the scene. You may be injured, confused, bewildered, and fearful for your future. Even if you reported the collision to the police, you may not know how to pay your medical bills or settle your property damage. However, you should not give up hope. An experienced attorney can not only investigate the driver who hit you but also fights for compensation from your own insurance company.
Important Steps to Take After Your Accident
If you have been the victim of a Queens hit-and-run accident, you may be worried about how you will be compensated for your injuries. However, remember that the more information you have, the better your chances of catching the driver who hit you. Hit-and-run accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists. The steps to take if you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident are described below.
Seek medical help
Your priority should be to seek medical attention when needed. Even if you do not need emergency care, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious injuries, such as neck injuries, do not become apparent for hours, days, or even weeks.
Gather as much information as you can about the other driver
Write down as many characteristics about the driver and the accident as you can as soon as you are able. While the license plate number is important, do not overlook other details such as the year and make of the vehicle, as well as the color of the vehicle and any special features (such as a large spoiler or dented fender). Another important detail is what part of the vehicle hit you or your vehicle. This can help police find “newer model white Toyota sedans with possible damage to the left side of the bonnet.”
File a police report
Call the police as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. Give as much information as you can about the vehicle and driver involved in your accident. File an official accident report with the proper authorities as soon as possible and obtain a copy of the report.
Save witness contact information
Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident as best you can. This information can help police locate the hit-and-run driver and may be useful if you later file an accident claim or lawsuit.
Preserve all evidence of the accident
Secure and preserve all possible evidence of the hit and run accident. This includes the clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident, any damaged personal items, and the damaged vehicle or bicycle. Keep all hospital bills, medical records, photos of the accident scene, police reports, and any other pertinent information.
Check your car insurance
Under the no-fault insurance law, accident victims receive compensation for their injuries regardless of fault and up to the policy limits. Uninsured motorist coverage, which helps you cover the costs incurred if you cannot locate the negligent driver who caused your injuries, and other benefits may be included in your auto insurance policy.
Be careful what you say to insurance agents
Be cautious about what you tell insurance adjusters about your injuries. Give the basic facts about the incident, but do not go into detail about your injuries without first consulting with a personal injury attorney.
Talk to a personal injury lawyer
In the event of an accident injury or lawsuit, an attorney can help you receive fair compensation. An attorney can help you understand the specifics of your car insurance policy as well as any available options for financial compensation.
Dealing with a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to preserve all evidence as soon as possible. Eyewitness statements from bystanders and other drivers, dashcam footage, surveillance cameras, and police reports should be collected. This evidence can be used to track down reckless drivers trying to avoid legal responsibility for an accident.
However, the evidence does not always lead to the responsible driver. Many motorists must rely on their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover the cost of property damage, personal injury, and other incidents. Even when the responsible driver is identified and arrested by law enforcement, many of them do not have car insurance. This is a common reason given by drivers who are caught fleeing the scene of an accident. These disturbing statistics, along with the rising number of hit-and-run accidents across the country, highlight the importance of motorists having as much coverage as possible for uninsured and underinsured drivers.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Queens?
Remember, hiring a hit-and-run specialist to protect your freedom and your good record is the most important step you can take to successfully resolve your legal problem. If you or someone you know has recently been injured or killed in a Queens hit-and-run, contact the attorneys at Your-Personal Injury Lawyer. Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in all types of personal injury cases and will help you pursue your claim with ease. Call us at 646-666-1568 to schedule a free initial consultation.
