$590K Hit-and-Run Accident Recovery
When a driver was injured during a hit-and-run collision on the Long Island Expressway, they turned to Raphaelson & Levine for help.
Our client was operating a work vehicle along the Long Island Expressway when he was stuck in the rear. This impact caused him to lose control and he was propelled into the center divider. The impact was violent and the force broke his leg. He required surgery that utilized an intramedullary nail to stabilize the fracture.
The vehicle that caused the crash initially stopped but fled the scene before police arrived. Unfortunately, despite exhaustive efforts by our office and the NYPD, the vehicle could not be identified.
Our office presented a claim pursuant to the SUM endorsement of the vehicle's policy. This endorsement provides coverage if you are injured by either an underinsured, uninsured or hit and run motorist. Our firm successfully opposed a motion which sought to stay, or blocks, our client from proceeding to arbitration.We thereafter went through discovery and prepared for the Arbitration with the same diligence we would prepare a matter for trial. On the literal eve of arbitration, partner Andrew Levine and attorney Narciso Garcia successfully secured a settlement of $590,000 for our client. This result is particularly significant in so much as it was substantially more than the assigned arbitrator had ever awarded for this type of injury.
This substantial recovery will provide our client with much-needed compensation and is a testament to our diligent preparation and fierce litigation strategy.
"This serves as a reminder to us all that we must verify our policies provide maximum protection for underinsured, uninsured or hit and run motorists," Andrew stated, "This coverage is the most essential and provides the greatest protection for your family in the event of a serious injury arising out of a motor vehicle crash."
We are happy to review your policy of insurance free of charge to determine the level of coverage you are providing you and your family. This case should be a wake-up call to all. While we always preach the importance of this coverage this case is living proof.
