Hit-and-Run Accidents in New York: How to Protect Your Rights—Even If the Driver Fled

A hit-and-run leaves more than dented metal. It leaves questions: Who will pay my medical bills? Will insurance help if I don’t know who hit me? What do I do next? The truth is, you still have strong options in New York—even when the other driver disappears. Here’s a clear, step-by-step game plan to protect your health, your timeline, and your claim.

 

Start with safety—and create a record

 

Move to a safe place and call 911. Get medical care, even if you “feel fine.” Concussions, neck and back injuries, and internal damage can surface hours or days later. When police arrive, share every detail you can remember—vehicle color, make, direction of travel, even a partial plate. That report becomes an anchor for your claim.

 

If you’re able, take a few quick photos: your vehicle, the intersection or roadway, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, the weather, and any visible injuries. Collect contact info for witnesses and note nearby cameras—corner stores, apartment buildings, bus routes, and traffic poles often capture valuable footage that can be requested before it’s erased.

 

Use New York’s no-fault to get care started

 

New York is a no-fault state. That means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can cover medical treatment and part of your lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. There’s paperwork and a short window to file, so don’t wait. Keep every bill, receipt, and doctor’s note; consistent treatment not only helps you heal, it shows insurers your injuries are real and related to the crash.

 

UM/SUM coverage: your quiet safety net

 

In a hit-and-run, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage often steps in to pay for losses like pain and suffering once you meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. Many New Yorkers also carry Supplementary UM (SUM) for higher limits. These policies usually require prompt notice after a collision, so it’s smart to have an attorney review your policy language and handle the notice for you.

 

No policy to turn to? MVAIC may cover you

 

If you don’t have an applicable auto policy—common for pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers—New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) can be a lifeline. It has strict requirements and tight deadlines (including quick police reporting and a formal “Notice of Intention”), but when used correctly it can provide both medical coverage and compensation for injuries. This is exactly the kind of time-sensitive filing a law firm can handle while you focus on getting better.

 

Deadlines that matter (and can make or break a claim)

 

Hit-and-run cases are all about timing. Beyond the immediate police report and medical care, there are layers of deadlines—for no-fault forms, UM/SUM notice, MVAIC filings, and, if needed, a personal-injury lawsuit. Some claims involving city or state entities have especially short notice periods. If you’re unsure where you stand, ask a lawyer now rather than guessing; missing a date can close a door that should have stayed open.

 

What not to do after a hit-and-run

 

Don’t chase the fleeing driver—your safety comes first. Don’t delay medical treatment or skip follow-ups—gaps in care give insurers ammunition. And don’t give a recorded statement to any insurer (even your own) before you understand your coverage; it’s easy to say something that gets taken out of context.

 

How a lawyer adds real value—fast

 

Even without the other driver’s name, a focused legal team can build your case quickly:

  • Footage hunt: We canvas businesses, residences, buses, and traffic cameras and send preservation letters so video doesn’t get overwritten.

  • Data and documents: We coordinate medical records, incident reports, and, where relevant, telematics or dashcam data.

  • Coverage strategy: We stack the right benefits in the right order—no-fault for treatment, UM/SUM for broader losses, and MVAIC if you qualify.

  • Negotiation leverage: We prepare as if trial is possible. That readiness often leads to stronger settlement offers.

 

Why injured New Yorkers choose Litman Law Firm

 

If you’re searching Litman Law Firm NYC, reading Litman Law Firm reviews, or looking up Jeff Litman attorney / Jeffrey Litman lawyer, you’re likely looking for straight talk, quick action, and results. That’s our approach—whether your crash happened in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or Long Island, and whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist.

  • Free consultation, 24/7. Speak with a New York personal injury lawyer when it works for you.

  • No fee unless we win. Standard contingency representation means you don’t pay upfront.

  • Local, accessible, and bilingual. Ask for a Spanish-speaking personal injury lawyer NYC if you prefer.

 

Quick answers

 

Can I recover if the driver is never found?

Often yes—through UM/SUM on your own policy or MVAIC if you qualify.

 

What if I don’t own a car?
You may still be covered as a pedestrian or cyclist through a household policy; if not, MVAIC may be available.

 

Do I really need a lawyer?
Hit-and-run cases hinge on deadlines, coverage notices, and fast evidence preservation. Having a team handle those moving parts can make a significant difference.

 

Talk to a New York hit-and-run lawyer today

 

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Litman Law Firm for a free, confidential case review with an NYC personal injury attorney. We’ll explain your options, protect every deadline, and start the investigation immediately.