Hit-and-run car accidents are chaotic and stressful, especially when you’re left injured or without answers. Knowing what to do in a hit and run can make a huge difference in protecting your health, preserving evidence, and asserting your legal rights under New York law. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, our team understands how overwhelming these situations can be. We’re here to help you take the right next step.
What to Do in a Hit and Run If You’re the Victim
- Start with your safety: After a hit-and-run crash, the first move should be checking on yourself and anyone else in the vehicle. If you’re injured or someone else needs help, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Move out of traffic, if safe: When possible, shift your vehicle to a secure spot to avoid further risk and use hazard lights to signal distress.
- Collect any details you can: Write down the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate (even if partial), and the direction it was heading. Try to recall the driver’s appearance and any noticeable features of the vehicle.
- Look for witnesses: Someone nearby might have seen what happened. Ask for their name and contact information, and request that they stay to speak with police.
- Photograph everything: Capture images of the damage to your vehicle, the overall accident scene, skid marks, street signs, and debris.
- Report the crash to law enforcement: It’s important to notify the police after a hit-and-run, regardless of whether the other driver is found. A formal report supports your insurance claim and helps establish the facts.
- Talk to a legal professional: Navigating compensation options can be complex. A car accident attorney can help evaluate your situation and pursue rightful compensation.
Act quickly to stay safe, gather as many details as possible, and notify law enforcement. According to the New York State DMV, leaving the scene of a traffic crash involving property damage is a traffic violation, while fleeing a crash involving injury or death is considered a criminal offense.
What New York Law Says About Hit and Run Accidents
New York takes hit-and-run incidents seriously. As noted by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, any driver who knows, or has reason to know, that they’ve caused property damage in an accident is legally required to stop and provide their license, insurance information, and contact details before leaving the scene.
Even in minor collisions, like hitting a parked car or mailbox, drivers are legally required to stop. Leaving the scene can result in fines or jail time, especially if someone is injured. If no one is present, they must make reasonable efforts to contact the owner or notify police right away.
Can You Still Get Compensation If the Driver Flees?
Yes. Even if the driver can’t be located, there may still be ways to seek compensation through your own insurance coverage or other available resources. Understanding what to do in a hit and run includes checking whether your uninsured motorist (UM) policy can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
These claims often depend on supporting documentation like police reports and medical records; pursuing a claim without the other driver identified can be tough, but not impossible. A lawyer can help you file on time and build a strong case.
Why Hit and Run Drivers Leave the Scene—and How It Affects Your Case
Why do some people run? Some fear the consequences of driving under the influence, having no insurance, or already facing legal trouble. Others simply panic and leave without thinking through the damage they’ve caused.
Drivers who leave the scene may later face criminal charges or civil liability. Their decision to walk away can work against them in a legal claim.
If the driver is never found, your case will likely rely on witness accounts, police reports, and any physical evidence gathered at the scene.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Long Island for a Free Consultation
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide Long Island residents through these challenging moments with clarity, care, and a focus on what matters.
We know what to do in a hit and run, and we’re ready to help you hold the right parties accountable. Call us today at 516-358-6900 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and recovering what you’ve lost.
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