Hit and Run Accident Lawyer New York, NY
When a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or render aid, the consequences can be devastating. For someone injured in a hit and run in New York City, the path to compensation can feel uncertain—especially when the fleeing driver cannot be located. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured people in civil claims arising out of hit and run collisions in New York County, including midtown Manhattan, the Upper East and West Sides, Harlem, and downtown neighborhoods. Our firm concentrates on holding responsible parties accountable and pursuing available insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist benefits. If you were hurt in a hit and run accident, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Accidents Mean in New York, NY
New York City’s dense traffic, narrow streets, and high pedestrian volume create a significant number of motor vehicle collisions each year. When a driver flees the scene, the injured person may face an additional layer of complexity beyond the typical car accident claim. Under New York law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a criminal offense, but the civil side focuses on recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In New York County, personal injury claims involving hit and run drivers are typically filed in the New York Supreme Court, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street. The court has unlimited civil jurisdiction and handles cases from midtown, lower Manhattan, Harlem, the Financial District, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
New York’s pure comparative fault rule, codified in CPLR Article 14-A, means that an injured person’s recovery is reduced by their own percentage of fault but is not completely barred unless they are entirely at fault. For motor vehicle accidents, including hit and run cases, the state’s no‑fault insurance system requires an injured party to first file a claim with their own insurance carrier for basic economic losses. To step outside no‑fault and pursue a claim against the at‑fault driver for non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering, the injury must meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in New York Insurance Law § 5102. If the hit and run driver remains unidentified, uninsured motorist coverage becomes critical. An experienced attorney can help evaluate the injury, identify all available insurance coverage, and build the evidence necessary to support a claim under these standards.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Hit and Run Cases
Every hit and run case begins with a thorough investigation. Because the at‑fault driver has left the scene, gathering immediate evidence is essential. Attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. work to identify potential sources of compensation, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic camera records, witness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, and the injured party’s own uninsured motorist policy. In New York, a police report filed shortly after the collision can be an important foundation for both the insurance claim and any later court filing.
Once the available coverage is identified, the firm prepares a claim that documents the nature and extent of the injuries, the impact on the client’s ability to work, and the long‑term medical outlook. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience managing discovery, depositions, and motion practice in the New York Supreme Court. If a settlement cannot be reached, the matter proceeds to trial. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys maintain communication with the client about case developments and strategic decisions. The firm works toward favorable outcomes, but each case is fact‑specific, and no particular result can be promised.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm serves clients from its New York location and appears regularly in the courts of New York County, Kings County, Queens County, and Nassau County. To discuss a hit and run accident claim, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident in New York, NY?
Call the police, seek medical attention, and document everything you can about the fleeing vehicle and the scene. Try to note the license plate, vehicle color, make and model, and the direction the driver went. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Take photographs of the location, your injuries, and any property damage. Notify your own auto insurance carrier promptly, as New York’s no‑fault rules require timely notice. Then reach a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process of protecting your rights, including identifying potential uninsured motorist coverage. The evidence gathered in the first hours after the collision often makes the difference in a successful claim.
Can I still recover compensation if the hit and run driver is never found?
Yes, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. In New York, every auto policy is required to include UM coverage, which pays for injuries caused by an unidentified driver, subject to the policy limits and conditions. The claim must be supported by evidence that the accident was caused by an uninsured vehicle and that your injuries are significant. A police report filed shortly after the hit and run is often essential to establish that an unknown driver was responsible. The firm works to gather the evidence and present a complete UM claim to the insurance carrier, and if the carrier does not offer fair compensation, the matter can be litigated.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a hit and run accident in New York?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This three‑year period is set by New York CPLR § 214(5). If the claim involves a wrongful death, the limitation period is two years from the date of death. Additionally, if the collision involved a municipal vehicle or a city agency, a notice of claim must be served within 90 days. These deadlines are strict, and missing them can bar your claim. Because a hit and run investigation can take time, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all filing requirements are met.
What damages can I recover in a New York hit and run civil claim?
You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost earnings, as well as non‑economic damages for pain and suffering. New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. To recover for pain and suffering, your injury must meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102. If you are partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault under the pure comparative fault rule. The specific value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and the available insurance coverage. The firm works to document all damages comprehensively.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run accident claim in New York County?
While New York does not require you to have an attorney to file a claim, navigating the insurance and litigation process without one can be difficult. A hit and run case involves complex issues: investigating the identity of the driver, documenting the injury to satisfy the serious injury threshold, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating in the New York Supreme Court. An experienced attorney can manage the procedural requirements and work to build the strongest possible claim. For a consultation about your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does uninsured motorist coverage work in New York after a hit and run?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the at‑fault driver is unidentified or lacks liability insurance. Your own insurance company stands in the place of the absent driver and pays up to the UM policy limit for your injuries. To trigger UM coverage for a hit and run, you typically need evidence of physical contact between the unidentified vehicle and your vehicle or person, though exceptions exist. You must also provide prompt notice to the insurer and cooperate in the investigation. If the insurer disputes the claim or offers an inadequate settlement, the matter may be resolved through arbitration or court action. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle UM claims and can help you comply with policy requirements.
Personal Injury Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn) |
Personal Injury Lawyer Queens County (Queens) |
Personal Injury Lawyer Richmond County (Staten Island) |
Personal Injury Lawyer Nassau County (Long Island)
New York County Supreme Court – Official Site |
New York CPLR § 214 – Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury |
New York State Unified Court System
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.