- Why You Need a Specialized Hit and Run Attorney in New Jersey
- What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in New Jersey
- What We Do for Hit and Run Accident Victims
- Types of Compensation Available for Hit and Run Victims
- Why Choose the Clifton Hit and Run Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?
- Contact the Experienced Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation
Being the victim of a hit and run car accident can leave you feeling helpless. These devastating crashes create complex legal challenges that require immediate attention and specialized expertise. When a negligent driver flees the scene, you need a dedicated hit and run accident lawyer in New Jersey who understands these unique complexities and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we've dedicated more than 25 years to representing hit and run accident victims throughout New Jersey. With a proven track record of holding fleeing drivers accountable, we handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Why You Need a Specialized Hit and Run Attorney in New Jersey
The Challenges of Hit and Run Cases
Hit and run cases present unique obstacles that don't exist in typical accident claims. The primary challenge is identifying the fleeing driver, which requires immediate investigation before crucial evidence disappears. Without a cooperative defendant to provide insurance information, victims must often rely on their own insurance policies, creating complications with uninsured motorist claims and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Time-Sensitive Evidence Collection
The window for collecting crucial evidence in hit-and-run cases is extremely narrow. If not promptly preserved, surveillance footage may be automatically deleted within days or weeks. Witness memories fade quickly, and physical evidence at the scene can be disturbed by weather, traffic, or cleanup crews.
Our New Jersey car accident lawyers understand the importance of swift action and have developed relationships with law enforcement, private investigators, and forensic experts who can quickly secure evidence before it's lost forever.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in New Jersey
Stay Calm, Secure the Scene, and Seek Medical Attention
The shock and confusion following a hit and run can impair your judgment and memory, making it essential to focus on the most critical tasks first. Your priority must be your safety and the safety of others at the scene. If you're physically able, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent additional accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles or flares if available.
Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical attention immediately. The adrenaline from traumatic events can mask serious injuries that may not present symptoms for hours or days.
Call the Police
New Jersey law requires reporting any accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Contact law enforcement immediately, even if the other driver has fled. Police officers are trained to investigate hit and run accidents and may be able to locate witnesses or evidence that you missed in the chaos following the crash.
When officers arrive, provide them with as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel. If you glimpsed the driver, provide a description of their appearance.
Document Evidence
If you're physically able and it's safe to do so, begin documenting the scene immediately. Take photographs of your vehicle damage, the accident location, skid marks, debris, and any other relevant evidence. Use your smartphone to record video of the scene, speaking aloud to describe what you're seeing and any details about the fleeing vehicle.
Collect contact information from any witnesses. Witnesses who observed the incident from different angles can provide valuable testimony that strengthens your case. Don't assume someone else will handle this—witness information is often lost if not collected immediately.
Consult with a Legal Professional
Contact an experienced hit and run accident lawyer in New Jersey, like Corradino & Papa, LLC, as soon as possible after the incident. The earlier you obtain legal representation, the better our attorneys can preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and begin the investigation process.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but be careful about the information you provide. Insurance adjusters may ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim or establish contributory negligence. Provide only basic facts about the accident and refer detailed questions to your attorney.
What We Do for Hit and Run Accident Victims
Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Our hit and run accident lawyers in New Jersey begin investigating your case immediately. Our comprehensive investigation process includes:
- Surveillance footage recovery: We promptly contact businesses, traffic authorities, and residential areas near the accident scene to secure video evidence before it's deleted or recorded over
- Witness interviews and statements: Our team conducts detailed interviews with witnesses while their memories are fresh, obtaining sworn statements that can be used in court proceedings
- Accident scene reconstruction: We work with forensic experts and accident reconstruction specialists to analyze physical evidence, determine the sequence of events, and identify the fleeing vehicle based on debris patterns and damage analysis
Skilled Insurance Negotiation
We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics to minimize payouts. Our attorneys have negotiated hundreds of favorable settlements for hit and run car accident victims. We aggressively pursue uninsured motorist claims when the fleeing driver isn't identified or lacks adequate coverage, while also securing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover immediate medical expenses and lost wages.
Legal Representation and Court Proceedings
When the fleeing driver is identified, we aggressively pursue civil litigation to hold them accountable for their actions. Our attorneys are skilled in filing civil lawsuits against hit and run drivers and negotiating maximum settlements that fully compensate you for your losses. If the case cannot be resolved through settlement, our Supreme Court certified trial attorneys are prepared to present your case in court with compelling evidence and expert testimony.
Types of Compensation Available for Hit and Run Victims
Medical Expenses and Future Treatment Costs
Hit and run accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. Compensation for medical expenses includes:
- Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
- Surgical procedures and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Future medical needs related to your injuries
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
The injuries sustained in hit and run accidents can prevent you from working for extended periods, creating significant financial hardship. Compensation for lost income includes wages lost during your recovery period, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to perform your job or pursue your career in the future.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond the economic losses, hit and run accidents cause substantial physical pain and emotional trauma. Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological impact of the accident and your injuries. These damages also account for the loss of enjoyment of life and the inability to participate in activities you valued before the accident.
Property Damage Recovery
Your vehicle and personal property damaged in the hit and run accident can be repaired or replaced through your insurance coverage or by pursuing the at-fault driver directly. Property damage compensation includes vehicle repairs or replacement value, as well as damage to personal items inside your vehicle at the time of the accident.
Why Choose the Clifton Hit and Run Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?
Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has recovered over $500 million for injury victims, including substantial settlements and verdicts for clients injured in hit and run accidents. This demonstrated success reflects our ability to maximize compensation even in challenging cases where the at-fault driver has fled the scene.
Supreme Court Certified Trial Attorneys
Four of our attorneys hold certification from the New Jersey Supreme Court as Civil Trial Attorneys—a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of lawyers in the state. This advanced certification demonstrates our superior litigation capabilities, which is particularly valuable in hit and run cases that may require aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Contact the Experienced Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation
Take the first step toward holding fleeing drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. The dedicated hit and run accident lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC are ready to review your case and explain your options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Our multilingual staff and no-fee-unless-we-win policy make quality legal representation accessible to all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation.
We understand that hit and run accidents create unique challenges that require immediate attention and specialized expertise. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to your needs and can meet you at our office, your home, or the hospital if necessary. Call us today at 973-381-1706 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.
