Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY

A hit-and-run accident leaves victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the frustration of a driver who fled the scene. If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Queens, Parker Waichman LLP helps accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of hit-and-run cases and work to identify responsible parties and hold them accountable.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Hit and Run Case

Our firm brings decades of combined experience to hit-and-run cases. Parker Waichman LLP has recovered over $2 billion for clients across all practice areas, including substantial settlements and verdicts in motor vehicle accident cases. We serve Queens and the surrounding areas from multiple New York office locations, including our Forest Hills office at 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, giving us deep knowledge of local roads, intersections, and common accident patterns.

When you work with Parker Waichman LLP, you get a team committed to investigating your case thoroughly. We work with accident reconstruction experts, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and pursue every available avenue to identify the hit-and-run driver. If the driver cannot be located, we help you access uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy—a critical resource many victims don’t know about.

We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Your focus should be on healing, and ours is on fighting for your rights.

Our Approach to Hit and Run Claims

We treat each case individually, evaluating the specific facts, injuries, and available evidence. Our goal is to maximize your recovery while minimizing stress on you and your family. Whether your case involves a catastrophic injury or wrongful death, we bring the same level of dedication and expertise to every matter.

What Happens in a Hit and Run Accident

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

Drivers flee hit-and-run scenes for various reasons. Some panic after the collision. Others lack valid insurance or have suspended licenses. Some fear legal consequences for other violations. Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene is a crime in New York—and it leaves victims without immediate access to the at-fault driver’s insurance.

The statistics are sobering. In 2022, New York City police reported 43,108 hit-and-run accidents. Of those, only 375 drivers were arrested. This means the vast majority of hit-and-run victims must pursue alternative paths to compensation, often through their own insurance coverage or by identifying the driver through investigation.

New York’s Hit and Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on whether injuries occurred. Victims can report hit-and-run accidents to police and pursue civil claims for damages. Queens residents injured in hit-and-run accidents have specific legal protections and remedies available under New York law. Our New York City personal injury attorneys are well-versed in these protections and can guide you through the legal process.

Identifying the Responsible Party

One of the biggest challenges in hit-and-run cases is locating the driver. Unlike typical car accidents, where both parties exchange information at the scene, hit-and-run victims must rely on other evidence to identify the responsible party.

Parker Waichman LLP uses multiple investigative strategies to locate hit-and-run drivers. We obtain and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential properties. We interview witnesses who may have seen the vehicle or driver. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the collision and narrow down the vehicle type and likely direction of travel.

We also review police reports thoroughly. Officers often document vehicle descriptions, damage patterns, and witness statements that can help identify the driver. In some cases, the vehicle is located days or weeks after the accident, and we work with police to connect it to your case. This investigative approach is similar to our work in pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, where identifying liable parties is equally critical.

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, but strict 90-day filing deadlines apply.

Types of Compensation Available

Hit and run victims can recover several categories of damages:

Economic damages cover your financial losses. This includes all medical expenses—emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing treatment, and future medical care related to your injuries. It also includes lost wages if you missed work during recovery, and property damage to your vehicle.

Non-economic damages compensate you for pain, suffering, and emotional impact. These damages account for the physical pain you endured, the emotional distress of being hit and abandoned, and the loss of enjoyment of life during your recovery period. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, these damages can be substantial.

If the hit-and-run driver is identified and found liable, punitive damages may be available. These damages punish the driver for the reckless act of fleeing the scene and deter similar behavior in the future.

The total value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of available evidence, your medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates each case individually to determine realistic settlement ranges and trial value.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

Your actions immediately after a hit-and-run accident can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:

Call 911 immediately. New York law requires that a hit-and-run accident be reported to the police within 24 hours 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, leaving you with no source of recovery.

Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records document your injuries and create a timeline connecting them to the accident. This documentation is essential for building a strong personal injury claim.

Gather evidence at the scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and surrounding area. Get contact information from witnesses. Note the time, date, weather conditions, and any other details you remember.

Preserve all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. Keep documentation of lost wages and any other expenses resulting from the accident.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Our attorneys protect your rights and handle all communications with insurers.

Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media, and posts can be used to undermine your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents

What should I do if I’m hit by a car and the driver flees?

Call 911 immediately and report the accident to police. Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel injured. Gather information from witnesses and take photos of the scene if safe. Then contact Parker Waichman LLP to discuss your legal options. Our team can help you understand your rights and the compensation available in hit-and-run cases.

How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in Queens?

New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, you should act quickly to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and begin your case. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. The sooner you contact a Queens personal injury attorney, the better we can protect your interests.

Can I recover compensation if the driver is never found?

Yes. If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, your own auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage applies to hit and run accidents and can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We help clients navigate these insurance claims to maximize their recovery.

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

New York follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000.

How much is a hit-and-run settlement worth?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other factors. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates each case individually. We’ve recovered millions in hit-and-run and motor vehicle accident cases, and we work to maximize your recovery.

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

Many hit-and-run cases settle before trial. However, Parker Waichman LLP prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and often leads to better settlements. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re ready to take your case to trial.

What evidence helps prove a hit-and-run case?

Strong evidence includes surveillance footage, witness testimony, police reports, vehicle descriptions, medical records documenting your injuries, and expert analysis of the accident scene. The more evidence we gather, the stronger your case becomes. Our team has extensive experience with accident investigation and knows how to build compelling cases.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Queens, don’t face this alone. Parker Waichman LLP offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call 800-968-7529 today to speak with an experienced hit and run attorney.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We serve Queens and all of New York, with office locations throughout the region. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.