Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn, you need a hit-and-run accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it complicates your path to recovery. Parker Waichman LLP helps victims like you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve. With over $2 billion recovered for clients and decades of experience handling motor vehicle accidents, our team stands ready to fight for your rights.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Hit and Run Case

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP, you gain access to a team with proven results in complex accident cases. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, brings 40+ years of legal experience to every case. We have recovered over $2 billion for clients across all practice areas, including substantial settlements in motor vehicle accident cases. One Canadian family received a $10 million settlement after a collision with a tractor-trailer that caused brain damage and multiple fractures. Another client recovered $3.51 million for severe injuries sustained in a car accident.

We maintain a Brooklyn office at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, giving us local knowledge of Brooklyn’s streets, courts, and insurance practices. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We offer 24/7 consultations because we understand accidents can happen at any time. Our team includes multiple attorneys recognized in Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers publications, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in personal injury law. View our verdicts and settlements to see the results we’ve achieved for clients.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact information, insurance details, or assistance to injured parties. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident, provide their name and address, show their driver’s license and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Hit and run accidents differ from standard motor vehicle accidents in important ways. In a typical accident, you can identify the at-fault driver immediately and file a claim with their insurance company. In a hit-and-run, the responsible driver may be unknown, making your case more complex. Under New York law, there are three levels of hit and run violations: leaving the scene of property damage only, leaving the scene of an accident causing injury, and leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury. The severity affects both criminal penalties and your civil recovery options.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Brooklyn

First, call 911 immediately. New York law requires that a hit-and-run accident be reported to the police within 24 hours (or as soon as reasonably possible) to remain eligible for Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits. If you wait longer than one day, your insurance company may have grounds to deny your claim entirely. If you can safely do so, document the scene with photos and video of vehicle damage, road conditions, and surrounding area.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries develop over hours or days. Medical records establish the connection between the accident and your injuries. Preserve all evidence: keep your damaged vehicle, photograph your injuries, and save all medical bills and receipts. If witnesses were present, get their names and contact information. Notify your insurance carrier immediately. In New York, you generally have only 30 days from the date of the accident to file a No-Fault application for medical benefits and lost wages. Missing this strict deadline can result in a denial of benefits, which makes retaining counsel early essential. The sooner we begin investigating, the better we can protect your rights.

How Parker Waichman LLP Investigates Hit and Run Cases

Our investigation process goes beyond the police report. We obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential properties. We interview witnesses who may have seen the fleeing vehicle or driver. We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the collision dynamics to determine vehicle type, size, and direction of travel.

We use vehicle tracking technology and work with law enforcement to identify potential suspects. We review medical records to document your injuries and connect them to the accident. We gather employment records to calculate lost wages. We obtain insurance policy information to identify all available coverage sources. This thorough approach builds a strong case whether we negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial. Our Brooklyn personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with hit-and-run investigations.

Damages Available in Brooklyn Hit and Run Accidents

You can recover several categories of damages in a hit-and-run case. Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages cover income you missed while recovering. Lost earning capacity applies when injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning level.

Pain and suffering compensates you for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Permanent disability or disfigurement damages address lasting effects of your injuries. Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement costs. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Unlike some states, New York imposes no threshold that bars recovery—you can recover compensation even if you are mostly responsible for the accident. Learn more about New York’s comparative negligence law.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage. If you own a vehicle, your own UM coverage applies. However, if you are a pedestrian or cyclist who does not own a car (and does not live with someone who does), we can help you file a claim with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This state agency provides compensation to hit-and-run victims who have no other insurance options. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.

New York’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. PIP coverage has policy limits that vary by insurer and policy type. Contact your insurance provider for specific limits on your policy. For serious injuries, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your UM/UIM coverage. Parker Waichman LLP maximizes your recovery by identifying all available insurance sources and negotiating aggressively with insurers. Learn more about New York’s no-fault insurance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents

What is the statute of limitations for a hit-and-run accident claim in New York?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. This deadline is critical. If you miss it, you lose your right to recover damages. For minors, the statute of limitations is extended—they have 3 years after reaching age 18 to file suit. Contact Parker Waichman LLP immediately to ensure your claim is filed within the deadline.

Can I recover damages if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

Yes. Your uninsured motorist coverage applies even when the driver is never identified. You file a claim with your own insurance company, which pays your damages up to your policy limits. Parker Waichman LLP handles the entire claims process, negotiating with your insurer to maximize your recovery. This is why having adequate uninsured motorist coverage is essential.

What if I was partially at fault for the hit-and-run accident?

New York’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Unlike some states, New York imposes no threshold that bars recovery—you can recover compensation even if you are mostly responsible for the accident. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the other driver was 80% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages. Parker Waichman LLP works to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.

How much is my hit-and-run case worth?

Your case value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, your age and earning capacity, and the strength of liability evidence. A minor injury case might settle for $10,000 to $50,000. A serious injury case could be worth $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on case factors. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates each case individually and provides a realistic assessment of its value. Review our case results for examples of settlements we’ve secured.

How long does a hit-and-run case take to settle?

Most hit-and-run cases settle within 6 to 18 months. The timeline depends on case complexity, how long the investigation takes, and how quickly the insurance company responds. Some cases resolve faster if liability is clear and injuries are straightforward. Others take longer if we must pursue litigation. Parker Waichman LLP‘s experience helps expedite cases without sacrificing your recovery.

Do I need to go to trial for my hit-and-run case?

Most cases settle before trial. However, Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to litigate if necessary. We have extensive trial experience and the resources to take your case all the way to a jury verdict. Insurance companies know we will fight in court, which motivates them to offer fair settlements. Our Brooklyn accident attorneys have successfully litigated complex hit-and-run cases.

What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?

Parker Waichman LLP appeals insurance denials and pursues litigation against the insurer if necessary. We file appeals with detailed documentation of your injuries and damages. If the insurer continues to deny your claim, we file a lawsuit. Insurance companies must act in good faith. When they deny valid claims, we hold them accountable.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

You do not pay anything upfront. Parker Waichman LLP works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Call (718) 554-8055 today for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case. We maintain an office in Brooklyn at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, making it convenient to meet with us. Let Parker Waichman LLP help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Related Posts

• Hit and Run Accidents: What You Need to Know
• The Importance of a Police Report in Your Car Accident Case
• Understanding Pain and Suffering Damages in New York
• Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer: Your Guide to Recovery
• Pedestrian Accidents in Brooklyn: Legal Rights and Compensation

Additional Resources

For more information about Brooklyn personal injury cases, explore our comprehensive guides on pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death claims.