With over $2 billion recovered for injury victims and decades of experience handling hit and run accident cases throughout New York City, our legal team has the resources and knowledge necessary to investigate hit-and-run accidents thoroughly. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case.
When a driver flees the scene after causing an accident, victims face unique challenges in recovering compensation for their injuries. At Parker Waichman LLP, our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers in New York City understand the challenges of these cases and work hard to identify responsible parties and secure compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Hit-and-Run Case
Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience and a proven track record of success to hit-and-run accident cases throughout New York City. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients, including substantial settlements and verdicts in complex accident cases that required extensive investigation and litigation.
Comprehensive Investigation Resources: Our legal team understands the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases and has the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations. We work with leading accident reconstruction professionals, private investigators, and forensic professionals to identify responsible parties and build the strongest possible case for our clients.
Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous hit-and-run cases, recovering millions of dollars for victims throughout New York City. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims and have the experience necessary to counter their strategies effectively.
No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. This “No Recovery = No Fees” policy helps financial concerns not prevent accident victims from accessing quality legal representation.
Convenient Locations: Our firm maintains multiple office locations throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island, making it convenient for clients to meet with our attorneys. We also have offices in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County. We also offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Client-Focused Approach: We understand that hit-and-run accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave victims feeling vulnerable and confused. Our attorneys provide compassionate, personalized attention to each client while aggressively pursuing compensation for their injuries and losses.
24/7 Availability: Hit-and-run accidents can happen at any time, and we understand that victims may need immediate assistance. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to handle emergency situations and begin investigating your case promptly.
Multilingual Services: Our diverse legal team can communicate with clients in multiple languages, helping language barriers not prevent accident victims from receiving quality legal representation.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in NYC
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, render aid, or report the incident to authorities. In New York City’s congested streets and fast-paced traffic environment, these accidents happen with alarming frequency throughout the five boroughs.
Hit-and-run accidents often result in more severe consequences than typical collisions because victims may not receive immediate medical attention. The fleeing driver’s actions compound the trauma by leaving victims without crucial information needed for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Many victims experience not only physical injuries but also emotional distress from the shock of being abandoned at the scene.
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 establishes clear requirements for all drivers involved in accidents. The law mandates that drivers must stop at the scene, exchange information with other parties, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons. Failing to comply with these requirements constitutes leaving the scene of an accident, a serious criminal offense.
The penalties for hit-and-run accidents in New York escalate based on the severity of the incident:
Property Damage Only: When a hit-and-run involves only property damage, the offense is classified as a traffic infraction. Penalties include fines up to $250 and potential jail time of up to 15 days. The driver’s license may also face a 6-month revocation period.
Personal Injury: Hit-and-run accidents involving personal injury constitute a misdemeanor offense. For failure to provide information only, it is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. For leaving the scene of an injury accident, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. Convicted drivers face up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and mandatory 6-month license revocation. The court may also order community service and restitution to victims.
Serious Physical Injury: When hit-and-run accidents result in serious physical injury, the offense becomes a Class E felony. Penalties include up to four years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and 6-month license revocation. Serious physical injury includes conditions that create substantial risk of death or cause serious disfigurement.
Death: Hit-and-run accidents resulting in death constitute a Class D felony, the most severe classification. Convicted drivers face up to seven years in prison, fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, and 6-month license revocation.
Beyond criminal penalties, hit-and-run drivers face civil liability for all damages caused by their actions. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses suffered by victims. Civil liability exists regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes.
Common Injuries from Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents frequently result in severe injuries due to the sudden, unexpected nature of these collisions and potential delays in receiving medical care. The force of impact, combined with the victim’s vulnerability and the driver’s failure to render aid, often leads to serious medical consequences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma is common in hit-and-run accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians and cyclists. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring long-term rehabilitation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact from hit-and-run accidents can cause spinal cord damage resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and lifelong care. Victims may face paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other forms of permanent disability.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Multiple bone fractures are common in hit-and-run accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention, metal implants, and extended rehabilitation periods. Some fractures result in permanent limitations or chronic pain.
Internal Injuries: The force of collision can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening internal injuries. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen rapidly without prompt medical attention. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and intensive care.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, muscle strains, burns, and ligament damage are frequent consequences of hit-and-run accidents. While these injuries may seem minor initially, they can cause chronic pain and mobility limitations that affect victims’ quality of life and ability to work.
Immediate Medical Attention After a Hit-and-Run
Seeking immediate medical attention after a hit-and-run accident is important for several reasons. First, adrenaline and shock can mask serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue injuries can worsen without prompt treatment, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Emergency medical documentation also provides important evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Hospital records, diagnostic tests, and physician notes create an official record linking injuries directly to the accident. This documentation becomes particularly important in hit-and-run cases where other evidence may be limited.
Even if injuries seem minor, having a medical professional evaluate your condition protects your health and preserves your legal rights. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in NYC
The moments following a hit-and-run accident are important for protecting your health, preserving evidence, and building a strong legal case. Your actions immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to police and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Police response creates an official accident report documenting the incident, which becomes important evidence in your case. Provide the dispatcher with your exact location and a clear description of what happened.
Gather Vehicle Information: If you can safely do so, try to collect as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle. Note the license plate number (even partial numbers can help), make, model, color, year, and any distinguishing features such as damage, bumper stickers, or unique modifications. This information helps law enforcement identify the responsible driver.
Look for Witnesses: Identify anyone who may have witnessed the accident or seen the fleeing vehicle. Ask for their contact information and request that they remain at the scene to speak with police. Witness testimony can provide important details about the accident and help corroborate your account of events.
Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, your visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Capture skid marks, debris, traffic signals, street signs, and any other relevant details. These photos preserve evidence that may disappear before investigators can examine the scene.
Preserve Physical Evidence: Do not move your vehicle unless instructed by police or if it poses a safety hazard. Physical evidence, such as paint transfer, broken glass, or vehicle parts, can help identify the hit-and-run vehicle. If you must move your car, photograph its position first.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance adjuster and company as soon as possible. Many policies require prompt notification of accidents, and delays can complicate your claim. Provide factual information about the incident without speculating about fault or accepting blame.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and having medical documentation from expert witnesses soon after the accident strengthens your case.
Avoid Discussing the Case: Do not discuss details of the accident with anyone other than the police, your insurance company, and your attorney. Statements made to others could potentially be used against you later, especially on social media.
How Parker Waichman LLP Investigates Hit-and-Run Cases
At Parker Waichman LLP, our experienced legal team employs comprehensive investigation techniques to identify hit-and-run drivers and build strong cases for our clients. Our investigation process begins immediately upon taking your case, as evidence can disappear quickly and witness memories can fade.
Law Enforcement Collaboration: We work closely with the New York Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to obtain police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence. Our attorneys maintain professional relationships with investigators and can often access information that might not be readily available to individual victims.
Surveillance Footage Analysis: Our team systematically examines traffic cameras, security cameras from nearby businesses, and residential surveillance systems that may have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle. We canvas the area thoroughly, often discovering footage that law enforcement may have missed during their initial investigation.
Accident Reconstruction: We work with leading accident reconstruction professionals who can analyze the physical evidence to determine vehicle speed, direction of travel, and impact forces. This analysis can help identify the type of vehicle involved and provide important details about how the accident occurred.
Canvassing Operations: Our investigators conduct door-to-door canvassing in the area where the accident occurred, speaking with residents and business owners who may have witnessed the incident or have additional surveillance footage. We also check with local auto body shops and repair facilities for vehicles matching the description of the hit-and-run vehicle.
Technology Resources: We utilize advanced technology and databases to track down potential suspects. This includes analyzing cell phone tower data, reviewing social media posts, and examining vehicle registration records to identify possible matches.
Professional Witness Network: Our firm maintains relationships with various professional witnesses, including medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and forensic professionals who can provide testimony supporting your case.
When we identify the hit-and-run driver, we thoroughly investigate their insurance coverage, assets, and ability to pay damages. This information helps us develop the most effective strategy for recovering compensation for our clients.
Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims
Hit-and-run accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case and the extent of their injuries. Understanding the types of damages available helps victims make informed decisions about pursuing legal action and helps them seek appropriate compensation for all their losses.
Medical Expenses: Victims can recover compensation for all medical costs related to treating injuries from the hit-and-run accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Future medical expenses are also recoverable when injuries require long-term treatment.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. This includes salary, hourly wages, overtime, bonuses, and other employment benefits you would have earned. If injuries result in permanent disability affecting your ability to earn income, you may also recover damages for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate victims for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. These damages recognize that injuries affect more than just financial circumstances and can significantly impact quality of life.
Property Damage: Compensation covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident. This includes the fair market value of a totaled vehicle, rental car expenses during repairs, and personal items inside the car at the time of the accident.
Disability and Disfigurement: Permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulting from hit-and-run accidents may warrant additional compensation. These damages account for the long-term impact of injuries on the victim’s life, relationships, and future opportunities.
Loss of Consortium: Spouses of hit-and-run victims may recover damages for loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from their partner’s injuries.
The amount of compensation available depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, impact on daily life, age of the victim, and degree of fault. An experienced car accident attorney in New York City can evaluate your case and help determine the full extent of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Claims
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides important protection for hit-and-run accident victims when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate insurance. This coverage serves as a safety net, helping victims still recover compensation even when the responsible party remains unknown.
How UM Coverage Works: In New York, insurance companies are required to provide uninsured motorist coverage as part of all auto insurance policies according to New York State Department of Financial Services regulations. UM coverage treats hit-and-run accidents as if they were caused by an uninsured driver, allowing victims to file claims with their own insurance company for damages up to the policy limits.
Coverage Requirements: To successfully claim UM benefits for a hit-and-run accident, you must report the incident to police promptly and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance company may require proof that reasonable efforts were made to identify the hit-and-run driver, such as police reports and witness statements.
Types of Coverage: UM coverage in New York focuses on bodily injury protection, paying for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other personal injury damages. Property damage coverage for hit-and-run accidents may be available through other portions of your policy.
Coverage Limits: UM coverage limits vary by policy, and victims should review their coverage carefully to understand what benefits are available. Higher coverage limits provide greater protection but come with increased premiums. Many attorneys recommend carrying UM coverage equal to your liability limits.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize UM claims or deny coverage based on technicalities. Having an experienced attorney represent you helps your insurance company handle your claim fairly and helps you receive the full benefits available under your policy.
Working with a knowledgeable NYC personal injury lawyer can help handle the challenges of UM coverage and help you receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in NYC?
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Try to gather information about the fleeing vehicle, including license plate numbers, make, model, and color. Look for witnesses and ask for their contact information. Take photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the incident.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline, and insurance claims may have shorter notification requirements. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and help all deadlines are met.
an I recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance policies, even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified. Your own insurance policy may provide coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced attorney can help you understand all available sources of compensation.
What evidence is needed to prove a hit-and-run case?
Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, medical records documenting your injuries, and any physical evidence from the scene, such as paint transfer or vehicle parts. The more evidence available, the stronger your case becomes.
How does uninsured motorist coverage work for hit-and-run accidents?
Uninsured motorist coverage treats hit-and-run accidents as if they were caused by an uninsured driver, allowing you to file a claim with your own insurance company. You must report the incident to the police promptly and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages up to your policy limits.
What damages can I recover in a hit-and-run accident case?
You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, and property damage compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim for a hit-and-run accident?
Generally, insurance rates should not increase for claims where you are not at fault, including hit-and-run accidents. However, insurance company practices vary, and some may still raise rates. An attorney can help you understand your rights and work with your insurance company to ensure fair treatment.
How long does it take to resolve a hit-and-run accident case?
The timeline for resolving hit-and-run cases varies depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, whether the responsible driver is identified, and the complexity of insurance issues. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or unidentified drivers may take longer. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline based on your case circumstances.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in New York City, contact Parker Waichman LLP for a free consultation. Our team of experienced attorneys is available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We understand the challenges you face after a hit-and-run accident and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Call our hit and run accident attorneys in New York City at 800-968-7529 now.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.
Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.
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