Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Garden City, NY
Here to Help You Move Past the Chaos
Accidents involving drivers that flee the scene are more than just an inconvenience—they’re terrifying.
One moment, you’re busy living your life, and the next, you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, and questions that seem impossible to answer. Worse yet, the person responsible is nowhere to be found. It’s a nightmare scenario no one wants to be in but does happen.
At Horn Wright, LLP, our car accident lawyers in Garden City are dedicated to helping residents get through the chaos. It's an unfair situation, and it can leave you feeling isolated. But you don’t have to handle it alone.
We’ll fight to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Hit-and-Run in Garden City, NY: A Silent Crime That Leaves Loud Scars
In New York, running away from a traffic incident isn’t just wrong—it's illegal. It happens when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without providing their name, insurance information, or contact details. You’ll want to provide as much detail as possible when filling out an MV-104 form. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fender bender or a devastating collision. If they run, it’s hit-and-run.
Garden City’s unique mix of quiet neighborhoods and busy hubs like Roosevelt Field Mall makes it a hotspot for these incidents. It’s a growing problem, and when it happens to you, it’s personal.
Why Do Drivers Leave? It’s Not Always What You’d Expect
When someone flees an accident, it’s easy to think they’re just a terrible person. Sometimes, that’s true. But other times, their reasons are surprisingly human:
- Panic: Accidents are scary. A driver might run because their brain goes into fight-or-flight mode.
- Drunk or High: If they’re impaired, they know staying could mean an arrest and serious charges.
- No Insurance: Driving uninsured in New York can cost thousands in fines. Fleeing feels easier—though it’s not smarter.
- Driving Without a License: Unlicensed drivers know they’ll face stiff penalties if caught, so they take off.
- Previous Offenses: Repeat offenders fear additional legal trouble.
Whatever the reason, fleeing is never the right choice. It leaves you, the victim, feeling abandoned and powerless. Even if the other driver’s fault is cut and dry, hiring a lawyer is the best decision you can make after a crash that wasn’t your fault.
After a Collision in Garden City, NY: Your Next Steps Could Save Your Future
First things first: breathe. It’s okay to feel angry, scared, or even confused. Here’s what you need to focus on right now:
- Put Your Safety First. If you can, move to a safe area away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Write Down Every Detail. Try to recall the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and any part of the license plate. Look for unique details, like bumper stickers or dents. These could be the key to finding them.
- Look for Witnesses. If someone sees what happened, ask for their contact information. Their testimony can help identify the driver.
- Take Photos. Snap the best pictures possible of your car and the accident scene, the accident scene, and anything else that might help, like tire marks or debris.
- File a Police Report. This step is essential. Police reports are critical for insurance claims and legal actions.
- Notify Your Insurance. Call your insurance company, even if you don’t have much information about the other driver. They’ll use any information you can provide to determine who was at fault. And if you’re feeling lost or unsure, reach out to us. Our team will guide you through every step.
Getting What You Deserve: How to Secure Compensation When the Other Driver Vanishes
One of the biggest questions after a hit-and-run is: How will I pay for all of this? In New York, you’ve got options:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage. Most auto insurance policies include UM coverage. This means your insurance can step in when the at-fault driver can’t be found. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes even pain and suffering.
- No-Fault Insurance. New York’s No-Fault insurance system ensures you’re covered for up to $50,000 in medical expenses and lost earnings—no matter who’s at fault.
- Filing a Lawsuit. If the driver is eventually identified, you can sue them for damages. This includes punitive damages meant to punish their reckless behavior.
Insurance can be tricky, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Horn Wright, LLP, will handle the details while you focus on recovery.
Think Finding That Driver Is Impossible? In Garden City, NY, We Prove Otherwise
Tracking down a hit-and-run driver might feel hopeless, but it’s not. Here’s how we work to get answers:
- Witness Statements. Witnesses often remember things you might not—like which way the car went or specific details about the driver.
- Surveillance Footage. Cameras are everywhere these days. From traffic lights to storefronts, we’ll track down video evidence that could reveal the culprit.
- Accident Reconstruction. Our experts analyze skid marks, debris, and damage to figure out exactly what happened. It’s like putting together a puzzle, and we’re great at it.
We’ve seen cases where a single piece of evidence—like a blurry license plate or a description of a loud exhaust—led to justice.
Why Horn Wright, LLP? Because We Actually Care
Hit-and-run accidents are personal for us. We’ve helped countless people in Garden City and across Long Island recover after being left in the lurch by reckless drivers. It’s never too late to hire a car accident lawyer after a car crash.
We know how hard it is to balance medical bills, car repairs, and the emotional toll of an accident. That’s why we’re here to lighten your load. We’ll take care of the paperwork, the phone calls, and the negotiations. All you need to do is focus on your recovery.
And because we live and work in this area, we understand Garden City’s roads, traffic patterns, and even the quirks of intersections like Stewart Avenue and Clinton Road. That local knowledge makes a difference.
At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys fight to make things right. You deserve compensation, closure, and the peace of knowing someone’s in your corner. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Horn Wright, LLP is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We’re a client-centered, results-oriented firm. When you work with us, you can have confidence we’ll put your best interests at the forefront of your case – it’s that simple.
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No two cases are the same, and neither are their solutions. Our attorneys provide creative points of view to yield exemplary results.
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We have a team of trusted and respected attorneys to ensure your case is matched with the best attorney possible.
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The core of our legal practice is our commitment to obtaining justice for those who have been wronged and need a powerful voice.