When another driver causes a crash and suddenly disappears, the experience can leave you overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. A hit and run accident creates more than physical injuries and vehicle damage — it can also leave victims worried about how they will pay for bills and recover losses. Fortunately, you still have legal options.
Trantolo & Trantolo has spent more than 85 years fighting for injured people and helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. Our Oyster Bay hit and run accident attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present, from locating insurance coverage to investigating crashes involving unidentified drivers. We are prepared to stand by your side every step of the way.
Reach out today for a free consultation. Our Oyster Bay car accident attorneys handle claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Who Pays for Damages After a Hit and Run Accident in Oyster Bay?
Many hit and run victims assume they cannot recover compensation if the other driver disappears. In reality, there are several potential avenues for financial recovery depending on the circumstances of the crash and the available insurance coverage. If investigators identify the driver through surveillance footage, witness statements, or other evidence, the at-fault driver’s insurance company can typically be held responsible for damages related to the collision. However, insurance companies often dispute liability, minimize injuries, or attempt to undervalue claims after serious accidents.
An experienced Oyster Bay hit and run accident attorney can investigate the crash, identify available insurance coverage, and handle negotiations with insurers while you focus on your recovery. Trantolo & Trantolo has spent more than 85 years fighting for injured people and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages after serious motor vehicle collisions.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair resolution, our attorneys are prepared to take aggressive legal action to protect your interests.
How Trantolo & Trantolo Investigates Hit and Run Claims
Hit and run accidents often require a more extensive investigation than other types of car accident cases. When the at-fault driver leaves the scene, critical evidence can disappear quickly. Trantolo & Trantolo takes immediate action to preserve evidence, identify potential sources of liability, and pursue every available path toward compensation.
Our team investigates hit and run claims by reviewing police reports, collecting witness statements, examining vehicle damage, and searching for nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage that may help identify the fleeing driver. In some cases, debris left behind at the scene can provide important clues about the type of vehicle involved in the collision.
We also work to identify all available insurance coverage that could apply to your claim, including uninsured motorist benefits and other potential sources of recovery. Insurance companies often challenge hit and run claims or attempt to minimize payouts, especially when the other driver has not been identified. Our attorneys are prepared to push back against these tactics and advocate for the full compensation you deserve.
The sooner you involve a Long Island hit and run attorney, the better the chances of preserving valuable evidence and building a strong claim. Trantolo & Trantolo is ready to stand by your side throughout every stage of the legal process.
Call us now to get started.
Options if the Driver Cannot Be Found
If the authorities are unable to identify the other driver, you still have options to cover expenses related to your hit and run accident. Trantolo & Trantolo will seek every available option for compensation, including:
Personal Injury Protection
New York is a no-fault state, which means all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP), per ISC § 5103. In the event of a car accident, your PIP insurance covers medical costs and certain other expenses up to your policy limit, no matter who was responsible for the crash.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim with this policy after a hit and run. UM insurance gives you the option to recover compensation for medical, income, and property losses related to the crash. While UM typically applies when the other party is uninsured or has insufficient insurance to cover your damages, hit and run accidents generally fall under this umbrella.
Liable Third Party
For accidents due partly to someone other than the hit and run driver, we will seek all available compensation from the responsible third party. For example, if your collision occurred due to a broken traffic light or defective roadway, we could seek compensation from the municipality responsible for the hazardous conditions that led to the crash.
Health Insurance
In the absence of other coverage, medical claims through your health insurance will ensure you receive the care you need. Our attorneys are accustomed to negotiating with all types of insurers to get the compensation our clients require. You can trust us to fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
What Compensation Can I Recover for an Oyster Bay Hit and Run Collision?
Depending on your injuries and available insurance coverage, Trantolo & Trantolo can help you recover compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Policy limitations may limit the coverage we can secure for you, but we will explore every available avenue.
Speak With an Oyster Bay, NY Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a hit and run collision, Trantolo & Trantolo is here to help. We understand the frustration you experience when someone flees after causing you harm. Our personal injury attorneys have over 85 years of experience defending the rights of injured people, and we will do everything in our power to hold the at-fault party accountable. In the event that the perpetrator cannot be located, we will identify and pursue all possible options for your financial recovery.
Contact us today to speak with a Long Island hit and run accident lawyer about your hit and run claim in Oyster Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Report a Hit and Run to the Police?
Yes, you should report a hit and run accident to the police. Per VAT § 605, every driver involved in a car accident in New York must report the collision to the authorities if the accident involves:
- More than $1,000 worth of property damage
- Injury of a person
- Death of a person
Most drivers report accidents by calling 911 from the scene. If your injuries permit, remain at the location until the responding authorities arrive.
What Do I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Oyster Bay?
After a hit and run accident in Oyster Bay, take these steps:
- Call 911 to report the collision.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Maintain records of all medical treatment and expenses related to the crash.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Get witness contact information.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
How Do Police Investigate Hit and Run Accidents?
The authorities will attempt to identify the hit and run driver by reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements. They will also obtain physical evidence from your vehicle and the accident scene. If they can get a license plate number, they will also review the vehicle’s information to find the driver’s information.
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