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Buffalo Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
Dependable legal counsel when you need it most
A hit and run accident literally adds insult to injury. Suddenly, after being struck by a negligent driver, you’re left alone and unsure what to do next. Moments like these can be frustrating and overwhelming, and you may be worried about how to cover your injuries and property damage. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help.
If you or a loved one were hit by a driver who fled the scene, we’re ready to assist you. We can help you explore options for compensation and then get to work securing the monetary recovery you will need to move forward. Connect today with O’Brien & Ford PC.
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More than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for those injured in New York.
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Why victims trust O’Brien & Ford PC
Being in a hit-and-run accident is a terrifying ordeal. The victim may not know whether they are seriously injured, whether their vehicle is still drivable, or what steps they should take next. Making matters worse, the at-fault driver has fled the scene. This adds confusion and, understandably, anger and frustration into the mix.
Victims need a reliable ally to walk with them through this challenging event. That means more than just a law firm that knows the law. Legal skill is essential, but we believe that client advocacy and personalized service are what set O’Brien & Ford PC apart from its competitors. When you hire us as your Buffalo hit and run lawyers, we bring the following to the table:
Representation on a contingency fee basis
Instead of paying an upfront retainer or hourly attorney fees, we only get paid if we win or favorably settle your case. This allows access to the courts for victims who might not otherwise be able to afford an attorney.
Limited and selective caseload
We don’t just take any case that walks through our door. By being more selective and limited in the clients we choose to represent, we can devote more time and effort to each individual accident case.
Quick access to a lawyer
When a client calls, they can reach a lawyer in as little as two minutes. We believe a quick turnaround time on phone calls and correspondence is important because your case deserves attention and care.
Proactive counsel and guidance
Our lawyers work to either settle your case favorably or take it to trial as quickly as possible. We don’t believe in letting the defense set the tone or pace for the lawsuit.
Local community investment
Our attorneys don’t just work in the Buffalo area; they live here. And they invest their free time in the community as well. Our firm sponsors the Irish Classical Theatre Company, Taste of Country, and Clarence Soccer Club. One of our partners serves on the board of the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).
To learn more, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. We can review the basics of your hit-and-run accident and then explain how we can seek compensation for your injuries. You can also review some of these client testimonials to learn more about the O’Brien & Ford PC difference.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
“I cannot say enough good things about Chris Pannozzo and this law firm! From start to finish, the professionalism, communication, and dedication was exceptional. I always felt supported, comfortable, listened to, and confident that I was in good hands. My case was handled with the utmost care and attention, and I couldn’t be happier with the way everything was resolved. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone.”
“The professionalism I received from the entire staff was great. Christopher Pannozzo, Annat and John worked tirelessly to get me the justice I deserve. Even Patrice the receptionist was professional and always a joy to talk to. Thank you guys for the hard work and taking my case.”
“I highly recommend O'Brien & Ford, P.C. to anyone who has been injured and needs someone they can trust. I’m extremely thankful for everything Anant and his team did for me and for the way I was treated throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain things clearly and answer my questions. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
Understanding hit and run accidents
In New York, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an automobile accident without exchanging certain information and completing other required tasks. Unfortunately, doing exactly this, known as a hit-and-run, is fairly common. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that at least one hit-and-run crash occurs each minute in the United States.
There are various reasons that drivers flee the scene of the wreck, including because they:
- Didn’t carry any liability insurance on the vehicle
- Were driving without a valid license or registration
- Were operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Had outstanding arrest warrants
- Were engaged in unrelated criminal activity
- Panicked and worried they would be held liable for a crash
A hit-and-run driver can face serious criminal charges, including felony charges if the accident victim suffers serious physical injury or death. Separate from these charges, the driver can also face civil liability for the injuries and financial losses they cause the victim.
Compensation options after a Buffalo hit and run accident
Most victims of hit and run accidents naturally worry about how they are going to be compensated for their injuries and property damage. Although it may seem discouraging that the driver has left the scene, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Working with a skilled Buffalo hit and run lawyer, you can explore the following possible solutions.
No-fault benefits
New York’s no-fault insurance system is there to help victims by requiring their insurer to provide up to $50,000 per person in economic benefits, regardless of who caused the crash. Depending on the facts of your case, these benefits may cover:
- Medical treatment, including physical rehabilitation
- Partial wage or income replacement
- Certain necessary and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
- Other benefits, depending on the details of your policy
Uninsured motorist and supplementary coverage
A hit-and-run situation may qualify for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, subject to statutory and policy requirements. For an unidentified hit-and-run vehicle, New York generally requires physical contact with the insured person or the vehicle they occupied. This insurance may pay for things like pain and suffering, medical expenses not otherwise covered, and lost income.
You may also have what’s known as Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage. This is additional protection against hit-and-run losses, and we can help you determine if it applies in your case.
Compensation for property damage
Collision coverage, which is separate from UM/SUM coverage, can potentially pay for damage to your vehicle. Such coverage may apply regardless of whether the hit-and-run driver is ever identified. We can review your policy to see whether it provides property damage benefits.
Personal injury lawsuit
A victim who suffers serious injury may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver if that person is identified. If so, the victim can seek compensation beyond the no-fault benefits, such as additional medical expenses, full wage or income replacement, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Even if the driver cannot be identified, there may be other parties who could be named in a lawsuit. For example, if the safety features in your vehicle failed, then a manufacturer defect could be to blame. The manufacturer could be held liable for some of your losses.
Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC)
New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, or MVAIC, can provide financial assistance to certain victims of hit-and-run accidents. There are eligibility and filing requirements, however, so you will want to consult a knowledgeable Buffalo personal injury lawyer for assistance.
What to do after a hit and run accident in Buffalo
The steps you take in the immediate moments after a hit and run are perhaps the most critical. You will want to make sure you protect your health and physical well-being, preserve your legal rights, and gather evidence related to the accident. We recommend that you do the following:
Call 911
Call 911 right away and report the accident to emergency services. Inform them that the driver has fled the scene and also report any injuries that you or anyone else has suffered. Do not attempt to chase the driver.
Get medical attention
Even if you don’t think you were injured, or that you only suffered minor injuries, you should get a medical evaluation. Not doing so could harm your health and your legal rights.
Report every detail you can remember
Make a note and inform the responding officer of everything you can recall about the hit-and-run driver. This includes the vehicle make and model, color, tag number, any unusual features on the vehicle, what the driver looked like, where and how the accident happened, and so forth.
Document the accident scene
Next, take pictures and record videos of where the crash happened. Note any businesses or surveillance cameras in the area that may have recorded the crash. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. If there was any dashcam footage of the crash, preserve it.
Report the accident to your insurance
You will want to do this as soon as possible to take advantage of no-fault and other benefits. Read more about no-fault claims and how to file one here.
File a report with the DMV
A driver involved in a crash usually has to file a Form MV-104 with the New York DMV within 10 days of the crash, if it involves death, bodily injury, or more than $1,000 in damage to the property of any one person. This is separate from reporting the accident to your insurance.
File a claim with the MVAIC if applicable
Your crash may qualify for coverage from the MVAIC. If so, you will want to pay close attention to the filing requirements. We can help you.
Speak with a dedicated Buffalo hit and run lawyer
Lastly, talk to an attorney who is experienced with these cases. We can explore whether a personal injury claim is available and assist with various forms of insurance and other coverage options.
Visit Us
Is there a Buffalo hit and run attorney near me?
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a hit and run that took place in or near Buffalo, O’Brien & Ford PC is ready to help. Our offices are at 4549 Main St Suite 201, Buffalo, NY 14226, and 701 Seneca St Suite 208, Buffalo, NY 14210. You can find our Main Street office not far from such landmarks as Amherst State Park, Northtown Center, Williamsville Village, and the Grover Cleveland Golf Course.
Reaching our Main Street office by car may be the easiest method. For that, you may drive the I-290, I-990, or streets like Sheridan Drive and Transit Road. But bus transit to the area is also available, so the NFTA-Metro may be a good choice. You can also take the Metro Rail. Call us at 716-222-2222 if you need directions or information about parking.
O’Brien & Ford, P.C.
4549 Main Street, Suite 201
Buffalo, NY 14226
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701 Seneca Street, Suite 208
Buffalo, NY 14210
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Buffalo hit and run accident attorneys frequently asked questions
Can I receive compensation even if the driver is never found?
Yes, you may still have access to no-fault insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and more. There may also be third parties who played some role in causing your accident or aggravating your injuries. We’re here to help you explore all options and then get to work seeking available compensation.
Does my no-fault insurance policy cover a hit and run?
Can I recover compensation for my pain and suffering?
What happens if the hit-and-run driver is eventually found?
Contact our Buffalo hit-and-run accident attorneys
Don’t let the stress of a hit-and-run accident overwhelm you. While you focus on recovering, we’re ready to help with the various aspects of your compensation claim. It starts by giving us a call or filling out our online contact form. Schedule your initial consultation with O’Brien & Ford PC today.