There aren’t statistics about hit-and-run crashes the way there are about other kinds of crashes, but they can be extremely disturbing when they happen to you or a loved one. Our community’s social fabric disintegrates when someone who causes harm runs away from the responsibility of it; leaving the victim to pick up the pieces.
However, even if the cause of a hit-and-run incident temporarily avoids legal responsibility from causing harm, victims and their families still have recourses in Dutchess County. Give us a call at 845-600-0000 to schedule a free personal injury consultation in Poughkeepsie, NY with our team of personal injury attorneys who can help you navigate your options for receiving full compensation injuries resulting from a hit-and-run crash.
First, let’s review how many hit and run crashes were reported on in Dutchess County, either in the news or in official police press releases:
2024 Hit and Runs in Dutchess County
- Wappinger– A fatal hit-and-run was caused by a driver who struck a 43 year old pedestrian on Old Hopewell Road, near Route 9.
- Poughkeepsie – A hit-and-run occurred on Route 9, when a woman driving a Honda Accord was hit by an Acura that was changing lanes.
2023 Hit and Runs in Dutchess County
- Fishkill – A 62 year old Fishkill driver struck a 72 year old on Merritt Boulevard, killing the victim.
- Poughkeepsie – A New Windsor woman was hit on Palmer Avenue suffered serious injuries after being being hit by what was possibly a black SUV.
- Poughkeepsie – A woman riding a motorcycle was hit by robbery suspects fleeing the scene of a crime in a Chevy sedan
2021 Hit and Runs in Dutchess County
- Beacon – A 59 year old woman hit a 75 year old woman in a crosswalk with a Jeep, causing fatal injuries.
- Fishkill – A 74 year old pedstrian was walking on Route 82, and was struck by a vehicle that left the scene, which was driven by a 39 year old Newburgh man.
What to do After Suffering a Hit-and-Run Incident
If the driver got away, documenting the circumstances and conditions around the crash, as well as your injuries, is critical. While the perpetrator may eventually be identified and brought to justice, in the meantime, you can still do some concrete things to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries.
- Call the police – An official police report helps lay the groundwork for civil action and any insurance claims
- Immediately seek medical attention – Even if you don’t have obvious injuries, or you don’t want the hassle, it’s very important to get checked out quickly after a crash
- Gather evidence from the scene – While we have ways of reconstructing the scene of a hit and run crash, the best possible thing to do, within reason, is to take photos and videos of the scene of the crash, any debris left behind, and anything of note
- Connect with witnesses – Exchange contact information with anyone who witnessed the crash
- Consult a Poughkeepsie personal injury attorney – Call us at 845-600-0000 to set up a free personal injury consultation.