Hit-and-run accident victims need a legal advocate

Even being involved in a minor fender-bender can disrupt an individual’s life and result in expensive vehicle repair costs. In cases where an individual suffers serious injuries in a car accident, both the physical and financial costs can be significant. Perhaps the only thing worse than getting into a traffic accident is getting into an accident where the at-fault driver flees the scene.

During 2015 alone, there were an estimated 38,000 hit-and-run accidents reported in New York City. This staggering number was recently shared at a City Council meeting where proposed measures to “increase fines for offenders” were being discussed.

Of the roughly 38,000 hit-and-run accidents that were reported, about 4,000 involved drivers, passengers, pedestrians or bicyclists who were seriously or fatally injured. Yet even out of these 4,000 cases, records indicate that only 48 were ever investigated by the city’s Collision Investigation Squad.

Sadly, these dismal statistics prove that in the vast majority of hit-and-run accidents, and even those that result in serious injury or death, there are no attempts by law enforcement officials to find the at-fault driver. For the victims and family members who are left to struggle with painful injuries, lengthy recoveries, costly medical bills, lost wages and loss of a normal life; it can be extremely challenging to recover compensation.

An attorney who handles personal injury cases can assist victims of hit-and-run accidents in filing a claim with one’s own insurance company in attempts to recover compensation. However, successfully navigating the claims process and dealing with an insurance company can be challenging. For these reasons, it makes sense to turn to a legal professional.

Source: New York Magazine, “There Have Been 38,000 Hit-and-Runs in NYC This Year,” Elaine Godfrey, Dec. 3, 2015

AMNY.com, “Almost 40,000 drivers fled traffic crashes in New York City this year: Police officials,” Rebecca Harshbarger, Dec. 3, 2015