In The Bronx, people expect everyone involved to take responsibility and follow the right steps after a car accident. That is what the law mandates.
Running away from a car accident without stopping is a crime. If the person is caught, they can be charged with additional offenses.
It's frustrating to be injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, and it's even more frustrating to have to handle all the consequences on your own.
A Bronx hit-and-run accident lawyer is crucial whenever these incidents happen. You might be wondering about your legal options and what to do. This professional can help you defend your rights.
After a traffic accident, there is an obligation from all the parties included that needs to be met.
Stopping at the scene:
The driver must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident.
Providing information:
The driver is typically required to provide their name, contact information, and vehicle registration number to the other party involved in the accident or to the authorities if the other party is not present.
Assisting injured parties:
Suppose any individuals are injured in the accident. If that happens, the driver usually has to help by calling for medical help or giving aid if they can.
Not obeying these rules can result in criminal charges. The severity of the charges depends on the severity and consequences of the accident. They can range from minor to serious.
The Bronx accounts for 18% of all traffic accidents in New York, totaling 17,678. According to U.S. News and World Report, New York City is ranked the 3rd worst traffic in the nation.
However, The Bronx does not have the highest number of traffic accidents in the State; it is located below Brooklyn and Queens.
| New York Borough | Number Of Traffic Accidents | Percentage of Accidents |
| Brooklyn | 32,788 | 33% |
| Queens | 27,943 | 28% |
| Bronx | 17,678 | 18% |
| Manhattan | 16,827 | 17% |
| Staten Island | 5,272 | 5% |
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run in the Bronx
If you're in a hit-and-run car accident, it can be scary and annoying. However, following the right steps can protect your rights and legal claims.
Here's a straightforward guide on what to do if you're involved in a hit-and-run car accident in the Bronx:
1. Prioritize Safety: As soon as the accident occurs, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Move your vehicle to a safe spot, and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Gather Information: As much information as possible about what happened, even if the other person ran away. Sometimes, hit-and-run drivers wait minutes before deciding to run; that might be your opportunity.
Note the license plate number, make, model, and color of the other vehicle. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details.
3. Call the Police: Even in a Bronx hit-and-run, it's essential to report the incident to the police. Please provide them with the information you have gathered and file an official report.
This step is important because it proves you were hit in that spot. A police officer confirmed that you were there and that your car had been damaged by a recent accident.
4. Seek Medical Attention: If you or anyone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately. Your well-being is a priority; documenting injuries promptly can also benefit any potential legal claims.
5. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle's damage, and any injuries you've sustained. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence later on.
6. Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run car accident. Please provide them with all the details you've gathered and follow their instructions for filing a claim on your auto insurance.
7. Consult a hit-and-run lawyer: Contact a qualified hit-and-run accident attorney in the Bronx. They specialize in hit-and-run cases and can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected.
8. Preserve Evidence: Keep all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and communication with your insurer. This documentation can strengthen your case.
9. Do Not Discuss on Social Media: Avoid discussing the accident or your case on social media platforms. What you say online could potentially be used against you in legal proceedings.
10. Cooperate with Authorities: If the responsible driver is eventually located, cooperate with law enforcement and your attorney throughout any investigations or legal proceedings.
Some might think they could follow the driver who leaves the scene. It is an instinct to try and chase down the responsible party. However, doing so can lead to potentially dangerous situations and legal complications.
If you try, you're risking harm to yourself and others. Things could worsen, and you might break traffic rules and get into legal trouble.
Moreover, You might be unable to gather valuable details while driving and trying to keep up with them.
Why Hire a Bronx Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer?
If a regular accident is already a complicated thing to deal with, hit-and-run accidents are even worse. For injured victims, defending their rights alone would be an extra burden.
You don't have to be alone; a hit-and-run accident attorney from The Ward Law Group is available when these incidents happen.
Several years of experience provide our legal professionals with the tools to obtain your highest compensation. Our hit-and-run lawyers specialize in these types of accidents. They collaborate with private investigators and other experts to identify the person accountable for the incident.
Cameras at the accident spot can help. Your lawyer will collect info to find where the person responsible for the accident was. Defending your rights is our duty.
Injuries Sustained On Hit-and-Run Victims
In hit-and-run accidents, victims can sustain a variety of injuries. They will depend on how hard and which car part was impacted. Some crashes, like the ones on the side of a vehicle, can be deadly.
Victims could receive rear-end collisions, too, or be hit with the front of the car. Depending on it, people may suffer from:
- Whiplash
- Spinal injury
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Internal organ damages
- Among others.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Victims
Naturally, a car accident victim is entitled to compensation for all expenses. They should pay for the damages because they were hit by a person who failed the New York traffic laws.
The victim can file a claim with the insurance company in these cases. Since all drivers should have car insurance, that would be the first claim to recover from their losses.
Individuals can request compensation for both financial and non-financial losses. The amount of compensation depends on the seriousness of their injuries and whether they are considered severe.
A short list of potential damages they can claim for is:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Among many others
Discussing your case with a Bronx hit-and-run accident lawyer is vital for knowing what damages you are entitled to.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Many people run away from accidents because they don't have a license or car insurance, which is against the law. That is just one of the various causes, though.
The NYC laws are made to protect their citizens. Therefore, every driver must have three types of insurance; among these, there is uninsured motorist coverage.
UMC provides added protection for you, your family, and anyone in your car.
PIP is insufficient for all expenses. If there's a hit-and-run accident, this coverage can help with remaining costs if the responsible driver is not found.
lawyer for hit-and-run accidents in the Bronx
All drivers in New York City, especially in The Bronx, should be aware of the dangers on the road. Obeying the law and organizing our documents will help us in the long run.
If you're in a hit-and-run car accident, don't worry. Just contact your hit-and-run accident lawyer at The Ward Law Group.
We have a team of legal professionals with vast experience in personal injury cases to assist you.
Our top lawyers, with 25 years of experience, have helped thousands get fair compensation for their losses. We are committed to supporting the Hispanic community in The Bronx.
Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation about your case, and we will answer all your questions immediately.