What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Wrongful Death
Hit-and-run accidents happen when a driver hits a person on the street and speeds off to avoid legal consequences. For the hit-and-run car accidents that cause wrongful deaths, family members can be stuck with the painful aftermath. Drivers are more likely to leave when death is suspected because they fear how serious the penalty will be if they are caught. If you lost a loved one to a hit-and-run accident, do not hesitate to contact a Syracuse wrongful death attorney. You may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Close family members have the right to file wrongful death lawsuits in the event that they lost a loved one to a hit-and-run accident. However, certain requirements must be met to qualify. The loved one must have suffered some kind of damages as a result of the death. Negligence must also be proven, but in hit-and-run cases, the fact that the driver left the scene of the accident demonstrates a significant level of carelessness.
Some people worry about whether they can still receive compensation if they cannot locate the driver who killed their loved one. This may not always be the case. A lawyer can help you organize a claim against your insurance company despite not having the other driver’s complete information.
Claims also come with certain requirements. In terms of negligence, you will be expected to prove that your loved one did not die by their own actions. For example, a person who runs in front of a car would be considered partly at fault for the accident. Pain and suffering damages are for what you will be suing. These can include compensation for psychological trauma, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
Motor Vehicle Indemnification Law
Claims can also be made under the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation Law. This law offers compensation for each person or accident in wrongful death cases. Coverage can run up to $100,000, depending on what damages you suffered. To qualify for this type of coverage, you must not be covered by an auto insurance policy or own an uninsured vehicle.
Other options include making a claim against your Supplementary Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist coverages.
New York Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you lost a loved one to an unexpected accident and if the insurance company delayed your wrongful death claim, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Some insurance companies will work with you, but others may act in bad faith by delaying or denying your claim for inadequate reasons. Talk to a Syracuse wrongful death lawyer for guidance on these issues.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli have over 50 years of experience in four different legal areas. You can call us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our law offices are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. We will help you figure out the claim that best matches your current situation to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover. Our legal team will investigate your claim by collecting relevant documents and witness testimonies.