A hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn, NY, can be overwhelming and frightening. After the crash, it’s not just about the immediate pain and damage—it’s also about the fear of not knowing who is responsible or how to get the help you need.
This is where a Brooklyn hit-and-run accident lawyer can make a difference. They can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Do You Need a Brooklyn Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
After a hit-and-run, your recovery—both physically and financially—depends on taking the right steps. Without experienced legal help, you risk losing the compensation you’re entitled to, which may leave you to shoulder the costs of medical bills, lost wages, car repairs and emotional trauma on your own. Having an accident lawyer on your side who understands how to handle hit-and-run cases better ensures that you’re supported and positioned for the best possible outcome.
Ultimately, working with a knowledgeable law firm like Cellino Law means having a powerful advocate whose ultimate goal is to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
What Makes a Hit-and-Run Accident Complicated?
Brooklyn is known for its heavy traffic and crowded streets. With the constant flow of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, accidents are bound to happen. However, the density of traffic in Brooklyn can make it easier for a driver involved in a hit-and-run to flee the scene without being immediately noticed.
The lack of clear evidence (surveillance footage, eyewitnesses or distinctive car features) complicates the process of identifying the driver, and it often takes longer to gather information and locate the responsible party.
An accident lawyer can help by gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses and working with law enforcement to track down the driver who caused the accident. If the driver is never found, your lawyer can help explore other options, like filing a claim through your own insurance.
Can You Receive Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Brooklyn?
If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident, you can still receive restitution even if the responsible driver is never found. New York has specific laws that provide ways for people to recover in these situations, primarily through their own insurance policy.
One of the most common methods of receiving a settlement after a hit-and-run accident is through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is designed to protect drivers in cases where the at-fault party is either uninsured or, in the case of a hit-and-run, cannot be identified. If the responsible driver is never found, your own insurance can step in and cover the damages.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can quickly escalate after a hit-and-run, particularly if the injuries are severe. Fortunately, compensation may be available to cover these costs. Some of the most common medical expenses that can be included are:
- Emergency medical treatment (hospital visits, surgery, etc.)
- Ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Ambulance services, if one was required
- Prescription medications and medical supplies related to the accident
- Diagnostic tests and imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans to assess the extent of injuries
- Doctor’s visits for follow-up care and consultations with specialists (e.g., orthopedic surgeons, neurologists)
With the help of a Brooklyn hit-and-run accident lawyer, you can be reimbursed for these costs, so you can focus on healing rather than worrying about bills.
Property Damage
If your car was damaged or totaled in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or the replacement cost. This can be a major concern, especially if the car is essential for your daily life. A lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies, making sure you get the money needed to fix or replace your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, though harder to quantify, are an important aspect of any personal injury claim. They encompass the emotional and psychological toll that a hit-and-run accident can have on your life.
While they don’t have a direct monetary value, these damages aim to compensate for the intangible losses experienced due to the accident. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress (anxiety, fear, etc.)
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life, such as an inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
A Brooklyn hit-and-run lawyer can assist in calculating these damages and fight to include them in your compensation claim.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, when the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages might be awarded. These are meant to punish the driver for gross negligence or willful misconduct, such as fleeing the scene of an accident after causing harm. Punitive damages can add to your settlement amount, and a lawyer can help show why they should be part of your claim.
What Factors Impact Hit-and-Run Accident Claims?
The amount you receive after a hit-and-run depends on several factors. Understanding these key elements can help you ensure that you receive a fair payout.
Severity of the Injuries
The severity of your injuries will play a major role in your settlement amount. If your injuries are minor, you may receive less, but if they’re severe and lead to long-term care or disability, your compensation will be higher.
In addition, if you’ve experienced emotional trauma like PTSD as a result of the accident, that can also increase the amount you’re entitled to.
A Brooklyn hit-and-run accident lawyer can help ensure all your injuries—physical and emotional—are taken into account when calculating your settlement, making sure that you’re not taken advantage of during the process.
Impact on Work
If your injuries require you to take time off work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If the injuries are serious enough to affect your ability to work in the long run, the amount could be even higher.
In cases where a person is permanently unable to work, additional damages may be owed. A lawyer will help you calculate lost wages and ensure that your future earning potential is factored into your reimbursement.
Damage to Your Vehicle
Whether your car needs extensive repairs or has been totaled, the cost of getting it back on the road or replacing it should be included in your settlement. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for the vehicle damage as part of your claim.
Get Help From a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be a challenging and stressful experience. The accident lawyers at Cellino Law are here to help. We can identify the damages you’re owed and maximize the compensation you receive. We offer a free case review to answer your questions and help you understand your options for moving forward.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run in Brooklyn, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start the path toward recovery.