New York City Hit & Run Accident Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, our New York City hit and run accident lawyer fights for crash victims across all five boroughs. Hit and run accidents happen at alarming rates in New York City, and the consequences can be devastating. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes occur each year across the country, and fatalities from these incidents rose by over 60 percent in recent years. These cases pose unique legal challenges because the at-fault driver has fled the scene. Our firm helps victims pursue compensation even when the responsible driver is unknown. If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Our New York City Hit & Run Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Rights

We take a tenacious, victim-centered approach to every hit-and-run accident case. The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore knows how to pursue every available path to compensation, even when the negligent driver is unidentified or uninsured. We handle a wide range of hit and run cases across New York, including:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
• Vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents
• Vehicle-to-bicycle accidents
• Commercial vehicle hit-and-runs
• Parking lot accidents
• Wrongful death claims

Victims of hit-and-run incidents should never bear the financial burden of another driver's criminal flight from the scene. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can pile up fast after a serious crash. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing maximum recovery for every client we represent.

What Makes Hit & Run Accident Cases Uniquely Challenging in NYC

Hit-and-run cases present distinct legal and investigative hurdles compared to standard car accident claims. The biggest obstacle is identifying the at-fault driver who left the scene. Without a known defendant, the legal process becomes more complex and demands experienced legal representation.

Identifying the At-Fault Driver After a Hit & Run Crash

Finding a driver who fled the scene of an accident is one of the hardest parts of a hit-and-run case. We use every investigative tool available to track down the responsible party, including:

• Traffic camera footage and CCTV footage
• Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles
• Witness canvassing and witness statements
• License plate databases and vehicle registration records
• Social media monitoring
• Accident reconstruction experts

Law enforcement cooperation plays a key role, but a police department investigation alone is not always enough. The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore leads a proactive investigation on every client's behalf, working with private investigators to identify the responsible driver.

When the Hit & Run Driver Cannot Be Found — Alternative Legal Options

When the at-fault driver cannot be located, victims still have options to recover compensation. New York law allows you to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This type of auto insurance coverage pays for injuries caused by an unidentified or uninsured driver. For more details on how this coverage works, see our guide on uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

New York also offers the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC provides a compensation pathway for eligible hit-and-run victims who lack applicable insurance coverage. Filing deadlines for MVAIC are strict; you must provide notice within 90 days of the accident. We navigate both uninsured motorist claims and MVAIC claims at the same time to maximize your recovery.

Who Can File a Hit & Run Accident Claim in New York City

A wide range of victims and circumstances qualify for legal action after a hit-and-run accident in New York City. The type of claim depends on who was injured, how the crash occurred, and what insurance coverage is available. Below are the most common categories of hit-and-run accident claims our firm handles.

Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Struck by Hit & Run Drivers

Hit-and-run liability and compensation pathways differ depending on the victim's role in the accident. Here is how coverage typically works:

• Motorists can file claims through their own uninsured motorist coverage under their auto insurance policy.
• Pedestrians and cyclists who do not carry personal auto insurance may be eligible for MVAIC benefits to cover medical expenses and lost income.
• Passengers in any vehicle involved in a hit-and-run may pursue claims through the driver's insurance policy or their own coverage.

Regardless of your role in the crash, you should seek medical care right away. Delayed symptoms are common after high-impact car crashes, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage. If you or a family member suffered a head injury in a hit-and-run, speak with a brain injury attorney in New York about your legal options. Report the incident to the police department as soon as possible so that law enforcement can begin a criminal investigation.

NHTSA pedestrian crash data confirms that nearly one in four pedestrian fatalities involve a hit-and-run driver, underscoring the danger that fleeing motorists pose to those on foot.

Wrongful Death Claims When a Hit & Run Accident Proves Fatal

When a hit-and-run crash results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim under New York law. A spouse, child, or parent of the deceased may bring this claim within the statute of limitations set by New York State. Under New York's Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) Section 5-4.1, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the decedent's death. Damages in a wrongful death case may include:

• Lost financial support and income
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Pre-death pain and suffering

The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore supports families in pursuing full accountability, even when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. We work to build the strongest possible case through accident reconstruction, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

Steps to Take After a Hit & Run Accident in New York City

The actions you take right after a hit-and-run accident are critical to the strength of your legal claim. Quick decisions can preserve vital evidence and protect your right to compensation. Follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of a successful personal injury claim.

Reporting the Accident and Preserving Evidence at the Scene

Call 911 right away and file a police report. This step is required for both MVAIC claims and uninsured motorist insurance claims. While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, take these steps to preserve evidence:

1. Write down any partial license plate number and a description of the fleeing vehicle, including the make, model, and color.
2. Take photos of your vehicle damage, the road, and any debris left behind.
3. Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
4. Look for nearby businesses or intersections that may have traffic cameras or CCTV footage.
5. Note the exact time, location, and direction the fleeing vehicle traveled.

The police report serves as a foundational document in every hit-and-run accident claim. Provide the responding officers with as much detail as possible about what you observed.

Seeking Medical Attention and Notifying Your Insurance Company

Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious conditions, such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage, show delayed symptoms after car accidents. A medical record from the day of the crash links your injuries directly to the hit-and-run accident.

If your hit-and-run occurred while you were walking in New York City, our pedestrian accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue every available avenue of recovery.

Notify your insurance company about the accident within the timeframes required by your insurance policy. You may also benefit from understanding how Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage applies to your claim. However, do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first talking to The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore. Early legal intervention preserves your rights and prevents costly missteps during the insurance claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Hit & Run Accident Cases

Can I recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident if the driver is never found?

Yes. Compensation may be available through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through MVAIC, New York's fund for victims of unidentified or uninsured hit-and-run drivers.

What is MVAIC, and how does it help hit-and-run victims in New York?

MVAIC is a New York State fund that provides compensation to eligible hit-and-run victims who lack applicable insurance coverage. According to the New York State Department of Financial Services, accident victims without access to no-fault coverage may file claims through MVAIC for medical expenses and lost wages. It is subject to strict filing deadlines and eligibility requirements.

How long do I have to file a hit-and-run accident claim in New York?

MVAIC claims require notice within 90 days of the accident. Personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within three years under the statute of limitations. Acting fast protects all your legal options.

Should I file a police report after a hit-and-run accident in NYC?

Yes. A police report is required to pursue MVAIC benefits and strengthen hit-and-run uninsured motorist claims. File one right away and provide as much detail about the fleeing vehicle as possible, including any partial license plate information.

What if a witness saw the hit-and-run, but I did not get their contact information?

The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore can conduct witness canvassing, review surveillance footage, and work with investigators to locate witnesses who observed the collision.

Does The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore handle hit-and-run cases on a contingency fee basis?

Yes. We charge no upfront fees. We only collect legal costs if we recover compensation on your behalf through settlement or verdict.

Contact Our New York City Hit & Run Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore is dedicated to helping hit-and-run accident victims across New York City, including those whose cases seem hopeless because the at-fault driver has not been found. We serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, White Plains, and throughout New York State.

Our firm knows every legal pathway available to crash victims. This includes uninsured motorist coverage, Supplementary Underinsured Motorist claims, MVAIC claims, third-party liability, and wrongful death actions. We offer a free case evaluation and handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

MVAIC deadlines and insurance policy timelines are strict, and delays can cost you your right to compensation. Call The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today, send us an email, or submit our online contact form. The sooner you reach out after a hit-and-run accident, the better we can protect your rights and fight for the recovery you deserve.