Being struck by a hit and run driver creates a devastating combination of physical trauma and legal uncertainty. When a negligent driver flees the scene, victims face the overwhelming challenge of recovering from serious injuries while navigating complex insurance claims and legal procedures. These cases demand immediate action and specialized expertise that only an experienced hit and run car accident lawyer in Clifton, NJ can provide.
At Corradino & Papa, LLC , we've dedicated over 25 years to fighting for car accident victims throughout Passaic County and North Jersey. Our compassionate team recognizes that beyond the legal complexities, you're dealing with pain, anxiety, and financial stress that no one should face alone. With over $500 million recovered for our clients, our hit and run accident lawyers in New Jersey handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Why Choose Our Hit and Run Lawyers in Clifton
Decades of Proven Success in New Jersey Injury Cases
Since establishing our practice in 1997, Corradino & Papa, LLC has built an unmatched reputation for securing maximum compensation for hit and run accident victims. Our team brings over 130 years of combined legal experience to every case, with specialized knowledge of New Jersey traffic laws and investigative techniques essential for successful outcomes.
We've achieved numerous six-figure and seven-figure recoveries for clients injured in hit and run incidents, including cases where the at-fault driver was never identified. Our track record includes securing substantial uninsured motorist settlements and obtaining comprehensive compensation that covers immediate needs and long-term care requirements.
Local Experience in Passaic County Courts
Our deep familiarity with Passaic County's legal system provides distinct advantages for hit and run victims. We've appeared before local judges, worked with area law enforcement agencies, and developed professional relationships with prosecutors handling criminal hit and run cases.
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 when cases require aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Our legal team also serves victims throughout North Jersey, including those who need a hit and run accident lawyer in Newark, NJ .
Strategic Compensation Recovery Methods
Hit and run cases often involve multiple insurance policies and complex coverage issues that require strategic navigation. We've developed comprehensive approaches to maximize recovery through various sources, including your own uninsured motorist coverage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, and third-party liability claims. When fleeing drivers are eventually identified, we aggressively pursue civil litigation while coordinating with ongoing criminal proceedings to maximize recovery potential.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health must be the absolute priority following any hit and run accident. Even if you feel relatively unharmed, seek immediate medical evaluation. The adrenaline response can mask serious injuries, and conditions like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not present obvious symptoms for hours or days. Emergency medical care also creates essential documentation connecting your injuries directly to the accident.
2. Call Law Enforcement and Wait for Their Arrival
New Jersey law requires reporting any accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Contact law enforcement immediately, even though the other driver has fled. Police officers are trained to investigate hit and run accidents and may locate evidence or witnesses you missed.
When officers arrive, provide detailed information about the fleeing vehicle, including make, model, color, license plate information, and direction of travel. Request a copy of the police report number for your records.
3. Document the Scene and Preserve Evidence
If you're physically able and it's safe to do so, begin documenting evidence immediately. Use your smartphone to photograph vehicle damage, the accident location, skid marks, debris, and any other relevant details. Record video while describing what you're seeing.
Collect contact information from any witnesses who observed the incident. Witnesses provide valuable testimony that can identify the fleeing vehicle or corroborate your account of events.
4. Speak with an Experienced Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer
Contact our hit and run lawyers in Clifton, NJ as soon as possible after the incident. The earlier you obtain legal representation, the better we can preserve evidence, coordinate with law enforcement investigations, and protect your rights while communicating with your insurance company.
Understanding New Jersey's Hit and Run Laws
Civil vs. Criminal Consequences for Fleeing Drivers
New Jersey treats hit and run accidents as both criminal offenses and civil matters, with separate legal proceedings addressing different aspects of the incident. Criminal charges focus on punishing the fleeing driver, while civil claims seek financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Although criminal cases don't directly compensate victims, successful prosecution can strengthen a civil claim. Criminal convictions establish liability and may include restitution orders that supplement civil recovery.
New Jersey's No-Fault Rules and Lawsuit Eligibility
New Jersey's modified no-fault insurance system affects how hit and run claims are handled, particularly regarding your right to sue for pain and suffering. When the at-fault party is unidentified or uninsured, different rules may apply that expand your right to seek full compensation. Our attorneys navigate these complex no-fault provisions to ensure you receive maximum compensation through all available sources while preserving your right to pursue additional damages.
How Our Clifton Hit and Run Attorneys Build Your Case
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
At Corradino & Papa, LLC, every hit and run case begins with a comprehensive consultation where we evaluate the specific circumstances of your accident and explain your legal options. We review police reports, discuss your injuries and medical treatment, and identify potential sources of compensation.
Comprehensive Investigation Process
Building a successful hit and run case requires immediate and thorough investigation to preserve crucial evidence before it's lost or destroyed:
- On-Scene Evidence Preservation: We promptly visit the accident location to document physical evidence, measure skid marks, photograph road conditions, and collect debris that might identify the fleeing vehicle. Time is critical, as weather and cleanup crews can eliminate vital evidence within days.
- Medical Records Review: Our team works closely with your healthcare providers to obtain comprehensive medical documentation that establishes the extent of your injuries and their connection to the accident.
Search for the At-Fault Driver
Identifying fleeing drivers requires specialized investigative techniques and resources:
- Working with Law Enforcement Agencies: We coordinate closely with police detectives, providing additional investigative resources and maintaining communication about case progress while supporting criminal investigations.
- Obtaining Surveillance Footage: We immediately contact businesses, traffic authorities, and residential areas near the accident scene to secure video evidence before it's deleted. Many surveillance systems automatically delete footage within days or weeks.
- Interviewing Eyewitnesses: Our investigators conduct detailed interviews with witnesses while their memories remain fresh, obtaining sworn statements that can be used in court proceedings.
- Using Advanced Accident Reconstruction: We work with forensic experts who can analyze physical evidence to determine vehicle types, impact angles, and other characteristics that help identify the fleeing vehicle.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Litigation
Successfully resolving hit and run claims requires expert handling of complex insurance issues:
- Filing Uninsured Motorist Claims: We navigate the specific requirements for uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring all notices are filed within required timeframes and claims are presented with comprehensive supporting documentation.
- Exploring Third-Party Liability: We investigate whether other parties besides the fleeing driver might bear responsibility for the accident, including property owners with inadequate lighting or construction companies with improper signage.
- Courtroom Representation When Needed: When insurance companies refuse fair settlements or fleeing drivers deny responsibility, our Supreme Court-certified trial attorneys are prepared to present compelling cases in court.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit and Run?
Hit and run accidents often result in substantial damages that extend beyond immediate medical expenses:
- Emergency and Long-Term Medical Expenses: Compensation covers all accident-related medical costs, including emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, prescription medications, and ongoing care requirements.
- Lost Wages and Future Income Loss: Recovery includes wages lost during your treatment and recovery period, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to perform your job.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of life enjoyment caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Vehicle Repair or Replacement: Property damage recovery covers the cost of repairing your vehicle or its fair market value if deemed a total loss, plus compensation for personal items damaged in the accident.
- Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Misconduct: When fleeing drivers are identified and their conduct was particularly egregious, New Jersey law may allow punitive damages designed to punish the defendant.
Don't Wait, Protect Your Rights Today
Statute of Limitations Deadlines in NJ
New Jersey's statute of limitations typically provides two years from the date of your hit and run car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, different deadlines may apply to various aspects of your claim, including insurance notices.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Additionally, evidence preservation becomes more difficult as time passes, with surveillance footage being deleted and witnesses forgetting details.
Contact the Experienced Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Clifton, NJ at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation
Don't let a fleeing driver's cowardly actions deny you the compensation you deserve. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we understand the unique challenges hit and run victims face and have the specialized expertise needed to overcome them. Our team is available 24/7 and can meet you at our office, your home, or the hospital if necessary.
We handle all hit and run cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. Our multilingual staff ensures clear communication throughout your case, and we advance all costs associated with investigating and litigating your claim.
Take the first step toward holding fleeing drivers accountable. Call us today at 973-381-1706 to schedule your free consultation with experienced personal injury lawyers in Clifton, NJ.
