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

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, take these steps immediately: get yourself to safety, call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and report the crash to the NYPD. These actions can protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation if the driver is never identified.

A hit-and-run accident is frightening and frustrating. In many cases, victims worry that because the at-fault driver fled, there is no way to recover compensation. Fortunately, that is not always true. New York law provides several avenues that may allow injured victims to recover damages, including No-Fault benefits and, in many cases, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage if the driver is never found.

If you’re searching for what to do after a hit and run, this guide explains the immediate steps to take, how insurance may apply, and when to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Your case. Your future. Our priority. Contact Hill & Moin LLP today for a free consultation.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

The minutes after a collision are critical.

1. Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle can be moved safely, get out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.

2. Call 911 Immediately

Report the accident to emergency services. Request police assistance and medical help if anyone is injured.

An official police report is often one of the most important pieces of evidence in a hit-and-run claim.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek prompt medical evaluation.

Adrenaline can mask symptoms of:

• Concussions
• Internal injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Prompt treatment also creates important medical documentation connecting your injuries to the crash.

4. Document the Scene

If you’re physically able:

• Photograph vehicle damage.
• Photograph skid marks and debris.
• Take pictures of the roadway and surrounding area.
• Record the date, time, weather, and location.

5. Gather Witness Information

Witnesses may have seen:

• The fleeing vehicle
• The license plate
• The direction the driver traveled
• Traffic signal conditions

Even partial information can help investigators.

6. Report the Accident to the NYPD

A prompt police report is essential. It creates an official record of the hit-and-run and may support future insurance or legal claims. You should also notify your own insurance company promptly after the accident.

You deserve a law firm that prioritizes your recovery. Contact Hill & Moin LLP before speaking extensively with insurance adjusters about a serious hit-and-run accident.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to:

• Exchange information
• Provide insurance details
• Render aid when required
• Notify law enforcement when required

Hit-and-run accidents may involve:

• Passenger vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Commercial vehicles
• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Parked vehicles

Leaving the scene after an accident can result in significant criminal penalties, but those proceedings are separate from your civil injury claim.

What If the Driver Is Never Found?

One of the biggest concerns after a hit-and-run is whether compensation is still available.

The answer is often yes.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

In New York, uninsured motorist coverage generally protects insured drivers, certain household family members, and occupants of the covered vehicle when they are injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. If the fleeing driver cannot be identified, your own policy may provide bodily injury benefits through UM coverage.

Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM/UIM) Coverage

If the at-fault driver is identified but carries insufficient insurance, Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage may provide additional protection if you purchased it.

No-Fault Benefits

Regardless of who caused the accident, New York’s No-Fault system may provide benefits for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Certain out-of-pocket expenses

No-Fault benefits and UM claims serve different purposes and may both be available depending on the circumstances.

Common Injuries After a Hit-and-Run

Victims frequently suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Broken bones
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Emotional trauma

Because many injuries worsen over time, continuing medical treatment is often essential.

What Evidence Can Help Your Claim?

Strong documentation may significantly strengthen your case.

Helpful evidence includes:

• Police reports
• Photographs
• Surveillance video
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Diagnostic imaging
• Vehicle damage estimates
• Cell phone photographs
• Nearby business security footage

Our attorneys work quickly to preserve evidence before it disappears.

How Compensation May Be Available

Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:

Potential Damages	Examples
Medical expenses	Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation
Lost wages	Missed work and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering	Physical pain and emotional distress
Future medical care	Ongoing treatment and therapy
Permanent disability	Long-term impairment and lifestyle changes

The amount available depends on your injuries, applicable insurance coverage, and the available evidence.

Common Mistakes After a Hit-and-Run

Avoid these common errors:

• Leaving the scene without calling police
• Delaying medical treatment
• Failing to photograph the accident scene
• Waiting too long to notify your insurer
• Assuming you cannot recover compensation because the driver fled
• Accepting an insurance settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries

Early legal guidance can help preserve both evidence and your legal rights.

How an Attorney Can Help

Hit-and-run cases often require detailed investigation.

An attorney can assist by:

• Obtaining surveillance footage
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Evaluating UM and SUM coverage
• Calculating future damages
• Negotiating settlements
• Litigating the claim when necessary

Even when the at-fault driver is never identified, legal options may still exist.

Don’t wait—your future starts with one phone call. Hill & Moin LLP can evaluate your hit-and-run case and explain every available source of compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Hit and Run

What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident?

Move to a safe location, call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect witness information if possible, report the accident to the NYPD, and notify your insurance company promptly.

What if the driver is never found?

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you qualify. Depending on your policy and the circumstances, No-Fault benefits and, in some cases, SUM coverage may also be available.

Do I have to report a hit-and-run to the police?

Yes. Reporting the accident promptly helps create an official record, may assist investigators in locating the driver, and can be important when pursuing insurance benefits or legal claims.

Can I receive compensation even if the other driver is never identified?

Possibly. Many injured victims recover benefits through their own insurance policies under New York’s uninsured motorist provisions when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

Should I speak with a lawyer after a hit-and-run?

If you suffered significant injuries, have questions about UM or No-Fault coverage, or are facing disputes with an insurance company, consulting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and available options.

Contact Hill & Moin LLP

A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future—but the fact that the other driver fled does not necessarily mean your case is over. New York law may provide important insurance protections even when the at-fault driver is never identified.

When your health, livelihood, or family’s future is on the line, every decision matters. Contact Hill & Moin LLP today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your hit-and-run accident and the compensation that may be available. Complete our contact form or call us at (212) 668-6000.