What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in New York City

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in New York City

A hit and run accident can be one of the most frightening experiences on New York City streets. In seconds, a hit and run driver may flee the scene, leaving injured victims without contact or insurance information. Hill & Moin regularly represents individuals injured in hit and run incidents across New York City and understands how overwhelming these situations can be.

If you were involved in a hit and run in New York, acting quickly and correctly can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Step One: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your first priority after any accident is your health. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Hit and run accidents often cause:

• Serious injuries
• Head or neck trauma
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage

Prompt medical treatment creates essential medical records and protects your ability to recover compensation later.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Contact emergency services immediately after the accident. A police officer will respond and create a police report, which is critical in any hit and run case.

A police report:

• Creates an official record
• Documents the accident scene
• Helps initiate an investigation
• May assist in identifying the driver

Leaving the scene without reporting the accident can harm your claim.

Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

If you are able, try to collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene.

Helpful evidence includes:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Property damage
• Vehicle debris
• Traffic signals and street signs
• Surveillance footage from nearby buildings
• Descriptions of the other vehicle

Even partial details can help investigators locate the hit and run driver.

Look for Witnesses and Video Footage

Witness statements and video evidence are often crucial in hit and run cases.

Try to:

• Collect contact information from witnesses
• Note nearby businesses or buildings with cameras
• Ask if anyone captured the accident on a phone or dashcam

Surveillance footage may later be obtained by your attorney.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Many hit and run victims assume they have no options if the driver is never found. That is not always true.

Available insurance coverage may include:

• Uninsured motorist coverage

• Personal injury protection (PIP)

• Other applicable insurance policies

These coverages can help pay medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Notify Your Insurance Company Carefully

You should notify your insurance carrier of the accident, but be cautious when giving statements. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or dispute injuries.

Avoid speculating about fault and consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer before providing recorded statements.

Hit and Run Accidents Are Serious Crimes in New York

Under New York law, fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury can lead to criminal charges, including felony charges in serious cases. While criminal cases are separate from personal injury claims, they may help establish fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hit and Run Case?

Liability may extend beyond the fleeing driver. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• The hit and run driver
• Vehicle owners
• Employers (if the driver was working)
• Other liable parties

A thorough investigation is essential to identifying all sources of compensation.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Hit and Run

A personal injury claim may allow victims to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Even when the driver is not immediately identified, legal options may still exist.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Hit and run cases are complex. They often involve:

• Missing insurance information
• Multiple insurance claims
• Surveillance footage analysis
• Strict legal timelines

An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process and pursue maximum compensation.

Hit and Run Accidents Across New York City

From pedestrian accidents to vehicle collisions involving parked cars, hit and run accidents occur throughout New York City. High traffic density and crowded streets increase the risk of drivers fleeing the scene.

Local experience with New York traffic law and insurance practices matters when handling these cases.

Speak With Hill & Moin After a Hit and Run

If you were injured in a hit and run accident in New York City, you do not have to face the situation alone. Hill & Moin helps injury victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation, even when the at-fault driver fled the scene.

We offer a free consultation and provide experienced legal counsel for hit and run cases. Contact Hill & Moin today to discuss your case and take the next step toward protecting your rights and recovery.