Being involved in an auto accident can be an overwhelming experience. However, it can become even more stressful when the negligent driver flees the accident scene. This is known as a hit-and-run accident. If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a proficient New York City Car Accident Attorney who can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a motor vehicle strikes another vehicle, person, or object and flees the scene of the accident without assessing if there are injuries or property damage. Unfortunately, a hit-and-run accident can involve two or more vehicles, a parled vehicle, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian. It’s crucial to understand that leaving the scene of an accident without assessing the damage or providing insurance details and contact information is illegal.
What are the potential consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident?
Depending on the severity of the property damage and injuries that resulted from the accident, a person convicted of fleeing the scene of an accident could face a traffic violation, a misdemeanor, or a felony offense. If it amounts to a traffic violation, an individual could face a fine of up to $250 and serve up to 15 days of jail time. A misdemeanor offense can range from a fine between $500 to $1,000 and between 90 days and one year of jail time. A felony offense can result in being fined between $2,500 to $5,000 and four to seven years of jail time. With these harsh penalties at stake, it’s crucial to remain at the scene of an accident.
What Steps Should I Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in New York?
Following a hit-and-run accident, you should immediately call 911 to seek medical attention and summon the police to the accident scene. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to have a thorough medical examination, as some injuries have delayed effects. Once the police arrive at the accident scene, it’s important to file a police report as it will document crucial details about the accident. You will likely still be shell-shocked by the events that have just unfolded, but if you’re able to, try to remember any details about the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle. Any information you can remember will help the police locate the culprit. This includes the make, model, color, license plate number of the hit-and-run driver, and any identifying features about the driver.
Understandably, being involved is a traumatic experience. In the immediate aftermath, it can be distressing to learn that the other driver has fled the scene. However, you should not chase the vehicle that hit you. While it may be tempting to give chase, the negligent driver may be dangerous. Under the law, any driver involved in an accident that caused injury or death must remain at the accident scene. Furthermore, if you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information, as they may be able to corroborate your claim later on.
Nevertheless, the most crucial step you can take after a hit-and-run accident is to retain the legal services of a skilled attorney from Swerling Law, who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather pertinent evidence to prove your claim. At Swerling Law, we are prepared to help you fight for your rightful compensation.
