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Hit-and-run victims: Here’s what you can do next

On Behalf of | Oct 1, 2018 | Firm News

When a person is struck by a car or is involved in a collision with another driver, you’d expect the other driver to remain at the scene. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. This leads to a hit-and-run collision, which may, unfortunately, lead to the victim paying for their own expenses.

In hit-and-run collisions, a driver flees the scene. There could be any number of reasons for doing so, and those reasons may range from not having insurance to not realizing that an accident took place. Drugs, alcohol and negligence may all play a role.

What should you do if you’re involved in a hit-and-run crash?

Like with any collision, the first thing to do is to make sure you and the others around you are safe. Check on your passengers, any others involved in the crash and then call 911 for assistance. The sooner emergency medical providers get to the scene, the better it is for everyone involved.

After you call 911, you should go to the hospital for treatment regardless of the fact that it may be expensive. Your health and wellness is the most important thing to worry about. Once you are there, you may be asked to speak with the police. Don’t say anything that makes it sound like you might have been at fault, just stick to the facts.

How will you pay for the losses after a hit-and-run crash?

In many cases, the police are actually able to find the person who fled the scene. Others may turn them in or the driver may return after realizing the mistake they made. The police, when called immediately after a crash, also have a good chance of tracking down the driver if you can say which way they went. While it doesn’t help you in your moment of distress, knowing who the driver is will help you file a claim against their insurance or a lawsuit against them directly.

If the driver is not found, you can typically still obtain coverage through your medical insurance and car insurance provider. Hospitals may have assistance programs for people in a position like yours as well. If you carry uninsured, or underinsured motorist coverage, then you likely can file with your own insurance company to cover medical bills and other losses. When you do, your attorney can help you get the most money possible for your injuries. Focus on recovering instead of worrying about going back to work or returning to your daily activities immediately.

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36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

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26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.

24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.

Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.

22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.

Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.

28-year-old passenger sustained multiple herniated discs in automobile accident in New York state. New York no-fault carrier paid for extended period of disability from work and medical expenses, including expenses for surgery. Case settled against driver of vehicle for $300,000 policy limits shortly after filing suit.

54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.

CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.

68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.

34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.

80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.

38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.

Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.

$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.

47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.

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