A hit-and-run accident can change your life in a heartbeat. One moment, you're driving along the Sunrise Highway or Route 25, maybe even navigating the busy lanes of the Long Island Expressway. The next, another car has struck you and sped away, leaving you shocked, injured, and unsure of what to do next. These accidents aren't just terrifying; they can leave victims like you feeling helpless and confused. How do you recover damages? How do you find the person responsible? You don't have to face these questions alone.
At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we understand how devastating hit-and-run accidents can be. Our team is here to guide victims like you through the legal process with compassion and skill. With decades of combined experience, we’ve helped accident victims throughout Long Island get the justice they deserve. If you're seeking a trusted Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-451-7900
Why Choose Rosenberg & Gluck for Your Long Island Hit-and-Run Car Accident Claim
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, you might feel enormous pressure to accept the first settlement offer an insurance company sends your way. They may promise quick money to cover your immediate expenses, like medical bills or car repairs. While this offer might seem tempting, it’s important to pause and speak to a lawyer before accepting anything. Here’s why:- Insurance Companies Don’t Have Your Best Interests at Heart
- Protecting Your Claim Means Having Legal Representation
Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Long Island, New York
Understanding the laws that apply to car accidents in New York can help you better grasp your situation after a hit-and-run incident. While every case is unique, several important legal principles may come into play.New York’s No-Fault Insurance and How It Works
New York’s Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In New York, the general time limit for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule. Depending on the specifics of your case, certain deadlines could be shorter. For instance, if your accident involved a municipal vehicle, you might need to file a notice of claim with the government agency within 90 days. Knowing what to Do After a Hit and Run Accident is crucial, as early steps like reporting the crash, seeking medical care, and preserving evidence can affect both your recovery and your legal rights. Failing to meet these deadlines can mean losing your right to sue. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced Long Island personal injury attorney who understands the legal timelines that apply to your case.New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule when determining fault for an accident. Under this rule, even if you are partially responsible for a crash, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%. For hit-and-run cases, determining negligence can become much more complex. You may not know who the at-fault driver is right away, and there may be multiple factors contributing to your injuries..Long Island Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer Near Me516-451-7900
Do I Have a Car Accident Case?
To determine if you have a valid car accident case, it’s important to understand the concept of negligence. Negligence is the foundation of most personal injury claims, including those stemming from hit-and-run accidents. Simply put, negligence occurs when someone fails to act in a way that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another. For a successful hit-and-run accident case, four elements of negligence must be proven:- Duty of Care Every driver on the road has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. This includes obeying traffic laws, driving attentively, and avoiding dangerous behavior.
- Breach of Duty A breach occurs when a driver violates their duty of care. For example, speeding, texting while driving, or fleeing the scene of an accident are all acts that breach this duty.
- Causation You must demonstrate that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. This includes establishing a clear link between their actions (or lack thereof) and the harm you suffered.
- Damages Finally, you must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. This could include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Compensation Available to Long Island Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to pursue various forms of compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. These typically fall into two categories:Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that result directly from your accident. They may include:- Medical Bills: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to missed work, as well as future earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and account for the emotional and personal toll of your accident. These may include:- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, or trauma stemming from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
Punitive Damages
While less common, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious behavior, such as a hit-and-run driver fleeing the scene. These damages serve to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions. Our team at Rosenberg & Gluck will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the full scope of damages you’ve suffered, ensuring we fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.How Much Does a Long Island Car Accident Attorney Cost?
If you’re concerned about the cost of hiring a Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer, you’re not alone. Many accident victims worry that legal representation may be out of reach. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we want to put those fears to rest. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs or hourly fees for our services. Instead, our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we successfully recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing—you can sue someone if their actions caused your injuries, and this structure ensures you can pursue justice without financial risk. This arrangement allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about financial risks. Our goal is to give every victim access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. At Rosenberg & Gluck, we’re dedicated to helping accident victims get back on their feet. If you have questions about costs or how our process works, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.What Question to Ask My Lawyer for Hit and Run Accident in Long Island?
When you are injured by a negligent driver who flees the scene, it is a good idea to get a reliable Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyer who can stand by you and help you get the compensation you need and deserve from your insurance company. However, it is imperative to make sure you are hiring someone who will defend you and do their best work. Before deciding on a law firm or specific attorney to work with, consider the following:- What is their area of practice? Though it may seem obvious, you must make sure that whomever you choose to work with on your claim is well-versed in laws surrounding hit and run accidents, car collisions, and personal injuries. There are many different specialties of law people may practice, so before calling up a lawyer to schedule a consultation, review their website and make sure they focus on personal injury and not real estate or another specialty that is irrelevant to your issue.
- Though you might feel strange asking them, inquire into their success rate with obtaining compensation for victims in similar situations as yours. After all, you are the one who will be hiring the attorney, so you should be sure they are adept at achieving for their clients the ideal results after a hit and run.
- Trust your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a law firm you are considering, leave them behind and choose another. Your personal injury attorney should be compassionate yet professional, and confident that they can handle your claim. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP our decades of experience have gained the trust of many clients for whom we have been able to get their deserved compensation.
Contact Our Trusted Long Island Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyers Today
A hit-and-run accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we’re here to provide the knowledgeable, compassionate, and tenacious legal support you need. Here’s how we can help you:- Investigate the circumstances of your hit-and-run accident.
- Identify all liable parties and explore every avenue for compensation.
- Handle communications with insurance companies to protect your best interests.
- Advocate for the full damages you are entitled to under New York law.
- Provide guidance and answers to your questions every step of the way.