It is natural to assume that the other driver will stop their vehicle and wait for law enforcement to arrive after a car accident in Orange County, NY. You believe that everyone involved in a collision will be concerned for the well-being of others. Sadly, some drivers flee the scene of an accident without checking on others or waiting for a police officer to investigate.
Hit-and-run accidents can be frightening.
You found yourself alone at the crash site after experiencing a sudden and traumatic event. It is essential to locate the negligent driver in order to hold him or her accountable for their actions. Immediately notify law enforcement, seek medical treatment, and retain an attorney.
State Statutes Concerning Hit-and-Run Incidents
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law mandates that anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in property damage, personal injury, or death must: Stop and provide a license and proof of insurance for the vehicle Give the other party their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
As soon as possible, provide all necessary information to the officer on the scene or report the accident to the nearest police station or judicial officer. This law is punishable by a misdemeanor or felony charge if violated. The hit-and-run driver may be subject to a hefty fine and imprisonment.
After speaking with the investigating officer, it’s crucial to go to the hospital. You must begin treatment so that your injury can be documented. If the doctor prescribes follow-up care, you must adhere to their instructions. In hit-and-run cases, medical records are crucial evidence.
How to Identify the Fugitive in a Hit-and-Run
If the other driver flees the scene of an accident, call 911 immediately. You should remain in place until an officer arrives to investigate. If necessary, request an ambulance transport to a nearby hospital from the 911 operator. The authorities should inquire about what transpired and conduct interviews with any witnesses. Inform the officer if you recall pertinent details such as the car’s color, the driver’s direction of travel, and the license plate number. You should also describe the driver’s appearance if you saw them before they left the scene.
The police report can be useful during an investigation into a hit-and-run. Your legal team can request a copy of the document and review its contents. There may be clues that can help determine the driver’s destination after fleeing the scene. Perhaps there is a security camera near the crash site that your attorney can use to identify the driver. Or, a local resident could have witnessed everything and documented crucial details about the driver and their vehicle. Your legal team can utilize a variety of resources to locate the at-fault driver and hold them accountable for the damages they caused.
Eyewitnesses
Your legal team can interview witnesses and obtain statements from them. Someone may have witnessed the entire incident, including the driver’s subsequent movements. Occasionally, witnesses record information such as a license plate number, a description of the vehicle, and a description of the driver. Your legal team can collect all pertinent information from the witnesses in order to locate the driver.
Enforcement of law
Your legal team can contact the investigating officer for information that may aid in locating the driver who caused the accident. The accident can also be investigated by law enforcement. Escaping the scene of a crime is a crime. They may wish to locate the driver in order to file charges. Your legal team could determine any available auto insurance coverage and file a claim on your behalf if they determine who is at fault.
Video Footage
Traffic cameras are widespread in New York. Numerous structures also contain security cameras. Your legal team can obtain footage from these cameras to attempt to reconstruct the accident as it occurred. A clear image of the vehicle and license plate can facilitate the identification of the driver.
Department of Transportation
If the license plate number was recorded, your legal team could contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request information about the driver. Additionally, law enforcement may have asked the DMV for license plate search results.
Residents and Entrepreneurs
Anyone who lives or works close to the accident scene could provide useful information. Your legal team can speak with local residents and business owners for information about the driver or their vehicle. It is possible that someone knows who the individual is or witnessed the incident.
A victim of a hit-and-run accident? Call Benjamin Greenwald If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Orange County, NY , contact Benjamin Greenwald’s New York car accident attorneys immediately. We have successfully represented injured clients in the New York area. Our team of devoted attorneys will fight to identify the driver at fault, hold them accountable, and obtain the compensation you deserve.
