A hit-and-run is as frustrating as it is terrifying. When you’re hit by a car and left on your own, it can feel like you’re helpless in your situation. But with the right lawyer by your side, you don’t have to be! When you contact an attorney at Shaevitz & Shaevitz, you’ll have a skilled NYC car accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation. If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash, don’t try to handle it on your own. We will help you build your case and represent your interests to protect your compensation.
How a Hit-and-Run Driver Impacts Your Case
After a hit-and-run crash, call 911 as soon as possible. Not only do you need medical attention, but filing a report is often crucial to your case. Then, if there are any witnesses to the crash, be sure to ask for their contact information, as their testimony may be valuable. And of course, take as many pictures of the scene as you can, including any injuries or damage to your vehicle.
Finally, after an NYC hit-and-run car accident, we recommend contacting a qualified car accident lawyer. As your attorney, we provide sound legal advice and help you build your case to protect your compensation. In a hit-and-run crash, it can be hard to know where to start. We believe that you should be able to focus on recovery and let us handle the rest.
Your Path to Compensation
For many people in an NYC crash, the first source of compensation will come from no-fault benefits. In New York State, no-fault benefits cover up to $50,000 in economic-loss benefits for all eligible people. This compensation comes directly from your auto insurer after you file a no-fault notice of claim within 30 days of the accident.
If you don’t have auto insurance, someone in your household may have an auto policy that will provide coverage. If not, we may contact the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This is a safety net New York provides for people without any applicable insurance coverage. However, MVAIC eligibility guidelines for coverage are strict, so not everyone qualifies.
Another source of compensation beyond no-fault benefits applies only if you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident and your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. As your NYC car accident lawyer, we’ll help determine whether you meet these standards, but we cannot decide that for you. Only an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury has that power.
Instead, we will build your case and present it to the insurance company to demonstrate the fault of the other driver. If we can’t reach a fair settlement, the next step may be litigation. But at Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we are ready and willing to take your case to court!
Once we determine that you may be eligible for further compensation, we will help you file a claim with the proper insurance company. Without an at-fault driver to hold liable, that compensation may come from your own uninsured motorist coverage or the MVAIC. To know what compensation you may be eligible for, we recommend booking a free consultation with us in NYC.
How a NYC Car Accident Lawyer Helps With Your Hit-and-Run Case
Hit-and-run cases are difficult, especially if you don’t know which insurance company to file with. As your attorneys, we handle filing claims and more on your behalf.
An NYC car accident lawyer helps you by:
- Gathering evidence: Our team will help collect evidence and obtain sources such as expert testimony. Sometimes, evidence like camera footage and police reports can be hard to access on your own. Having a lawyer on your side helps secure crucial evidence before it’s out of reach.
- Filing claims: After an accident, New York State residents must file a no-fault claim within 30 days to receive no-fault benefits. We’ll help you file that claim, ensuring you receive your PIP coverage for medical bills and lost wages. Additionally, if you’re eligible for further compensation, we will help you file a claim with the correct insurance before any deadlines pass.
- Establishing fault: In New York State, we operate under a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that you must be 50% or less at fault to be eligible for compensation beyond no-fault benefits. Using the evidence we collect, we help determine your percentage of fault and demonstrate the fault of another party.
- Negotiating settlements: While it’s common to contact your insurance company, we encourage you NOT to speak with any insurance agents. These companies often utilize minimizing tactics to lower your compensation. As NYC car accident attorneys, we will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate fair compensation.
- Fighting in court: Most personal injury cases settle outside of court. However, if they refuse to settle, we are ready and willing to fight for you in court!
Book a Free Consultation With a NYC Car Accident Lawyer
Hit-and-run car accidents take a huge physical, emotional, and monetary toll. While you focus on rest and recovery, trust a NYC car accident lawyer to handle your case for you! By collecting evidence, establishing negligence, and negotiating on your behalf, we can effectively fight for your compensation.
Contact Shaevitz & Shaevitz today to schedule a free consultation and determine how much your case may be worth.
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