What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in New York

Law for Hit and Run Accidents in New York

If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run car accident in New York, it’s critical to understand your rights under New York law. These cases are complex—especially when the negligent driver flees the scene and is not immediately identified.

Victims of NYC hit and run accidents or Westchester County hit and run crashes may still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, a hit and run insurance claim, or by pursuing other liable parties. Taking action quickly is essential: report the crash to the police, seek immediate medical treatment, and consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process.

At Curan & Ahlers, our team of seasoned New York hit and run lawyers has decades of experience fighting for victims injured in hit and run car accidents, pedestrian hit and run incidents, and uninsured driver claims. We know how to investigate these cases, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.

What Is Considered a Hit and Run Accident in New York?

A hit and run accident in New York occurs when a driver is involved in a collision but fails to stop, exchange information, or render aid, instead fleeing the scene. These incidents may involve hit and run car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or property damage crashes.

Under New York hit and run laws, drivers are legally required to remain at the scene, provide their contact and insurance information, and assist anyone injured. Failing to do so can result in serious criminal charges, license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time—especially when a hit and run injury accident in NYC or Westchester County is involved.

Because victims of New York hit and run accidents often face complex insurance and liability issues, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical to recovering damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Curan & Ahlers, we fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation victims deserve.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident in New York State?

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident in New York, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, check yourself and passengers for injuries; if anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to a secure spot to avoid further accidents.

Document the scene thoroughly: take photos of your vehicle, the damage, and the surrounding area. Write down the time, location, and any details you recall about the fleeing driver’s vehicle, such as make, model, color, or partial license plate number. If witnesses are present, collect their contact information, as their statements may be vital in your New York hit and run claim.

Always report the hit and run crash to the police as soon as possible and provide them with all the evidence you’ve gathered. Then, notify your insurance company to initiate the claims process. Because hit and run accidents in NYC and Westchester often involve complex insurance coverage, it’s wise to consult a skilled personal injury attorney.

At Curan & Ahlers, our team of New York hit and run lawyers can help preserve critical evidence, guide you through uninsured motorist coverage claims, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages.

How Do You File a Police Report After a Hit and Run Accident in New York?

To file a police report after a hit and run accident in New York, follow these steps:

Ensure Safety: First, make sure you and any passengers are safe. Move to a secure location if necessary.

Call the Police: Dial 911 to report the accident. Provide the dispatcher with your location, the nature of the accident, and any injuries.

Wait for Law Enforcement: Stay at the scene until the police arrive. 

Provide Information: When the police arrive, explain the situation clearly. Provide them with the details you collected, including information about the other vehicle (if available) and any witness accounts.

Get a Copy of the Report: After the police complete their investigation, request a copy of the police report. This document is essential for your insurance claim and any potential legal actions.

Follow Up: Follow up with the police department to ensure the report is filed correctly.

 When you report a hit and run in NYC and promptly file a police report, you document the incident, which is important for any insurance claims or legal actions that follow.

How to Gather Evidence for a Hit and Run Accident Claim in New York

Building a strong hit and run accident claim in New York begins with thorough and organized evidence collection. Start by taking clear photos of your vehicle, the damage, and the accident scene from multiple angles. Be sure to note skid marks, debris, and traffic signals. Record witness names, contact information, and statements. Write down your own detailed recollection of the crash, including identifying details about the other vehicle involved in the NYC hit and run accident—such as make, model, color, or partial license plate number.

File a police report as soon as possible and request a copy for your records, since this is critical in pursuing a New York hit and run insurance claim. If you were injured, gather all medical records, bills, and documentation of treatment. Keep receipts, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company. Maintaining a journal of how the hit and run accident impacts your daily life can also help demonstrate pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages.

Because these cases often involve uninsured motorist claims and complex liability issues, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential. At Curan & Ahlers, our skilled New York hit and run attorneys preserve critical evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight to maximize compensation for victims across Westchester County and NYC.

Can You File an Insurance Claim After a Hit and Run in New York?

Yes — you can file an insurance claim after a hit and run accident in New York. Victims are often protected through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is required by New York hit and run laws. This coverage applies when the negligent driver cannot be identified, ensuring you still have a pathway to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

When filing a New York hit and run insurance claim, your insurance company will review the details of the accident, determine applicable coverage, and process your claim. However, insurance carriers often look for ways to limit payouts, making it critical to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Hit and Run in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a hit and run personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. This same three-year deadline also applies if you’re seeking compensation for property damage from a New York hit and run crash.

If you’re pursuing compensation under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you must notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have strict timelines for reporting hit and run accidents in NYC and Westchester County, and failing to meet those deadlines can jeopardize your claim.

Because missing these time limits can bar you from recovering damages, it’s important to take action quickly. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your claim is filed properly and on time. At Curan & Ahlers, our New York hit and run lawyers help victims navigate filing deadlines, preserve evidence, and pursue maximum compensation after serious accidents.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Hit and Run Accident?

After a hit and run accident in New York, victims have several legal options to pursue compensation for their injuries and damages. The first is filing a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in New York and provides benefits when the at-fault driver is not identified. This type of New York hit and run insurance claim may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Filing a police report is also essential, as it documents the accident and may help law enforcement identify the responsible driver. If the fleeing driver is located, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them directly for additional compensation.

Because insurance companies often dispute or undervalue these claims, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. At Curan & Ahlers, our seasoned New York hit and run accident attorneys guide victims through the claims process, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and pursue lawsuits when necessary. We fight to maximize recovery for hit and run crash victims in NYC, White Plains, Yonkers, and Westchester County.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run Driver in New York?

In New York, penalties for hit and run drivers depend on the accident's circumstances and severity. Minor accidents resulting in property damage may lead to misdemeanor charges, with fines up to $1,000, up to a year in jail, and points on the driver’s license. Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries is a Class E felony, carrying a potential four-year prison sentence. If a fatality occurs, the charge may escalate to a Class D felony, with up to seven years in prison. The New York DMV may impose administrative penalties, including license suspension or revocation, underscoring the importance of remaining at the scene.

Can You Still Get Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

In New York City, if you're involved in a hit and run accident and the responsible driver is never found, you can still seek compensation through your insurance, if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects if there is an unidentified driver. Promptly reporting the hit and run to the police is important. Consulting a personal injury attorney can guide you through the claims process, increasing your chances of receiving compensation despite the driver's absence.

How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer for Hit and Run Cases in New York

To find a hit and run accident attorney in New York City, contact us at Curan & Ahlers for a complimentary consultation. Our lawyers specialize in hit and run accident cases. We fight for your rights with insurance companies and can litigate your case in court if needed. We don’t charge any fees until we win your case and we fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. We’ve won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today to review your case.