A fatal hit-and-run incident involving a 45-year-old livery driver on his way home in the Bronx is one of many in the area. A person driving an SUV was running a red light and hit the livery driver’s sedan. The horrific accident totaled the victim’s vehicle, resulting in damage to three other cars in the area.
Despite the efforts of bystanders to render assistance, the victim succumbed to severe injuries to his neck and back. The hospital declared him dead on arrival (DOA). The SUV driver abandoned his vehicle and passengers and left the scene.
Contents
New York is a no-fault accident state
A car accident is always devastating, especially when someone sustains serious injuries. However, it is the responsibility of all parties concerned to stay at the scene.
There is typically no reason for an at-fault driver to leave the scene of an accident for property damage or personal injury. As a no-fault insurance state, New York is where each party turns to their respective insurance companies for compensation.
This case involved a fatality, which carries heavier criminal and civil penalties for the at-fault driver. Leaving the scene of the accident also makes it worse.
One of many
The tragic event is just one of the thousands of car accidents in the Bronx. New York City has recorded more than 5,000 such accidents in the borough since the beginning of 2022. Thankfully, only ten involved fatalities (not including this one).
However, in this case, the other driver left the accident scene, which is a crime under New York Code Title 6, Article 22, section 600 (2)(c). The law requires the immediate reporting of a car accident involving personal injuries or fatalities to the police. Because there was a fatality, the at-fault driver committed a class D felony by leaving the scene of the accident.
What you should do in a hit-and-run accident in New York
When you are in a hit-and-run accident, don’t try to go after the other driver. Report the incident to the police with as many details as you can remember, take notes, and document the scene with photos. If you find witnesses to the accident, ask them for their contact information.
The information you gather may help the police find the driver who left the scene. You might also find everything helpful if you decide to pursue a personal injury case.
Accidents that involve serious injuries such as bone fractures, disfigurement, partial disability, or total disability may be eligible for additional compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer should be able to help you find the missing driver and prove your case.
Know your rights
Sustaining severe injuries due to a negligent car accident has significant effects. Often, the compensation you get from your insurance company will not cover the costs of getting your life back. You need professional help when dealing with the aftermath of serious car accidents, especially when there is a fatality.
Find out your rights as a victim of negligence. Contact a personal injury attorney in New York City that will get you what you deserve.
