Hit and run incidents occur every day across New York and the rest of the United States. The personal injury lawyers at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, P.C. help both the victims of hit and run incidents and the families of people who have been injured or killed by a hit and run driver.

Many Types of Victims of Hit and Run
Our attorneys know that being the victim of a hit and run adds frustration and anguish to the property damage and/or physical injuries that are experienced. A hit and run driver may cause injuries to:

• a pedestrian
• another car and its occupants
• a bicyclist
• a motorcyclist
• property (such as fences, light poles, mailboxes, etc.)

Four Percent of Crash Fatalities Are Hit and Run
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), roughly four percent of all of the traffic fatalities in the U.S. are due to a hit and run. This percentage varies from state to state, with locations such as New York and California having higher percentages of hit and run incidents and fatalities.

The Hit and Run Driver May Never Be Found
Many times, the hit and run driver is never apprehended.  In addition, many drivers who hit a vehicle, pedestrian, mailbox, etc. are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs. Other times, the frightened or reckless driver just doesn’t stop to deal with the situation. In a few cases, the driver truly does not realize that he or she hit someone or something.

New York Penalties
The penalties for hit and run in New York are severe and have been increased in the recent past. In 2005, Governor Pataki signed two bills that increased the penalties for hit and run drivers and eliminated the requirement for district attorneys to prove criminal negligence on the part of a DUI driver in order to charge him or her with a felony.

Whether or not the driver is found and punished, the victim(s) of a hit and run have legal rights that can be protected and advanced by experienced legal counsel. Another party (such as the city or county or another driver) may have involvement and liability in a hit and run. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine all of a hit and run victim’s options.

Contact a Lawyer about Your Hit and Run Losses
Find out more about your legal rights and alternatives: contact our New York City accident lawyers today.