Woodbridge Hit & Run Accident Attorney

Car Accident Lawyer Helping Injury Victims in New Jersey

Have you been injured as a result of a hit and run accident? After you have sought out medical attention, you need to seek immediate advice from knowledgeable and reliable legal counsel. A dedicated Woodbridge personal injury attorney from our firm can get an investigation underway to seek justice on your behalf. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we understand the complexities of personal injury law and how to effectively navigate your case.

Full Understanding of Personal Injury Law

Although financial compensation may not be the first thing on your mind, it will soon become an issue as the bills start to pile up. Having a Woodbridge, NJ car accident lawyer on your side can also help you uncover all available sources of compensation.

The requirements and procedures to recovering compensation can be complex and are best handled with the help of an experienced law firm. It is very common for an unknown driver to remain unidentified, despite law enforcement's efforts to find a hit and run driver. If the driver is not identified or brought to justice, we may be able to pursue compensation for your damages through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UI/UIM) provision of your auto insurance policy.

We work to help you recover the following damages:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Lost wages, future and present
• Pain and suffering
• Recovery and rehab expenses

Who Is Liable for a Hit and Run Accident?

Although the driver who flees the scene is liable for a hit and run accident, insurance companies usually accept liability because hit and run drivers rarely get caught. Because New Jersey is a no-fault car accident state, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should compensate you for medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages.

PIP coverage applies no matter who is at-fault for the accident, which is helpful if the person who caused the accident cannot be identified.

Unfortunately, PIP does not cover property damage, so unless you have collision coverage, you will be liable for the damage to your vehicle. Even with collision coverage, you may have to pay a deductible.

Some insurance policies also include uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) that you can use when you do not know whether the driver who hit you has insurance.

How Do I Get the Money I Need from My Insurance Company?

To use your insurance coverage and get the benefits spelled out in your policy, you will need to file a claim. From there, the insurance company should compensate you for your losses up to policy limits.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often balk at paying valid claims and create many hoops for claimants like you to jump through. For example, your insurance company may ask for “proof” of the hit and run accident. In some cases, this is as simple as giving your adjuster the number associated with your police report. In others, insurance companies simply refuse to pay.

Generally, the higher the damages, the less likely your insurance company is to cooperate.

At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we spend a lot of time negotiating with insurance companies – both inside and outside of personal injury claims. We have been handling situations like yours since 1974.

Exploring Other Avenues for Compensation

Even if the responsible driver in your hit-and-run accident is not found, there may be other sources of compensation available besides your own UI/UIM coverage. This could be possible through a claim for monetary assistance from New Jersey's Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund (UCJF) may be an option in your case. Our Woodbridge hit and run accident lawyers are ready to pursue every angle that may lead to the compensation you need after an accident where the responsible driver is missing.

To set up a complimentary consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team, contact us now at (732) 709-4400.