Millburn Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
An attorney dedicated to making a difference
People are hurt in hit-and-run accidents every year in Northern New Jersey. This can make an already stressful situation much worse. If you’ve been in a car accident with a hit-and-run driver, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who knows how to get the results you need.
If you were injured in Millburn or Essex or Union counties, New Jersey hit and run accident attorney David Leigh of The Leigh Law Firm, P.C. can help. He understands the challenges of recovering financial compensation after a hit-and-run crash. That’s why he puts in the hard work and hustle needed to help you get the best possible outcome. Schedule your free consultation today.
What should I do if I’ve been in an accident with a hit-and-run driver?
When there’s a car accident in New Jersey, the drivers involved are required by law to stay on the scene. It’s not only the law – it’s the right thing to do. At the very least, drivers can exchange insurance information so repairs and any medical bills can be sorted out. But in some cases, one driver immediately leaves the scene.
There are steps you can take to protect your health and possibly identify the driver that caused your accident.
Watch the vehicle as it drives away.
Note the make, model, and color of the car, as well as any damage. Try to get the license plate number, or at least as much as you can. Write down anything you notice about the driver – such as gender, hair color, approximate age, and clothes they were wearing.
Do not chase the other vehicle.
It is normal to feel angry when a driver hits you and then flees the scene. But chasing the car can be dangerous for many reasons. Stay at the accident scene until help arrives.
Gather information.
If you are able to do so, take photos and video of the accident scene and damage to your car. Also document any visible injuries that you have. Ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses. As soon as you get a chance, write down your account of the accident. Include the time and location and any details you can remember.
Call the police.
Let them know if you are injured and tell them the other driver left the scene. The police will make sure you are safe and will also fill out an accident report documenting what happened.
Get medical attention.
You may think you feel fine, but you could have an injury that has delayed symptoms, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Get medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and document them.
Report the accident to your insurance company.
Tell them you were involved in a hit-and-run accident and that you called the police. Stick to the basic facts. For example, tell them you are getting medical attention but don’t go into detail about your injuries.
Contact a car accident lawyer.
It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible to go over your options for recovering financial compensation.
As New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, you would first file a claim with your own insurance company for damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. But what happens if your damages exceed your policy limits? If the hit-and-run driver is found, their insurance applies. If not, you may have other options.
If your policy includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), your policy will cover additional damages caused by an unidentified driver. This coverage is optional in New Jersey, but it is recommended for situations like these.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation
It’s important to remember that even your own insurance company may try to limit your compensation by questioning the seriousness of your injuries or arguing they were pre-existing. Or they’ll make you a lowball settlement offer.
Attorney Leigh used to represent insurance companies and knows how they approach claims. He investigates your accident and builds a strong case that insurance companies have to take seriously. He is dedicated to making a difference by helping you recover as much compensation as possible following your hit-and-run crash.
Learn about all of your legal options for recovering financial compensation after a hit-and-run accident and get answers to your questions. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our office is in Millburn, or attorney Leigh can meet you at another location that is more convenient.