Fleeing The Scene Of A Buffalo, New York, Car Accident

Buffalo Car Accidents: Fleeing The Scene

Jed Dietrich, Esq. Is Regarded to be a Best Lawyer of America, and With Over Twenty Years of Experience is Prepared to Represent Individuals Injured as a Result of Car Accidents in Buffalo, New York and Beyond.

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A recent hit-and-run on Buffalo, New York’s Genesee Street resulted in a fatality when a motor vehicle fled the scene after striking a motorcyclist. Unfortunately, this tragedy is a common occurrence across the United States, with hit-and-run accidents accounting for nearly 11% of all motor vehicle crashes. The damage inflicted by these types of accidents can be frustrating and, in the case of the Genesee Street hit-and-run, devastating.

A hit-and-run car accident often leaves us dealing with uncertainty. Determining whom to charge and how to get help can be overwhelming. Often, individuals are uncertain of whom to trust for legal advice or even where to go to find it. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is your best option for timely and expert legal advice. With over $175,000,000 secured in settlements and verdicts for our clients, we are experienced in Buffalo car accident laws and will know how to assist you in your personal injury claim. Call us today at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation.

What is a Hit-And-Run?

A hit-and-run car accident occurs when an individual damages another person or their vehicle and knowingly flees the scene without speaking to the other parties involved. In New York State, leaving the scene of a car accident is considered to be a misdemeanor under Section 600 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. This law requires that in the event of a motor vehicle accident:

1. Any individual(s) involved in a motor vehicle accident must stop before leaving the scene;
2. They are required to exchange personal information, including insurance information and driver’s licenses; and
3. In the event that damage has been done to another’s vehicle while they are absent, the individual responsible must report the damage to them or to the closest police station.

Hit-and-run accidents vary in type and location. We often imagine them taking place on public roadways, where traffic volume and higher vehicle speeds can result in reduced reaction time. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 90,000 individuals are injured on nonpublic roadways each year. These “nontraffic crashes” can occur in parking lots, parking structures, driveways, and private roads. While these locations ought to be safer, many drivers reported being less attentive on nonpublic roadways. They use the opportunity to answer text messages, emails, or phone calls and, as a result, are not giving their full attention to the operation of their motor vehicles.

The types of damages that result in non-traffic crashes can include rear-ending, sideswiping, damage to side mirrors, damage caused by opening doors, and pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions. No matter the nature of the damage, the parties involved are required to stop and exchange personal information. If damage occurs while the owner of a vehicle is not present, the individual responsible for the damage must take steps to contact the vehicle’s owner.

Over a recent ten-year period, the number of annual hit-and-run fatalities was found to have increased from 1,700 to over 2,000. With this uptick in incidents, more than ever, individuals are seeking the aid of experienced personal injury attorneys to assist them in their cases. For over twenty years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully represented individuals in car accident cases throughout the Western New York area. Today, he is regarded to be a Best Lawyer of America and is fully capable of representing you in your personal injury case. Call us now at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online to receive your free no-obligation consultation.

What is Duty of Care?

Stopping to exchange information is important for insurance purposes, but it can also be the difference between life and death. In the event that an accident results in physical injury, it is important to ensure that the individuals involved do not require emergency medical treatment.

When someone flees the scene of an accident, they breach what is known as their “duty of care.” Duty of Care refers to the personal responsibility to act in a way that does not cause deliberate harm to another. For example, engaging in reckless driving is a breach of duty of care because it endangers the well-being of the other individuals on the road.

In the United States, a personal injury claim can be brought against someone for breaching that duty of care, but a new difficulty arises in the event of a hit-and-run. Unfortunately, if someone flees the scene, there is no way to guarantee that they will be located. Your best course of action is to contact the local police and report the accident. From there, the police will attempt to locate the perpetrator.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has spent the past twenty years working as a personal injury attorney, tackling countless personal injury cases across the Western New York area. Today, he and his team of top rated car accident injury lawyers are more than prepared to represent you in your personal injury case. Our priority is to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online for your free consultation. You will never be charged until we achieve a win for you!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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