Long Island Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in just one recent year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hit-and-run accidents on Long Island can be especially harrowing for motorcyclists because these crashes often cause severe injuries that result in emotional distress and additional financial hardship. 

When the at-fault motorist flees the scene without taking responsibility, injured bikers may feel like they are out of options for seeking the money they need to get back on track. The truth is that victims of hit-and-run motorcycle accidents might still have options for seeking financial recovery. Our lawyers are ready to help. 

If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, the highly experienced  Long Island personal injury lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C., is equipped to help you pursue the justice and full compensation you deserve. That is our never-ending commitment to you. For over 35 years, we have handled challenging legal claims for injured people on Long Island and throughout the New York metro area. Our lawyers have earned a track record of success, securing record-setting six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts.

Contact us today for a free case review with a Long Island hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyer. We’re ready to explore your best legal options for seeking the money you need.

Is Fleeing the Scene of an Accident Illegal?

Yes, fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in New York. Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 600, drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents causing death, injury, or property damage must stop at the accident scene. Drivers must provide their name, driver’s license number, contact information, and insurance information to other motorists involved in the crash. 

Drivers must remain on the scene and contact the police immediately after a car accident when: 

• A person is injured or killed.
• A domestic animal is injured or killed.
• A parked vehicle or other property is damaged, and the owner cannot be located.

What Are the Penalties for Fleeing the Scene of an Accident?

Penalties for hit-and-run accidents in New York vary, depending on the severity of the incident. According to the  New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, leaving the scene of a traffic accident involving property damage is a traffic violation, while leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality or personal injury is a crime. 

If an accident causes property damage only, violators face jail time, fines, or both. When injury or death is involved, punishments escalate, potentially resulting in felony charges, with fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years.

What Sources of Compensation Are There If the Other Driver Cannot Be Found?

If a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, you might worry about your options for compensation. Pursuing financial relief after traffic accidents can indeed be challenging for motorcyclists. Because New York’s no-fault insurance laws do not apply to motorcyclists, you won’t be able to file a claim under your insurance policy for no-fault benefits. 

However, you should be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in New York. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident, your UM coverage can compensate you for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses from an accident with an uninsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver. 

Finally, you might be able to take legal action to pursue compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries from a hit-and-run accident. If the police cannot find the driver who hit you, you might be able to sue another responsible party who contributed to the accident (for example, a municipality if there was a defect in the roadway).

It is essential to speak with our knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.  We can review your situation, identify who is at fault for your injuries, and determine whether you can file a lawsuit. Our attorneys are equipped to help you maximize your UM claim if that is the best option in your situation. Keep in mind that “your” insurance company does not have the same goals as you. They want to pay out as little as they can get away with. We won’t let them shortchange you.

What Deadlines Should I Keep in Mind After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash on Long Island, there are critical deadlines to remember for filing a lawsuit and insurance claims. New York’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you just three years from the date of an accident to file suit. If you miss the statutory three-year deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose your chance to seek compensation in civil court. Furthermore, most insurance policies require policyholders to file initial claims “promptly,” which can mean tight deadlines – often as brief as 30 days. 

When you retain the highly experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., you will have peace of mind knowing that we are tracking all the deadlines in your case and filing paperwork correctly and on time.

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

The aftermath of the crash can cause confusion and stress. You can take the following steps after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident to protect your rights and your health: 

• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries do not show symptoms for days or weeks. Seeing a doctor right away can improve your prognosis. Plus, your medical records will be helpful evidence in your case.
• Alert the authorities. You should immediately report the accident to the police and provide them with any information that could help them find the hit-and-run driver. Officers who respond to the scene will investigate and write an accident report, which will be critical evidence if you file a claim. Plus, calling the police after an accident resulting in injury or property damage is required by New York law. 
• Gather evidence. Try to collect as much evidence as possible at the scene, such as photos of the roadway and accident location, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle or other property. Try to record as many details as possible about the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident, and make note of any nearby surveillance cameras or traffic cameras that might have recorded the accident.
• Consult our hit-and-run motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible. The highly experienced lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C., can advocate for your rights and negotiate with insurers to get you the full compensation you deserve. That is our commitment to you.
  

Contact Finz & Finz, P.C., Today

If you have suffered injuries in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on Long Island, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C., are committed to providing top-tier service to injury victims like you. Contact our office today for a free case review.