Cherry Hill Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
An accident with a driver who then flees the scene can feel disorienting and infuriating. One moment, you are navigating the streets of Cherry Hill, and the next, you are dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and the frustrating reality that the person responsible has vanished. You do not need to face this alone.
What Are the First Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Cherry Hill?
Your safety comes first. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Do not attempt to chase the other driver, as this can endanger you and weaken your legal case.
Call 911 immediately. Even if you feel uninjured, a police report is essential. When officers arrive, provide as many details as possible: the vehicle’s make, model, color, partial license plate, and direction of travel. These details help law enforcement identify and locate the hit-and-run driver.
How Can I Protect My Health and Evidence?
Seek medical attention promptly—even minor aches or bruises can indicate hidden injuries such as concussions or soft-tissue damage. Early medical documentation establishes a record of your injuries for insurance or legal claims.
At the scene, photograph everything: your vehicle, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries. These photos and videos serve as vital evidence when the other driver is unknown.
What Makes Hit-and-Run Cases More Complex?
In a typical accident, drivers exchange insurance information, simplifying the claims process. In a hit-and-run, you cannot directly file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance if their identity is unknown.
New Jersey’s insurance system offers protections. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses regardless of fault. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can apply when the responsible driver is unidentified. If the driver is later caught, additional compensation may be sought through their insurance or a civil lawsuit.
Do Criminal Penalties Affect Civil Claims?
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in New Jersey. For property damage only, first-time offenders face fines of $200–$400, up to 30 days in jail, and license suspension. If injuries occur, fines can reach $5,000, with prison time possible in serious cases.
Evidence gathered during criminal proceedings—police reports, witness statements, and video footage—can also support your civil claim.
Which Witnesses and Statements Matter Most?
Eyewitnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle are critical. Collect names and contact information from neighbors, pedestrians, or nearby motorists.
Security cameras from nearby homes or businesses may have recorded the crash. Your attorney can subpoena this footage before it is erased, preserving crucial evidence.
What Should I Know About New Jersey’s No-Fault System?
New Jersey operates under a partial no-fault system. After an accident, your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits. You can pursue a full lawsuit if injuries are serious, such as fractures, permanent disfigurement, or other significant harm.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage acts as a safety net when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured, covering medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages exceeding your PIP limits.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Hit-and-Run Claim?
Timing varies. UM and PIP claims may resolve within weeks or months, depending on documentation. Lawsuits against apprehended drivers can extend over a year, especially if a trial is necessary.
Prompt legal action—securing camera footage, witness statements, and police reports—can accelerate your case. Delays in reporting, medical treatment, or legal consultation can hinder recovery.
How Do Lawyers Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents in Cherry Hill?
Experienced attorneys take a multi-pronged approach:
- Working with investigators to find witnesses.
- Obtaining traffic and security camera footage.
- Compiling medical records, vehicle repair estimates, and expert opinions on long-term care.
This preparation maximizes your potential compensation under UM coverage or through a civil lawsuit.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek?
Depending on insurance and injury severity, you may recover:
- Medical expenses and future care costs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement damages.
Your attorney will evaluate your specific situation to demand fair compensation under UM coverage or from the at-fault driver if identified.
How Do I Choose the Right Cherry Hill Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer?
Look for a firm with:
- Proven experience in hit-and-run and uninsured motorist claims.
- Ability to coordinate with law enforcement investigations.
- A track record of six- and seven-figure recoveries.
- Clear, consistent communication.
Our Cherry Hill hit-and-run accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York meet these standards. Since 1985, we have guided numerous injury victims through complex cases, securing millions in settlements and verdicts.
We handle every legal detail: obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, securing surveillance footage, and coordinating with medical experts. Whether your claim involves UM insurance or a civil suit against the driver, we provide constant communication so you always know what to expect.
Navigate Your Accident With Our Cherry Hill-Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York
A hit-and-run is unexpected, but you can take control of the next steps. Contact our Cherry Hill hit-and-run accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York for a free consultation. We will explain your options, answer your questions, and begin building your case—without any upfront cost. Call 856-843-8990 or fill out our online form. Our offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Milmont Park, Pennsylvania, serve clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.