Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Port Washington, NY

If you were hit by another vehicle and the driver fled the scene, you’re not alone. Hit and run accidents happen every day in Port Washington and across New York, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the frustration of not knowing who caused their accident. The good news is that you have legal options to recover compensation, even when the at-fault driver is never found. Parker Waichman LLP has helped Port Washington residents recover millions of dollars in hit-and-run cases, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Hit and Run Claim

When you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident, you need an attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the emotional toll of your situation. Our founding partner brings 40+ years of personal injury law experience and has recovered over $2 billion for clients across all practice areas. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys knows how to investigate hit-and-run accidents, identify all available sources of compensation, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Port Washington headquarters puts us right in your community, and our multiple office locations across New York, New Jersey, and Florida allow us to serve clients nationwide. We pursue every avenue to recover damages for our clients, whether through uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance policy, or by identifying and holding the at-fault driver accountable.

We investigate thoroughly, negotiate strategically, and never pressure clients to accept inadequate settlements.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, contact information, or insurance details to the other parties involved. In New York, drivers are legally required to stop at the scene of any accident, provide their information, and remain until police arrive or until they’ve exchanged information with other parties, as outlined in New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 600.

Hit and run is both a criminal and civil matter. Criminally, leaving the scene of an accident is a violation or felony, depending on whether anyone was injured, under New York Penal Law § 600. Civilly, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. The important thing to understand is that the driver’s decision to flee doesn’t affect your right to recover damages. Whether the driver is found or never identified, you have legal remedies available to you.

How Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Port Washington

Hit and run accidents occur in many different situations throughout Port Washington. They happen in busy parking lots where drivers back into parked vehicles and drive away. They occur on residential streets when drivers lose control and hit parked cars. They happen at intersections when drivers run red lights and collide with other vehicles before fleeing. Some hit-and-run accidents involve minor property damage, while others result in serious injuries or death.

Drivers flee accident scenes for various reasons. Some panic after the collision. Others worry about their insurance rates or driving record. Some drivers are operating vehicles without valid licenses or insurance. Regardless of why the driver left, your right to compensation remains the same. You deserve to recover damages for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common injuries from hit-and-run collisions include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Recovering Damages in a Hit and Run Case

Hit and run victims can recover two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include all your financial losses from the accident. This includes medical bills, emergency room visits, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing medical treatment. It also includes lost wages if you missed work during your recovery, and property damage to your vehicle.

Non-economic damages compensate you for the non-financial impact of your injuries. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In serious cases involving permanent disability or catastrophic injuries, non-economic damages can be substantial.

One of the most important aspects of hit and run cases is identifying all available sources of compensation. If you have auto insurance, your 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 acts as the ‘insurer of last resort’ for hit-and-run victims. Parker Waichman LLP investigates your insurance policy thoroughly to identify all available coverage and pursues maximum compensation from every source.

Additionally, underinsured motorist coverage (called SUM coverage in New York) may be available if you purchased it as part of your policy. This coverage can provide additional compensation if the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are insufficient to cover your damages. Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience pursuing all available recovery sources for our clients, including uninsured motorist claims.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

The moments immediately following a hit-and-run accident are critical. If you’re able to do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent additional accidents. Call 911 immediately. To be eligible for Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits in a New York hit-and-run, you generally must file a police report within 24 hours of the accident. If you wait longer than one day, your insurance company can legally deny your claim entirely.

While waiting for pthe olice, document everything. Take photos and video of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Write down the description of the other vehicle, including color, make, model, and any visible damage. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle. This information is invaluable to your case.

Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury, don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates documentation of your injuries and begins your medical record, which is essential for your claim.

Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but don’t give a detailed statement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used against you. Once you contact Parker Waichman LLP, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf.

Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident and recovery. Save all medical bills, receipts for medications, documentation of lost wages, and records of any expenses related to your injury. These records form the foundation of your compensation claim. Preserve all evidence: photos, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and documentation of all expenses related to your accident and recovery.

How Parker Waichman LLP Handles Hit and Run Claims

When you hire Parker Waichman LLP to represent you in a hit-and-run case, we immediately begin a thorough investigation. We obtain the police report and review it for any leads on the at-fault driver. We interview witnesses and attempt to locate additional witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. We obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras that may have captured the accident or the other vehicle.

We work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to establish how the accident occurred and to support your claim. We review your insurance policy in detail to identify all available coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and any other relevant provisions.

We then negotiate with your insurance company to recover the maximum compensation available. We present evidence of your injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We explain the value of your case and demand fair compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and present your case to a jury.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed. You’ll know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what we expect to happen next. We answer your questions and address your concerns. We never pressure you to accept a settlement you’re not comfortable with. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible while respecting your wishes and timeline. View our verdicts and settlements to see the results we’ve achieved for clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Stop in a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 and report the accident to police. Document the scene with photos and video of your vehicle damage, the accident location, and any visible injuries. Write down a description of the other vehicle and get contact information from any witnesses. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t give a detailed statement without consulting an attorney first.

Can I recover damages if the driver is never found?

Yes. Your uninsured motorist coverage typically covers hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is never identified. This coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy and is designed specifically for situations like hit-and-run accidents. Coverage depends on your policy terms and timely reporting requirements. Parker Waichman LLP pursues all available recovery sources, including your own insurance policy, to ensure you receive full compensation.

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

You generally have three years… as established under New York CPLR § 214(5) (the standard statute for personal injury). CPLR § 214(2) applies to statutory penalties, which is technically different from a standard negligence injury lawsuit. However, insurance claims may have shorter deadlines, and evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. It’s important to contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

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

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Cases involving minor injuries and quick recovery may be worth less than cases involving serious injuries, surgery, or permanent disability. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates each case individually and pursues the maximum compensation available based on your specific circumstances.

Will my case go to trial?

Many personal injury cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive trial experience and are not afraid to present your case to a jury. We never pressure clients to accept inadequate settlements just to avoid trial.

Do I have to pay upfront legal fees?

No. Parker Waichman LLP works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fees come from the settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf. This means we’re motivated to recover the maximum compensation possible for you.

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

New York follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, as established under New York CPLR § 1411. (Note: The previous text cited CPLR 5031/5041, which relate to structured payment schedules, not liability rules. Citing the wrong statute can affect legal credibility. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Parker Waichman LLP fights to minimize any fault assigned to you and to maximize your recovery.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Port Washington or anywhere in New York, don’t wait to get legal help. Time is critical in hit-and-run cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to minimize their exposure. Parker Waichman LLP offers a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Call 800-968-7529 today to schedule a consultation. There’s no obligation, and you’ll speak with an experienced attorney who understands hit and run accidents and knows how to recover maximum compensation. We serve Port Washington, Long Island, and all of New York with offices throughout the region. Let Parker Waichman LLP fight for the compensation you deserve.