One of the most infuriating things life can throw at us is a hit-and-run driver! You’re lying on the ground, or you’re sitting in your damaged car, or you’re trapped under your broken bike, watching the car that hit you drive away! It’s unimaginable, but it happens every day. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for victims of hit-and-run drivers to get justice. The best personal injury attorneys can help you collect money damages for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and emotional distress even if the culprit is never found.
Documenting the Accident
Getting a photo of the hit-and-run driver’s license plate can help you get car accident compensation in Queens, but sometimes that’s not possible. Calling 911 as soon as possible with a description of the car and driver could help the police find the hit-and-run driver. Ask the police to send an ambulance to the scene to take you to the hospital if your injuries are serious. If your injuries are less severe, take photos of the scene and speak to witnesses.
Who Pays My Medical Bills?
If you were a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle, the insurance for this vehicle will cover up to $50,000 for medical bills, lost earnings, and related expenses. If you’re a pedestrian or a bike rider, the hit-and-run driver’s insurance will be responsible for these costs, if they are found and have insurance in effect. If not, the next source is the car insurance policy for a car owned by a family member in your household. If nobody in your home has a car, a fund called the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) will cover the loss. The best Queens personal injury attorneys will investigate all of these resources to determine what coverage is available for your accident.
What About Claims for Pain and Suffering?
Hit-and-run victims can make claims for pain and suffering even if the driver is never found. Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles have an uninsured motor claim against the insurance policy of their vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists can bring such claims under a car in their household or MVAIC. It’s important to know that there are deadlines that must be met and forms that must be filed correctly, that’s why it’s important to hire the best Queens personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident.
A Note About Bike Sharing
Bike-sharing services are a great way for people to get around town and get fit, but the incidence of accidents involving these cyclists is rising. Riding a bike in New York City traffic can be treacherous, especially for cyclists who are not experienced with urban riding. Luckily, there are Queens bike-sharing attorneys who are familiar with these types of cases that can help victims get justice.
Summing It Up
It’s usually possible to collect car accident compensation in Queens even if the person responsible is never found, but figuring out the right approach requires the skills of an experienced Queens personal injury attorney. Wittenstein Law has been helping people get justice and the highest possible amount of compensation for over sixty year. Call 718-261-8114 for a free consultation.
