A hit and run accident happens fast — a driver hits you and speeds off. Now you are injured, shaken, and wondering how to get compensated when there is no one to sue. Hit and run accidents in White Plains NY are more common than most people think. However, you still have legal options. In fact, your own insurance may cover your losses even if the driver is never found.
Your Own Insurance Covers Hit and Run
New York requires all auto insurance policies to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. When a hit and run driver cannot be identified, your own UM coverage steps in. This is not a claim against yourself. Instead, it is a benefit you have been paying for. However, insurance companies still fight these claims aggressively. As a result, having an attorney handle your UM claim makes a significant difference in the outcome. The NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System tracks hit and run crash data across all 50 states.
Reporting Requirements: Do Not Skip This
To pursue a UM claim for a hit and run in New York, you must report the accident to police within 24 hours. You also need to notify your own insurance company promptly. Delays can give them a reason to deny coverage. Therefore, call 911 from the scene and file a formal police report the same day. This creates the official record you need to move forward with your claim. If you were involved in a hit and run accident, acting quickly improves your chances of recovering compensation.
What Evidence to Collect at the Scene
If you can, photograph everything at the scene. This includes damage to your vehicle, the road conditions, your injuries, and any tire marks or debris. Next, look for witnesses immediately. People who saw the car, the plate, or the direction it fled can be critical to your case. Additionally, check for nearby security cameras or dashcam footage. This type of evidence can help police identify the driver later.
If the Driver Is Later Identified
If police identify the hit and run driver, the case shifts. Now you can pursue a standard negligence claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance. In addition, hit and run is a criminal offense in New York. As a result, the driver faces both criminal charges and civil liability. This gives you additional leverage in settlement negotiations.
Talk to a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in White Plains
At GMR Law Office, we handle hit and run accident cases in White Plains and throughout Westchester County. We know how to navigate UM claims and fight for full compensation. Call (914) 342-7004 for a free consultation. We speak English and Spanish.
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