Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident in Middletown, New York? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Middletown hit-and-run accident lawyers at Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers understand how insurance companies handle these claims because our founder spent years defending them.
With over 40 years of combined experience fighting for accident victims throughout the Hudson Valley, you can count on us to do everything possible to get you the best outcome. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win. Contact us today at (845) 383-7790 for a free consultation.
How Can Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Hit-and-Run in Middletown, NY?
Hit-and-run cases move quickly. Your own insurance company, despite taking your money in premiums, may still look for reasons to minimize what it pays you. Our Middletown car accident lawyers know every step of this process and how to stay ahead of it.
When we take on your case, you can expect that we will:
- Investigate the accident
- Work with law enforcement and review camera footage
- Identify the at-fault driver whenever possible
- Evaluate your insurance policy
- Handle all communications with your insurer
- Hire medical experts to document your injuries
- Take your case to court if your insurer refuses a fair settlement
Insurance companies move fast after a hit-and-run to protect themselves. We will move faster to protect you. Reach out today for a free case review with our Middletown personal injury lawyers.
What Are Your Options When the Driver Flees?
When a driver leaves the scene, your path to compensation depends on whether they are eventually identified. If they are, you can pursue a standard claim against them and their insurance. If they are never found, however, New York’s uninsured motorist system provides a safety net through your own auto policy.
New York requires all auto liability policies to include uninsured motorist coverage. For hit-and-run accidents where the driver cannot be identified, this coverage can pay for your injuries. You must also report the accident to the police promptly. Failing to report in a timely manner can risk your ability to make a claim under your own policy.
New York also allows you to purchase Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, known as SUM coverage, which can significantly increase the amount available to you.
If you are unsure what coverage you carry, we will review your policy and find every dollar available to you.
What Causes Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Drivers flee the scene for a variety of reasons. Most come down to fear of consequences.
Common reasons include:
- Driving while impaired
- Invalid or suspended license
- No auto insurance
- Outstanding warrants
- Panic after the crash
Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death is a crime in New York. If identified, the at-fault driver can face both criminal charges and full civil liability.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Drivers who know they are about to be held responsible sometimes flee at high speed, and the absence of emergency care coordination can make injuries worse.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dental injuries
- Burn injuries
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in hit-and-run crashes. Without the protection of a vehicle, any impact at speed can cause catastrophic harm.
What Compensation Is Available to Me?
New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance covers your basic medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, no-fault coverage has limits. When your injuries are serious, you have the right to step outside the no-fault system and pursue full compensation through a personal injury or uninsured motorist claim.
Damages may include:
- Medical expenses beyond your no-fault limits
- Full lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage to your vehicle
In the event of a fatality, the families of victims can bring a wrongful death claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Under New York law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, uninsured motorist claims under your own policy may have shorter deadlines depending on your policy’s terms and whether a government vehicle was involved.
Do not wait to find out. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we can review your policy, the stronger your position will be.
Contact Our Middletown Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A driver who left you injured at the side of the road should face accountability, and you deserve full compensation for what happened to you. Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience to pursue that accountability.
Call us today for a free consultation with a Middletown hit-and-run accident attorney and let us help you get the money you need for recovery.
