A serious hit-and-run accident occurred near Highmark Stadium in December following a Buffalo Bills game, leaving one person hospitalized with significant injuries. According to Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane, a 31-year-old North Tonawanda man recently pleaded guilty to charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Resulting in Personal Injury.
Orchard Park Police responded to the crash on Abbott Road on December 22nd after receiving reports from a bystander who witnessed a grey pickup truck fleeing the scene. When officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and continued driving until he became trapped in post-game traffic, allowing police to make the arrest. The 39-year-old victim from Rochester was transported by ambulance to ECMC with head and foot injuries and remained hospitalized for several days. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 364 days in prison at his October 30th sentencing. You can read more about this incident in the original news report.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving drivers who panic or attempt to avoid legal consequences. Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Driving under the influence - Impaired drivers may flee to avoid DUI charges
- Lack of insurance or valid license - Uninsured or unlicensed drivers often leave to avoid detection
- Outstanding warrants or legal issues - Drivers with existing legal problems may panic and flee
- Distracted driving - Texting, talking on phones, or other distractions leading to crashes
- Speeding or reckless driving - Aggressive driving behaviors that result in collisions
- Poor weather or road conditions - Hazardous conditions that contribute to loss of vehicle control
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures - Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other equipment malfunctions
- Fatigue or drowsiness - Tired drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or have delayed reaction times
When negligence on the part of another driver, property owner, vehicle manufacturer, or other entity contributes to a hit-and-run accident, victims may be entitled to significant legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Buffalo, NY Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run accidents in the Buffalo area can result in devastating personal injury or wrongful death claims, especially when victims suffer serious injuries like head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries. These cases present unique challenges because the at-fault driver has fled the scene, but experienced personal injury attorneys know how to investigate these incidents thoroughly and identify all potential sources of compensation.
Potential liable parties in hit-and-run cases may include the fleeing driver (once identified), their insurance company, vehicle owners who allowed impaired individuals to drive, bars or establishments that over-served alcohol, municipalities responsible for dangerous road conditions, and even uninsured motorist coverage from the victim's own policy. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and in fatal cases, wrongful death damages including funeral costs and loss of financial support. While no attorney can guarantee specific results, experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in securing fair compensation.
Damages and Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and circumstances of the case. Understanding these different categories of damages is crucial for ensuring full recovery.
Economic damages typically include quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, hospital expenses, surgery costs, rehabilitation fees, prescription medications, lost wages from missed work, and reduced earning capacity for permanent injuries. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability.
Future damages may also be available for ongoing medical treatment, long-term care needs, and projected lost income over a lifetime for severe injuries. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. Compensation calculations consider medical records, employment history, expert testimony, and other evidence to determine fair value. The primary purpose of compensation is to restore victims as closely as possible to their pre-accident condition while holding negligent parties accountable.
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group bring decades of combined experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by serious motor vehicle accidents. We have successfully obtained significant settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, including complex hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver initially fled the scene.
Our dedicated legal team understands the unique challenges these cases present and has the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and fight against insurance companies that attempt to minimize or deny valid claims. We are a state-wide firm that handles even the most complex cases while maintaining a personal, hometown approach with each client.
When you choose Porter Law Group, you're hiring seasoned trial lawyers who aren't afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We offer free initial consultations, work on a contingency fee basis (meaning no upfront costs), and provide compassionate support during your recovery process. You can reach us at info@porterlawteam.com or review our track record of success at our case results page.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Hit-and-Run Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo, Western New York, or anywhere throughout New York State, don't wait to seek experienced legal representation. Time is critical in these cases for preserving evidence, locating witnesses, and ensuring your rights are protected.
The skilled attorneys at Porter Law Group are ready to provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We serve clients across all of New York State and understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families.
Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
