A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frightening experiences a driver can face. In an instant, you’re left with serious injuries and property damage, and questions — and the driver responsible is nowhere to be found.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are on the rise across Long Island, with many victims struggling to understand what to do next. The good news is that you still have legal options to recover compensation — even if the at-fault driver is never located.
At The Raimondo Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients navigate these complex cases. Here’s what you need to know — and what to do immediately after a hit-and-run accident.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay at the Scene
Even though the other driver fled, you should never chase them. Pursuing another vehicle can be dangerous and may even complicate your claim later. Instead, pull over to a safe location, check for injuries, and call 911.
Remaining at the scene also ensures that law enforcement can document the incident — a crucial step in any hit-and-run claim.
Step 2: Gather as Much Information as Possible
The more evidence you can collect, the stronger your claim will be. Try to document everything you can, even if you only caught a glimpse of the other vehicle.
Take note of if possible:
- The make, model, and color of the fleeing car
- Any part of the license plate number
- The direction the vehicle fled
- The time, location, and conditions of the crash
- Visible damage to your car or property
- Witness statements or contact information
Use your phone to take photos or videos of the scene, your vehicle, and any nearby traffic cameras or businesses that might have captured footage.
Step 3: File a Police Report Immediately
Under New York law, you are legally required to file a police report within 24 hrs after any accident involving injury or property damage — especially if it’s a hit-and-run.
Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report, as it will be vital for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. Police may also be able to identify the fleeing driver using surveillance footage or witness statements.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel fine, some injuries — like whiplash or internal trauma — may not appear immediately. Visiting a doctor under your no fault car insurance ensures that your injuries are properly documented, which is critical for both your health and your claim.
If you wait too long to seek treatment, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs — even if the other driver isn’t found.
You also have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, on your auto policy, which provides compensation for injuries and damages caused by a hit-and-run driver.
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, and provide them with:
- The police report number
- Photos and documentation of the accident
- Any medical records related to your injuries
Be cautious, however — insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, so having an experienced attorney on your side can make a major difference.
Step 6: Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Hit-and-run claims can be legally complex. You may face delays, denials, or insufficient settlement offers from insurers. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:
- File your claim properly and within the legal deadlines
- Investigate the accident, including obtaining video footage and witness statements
- Communicate with insurance companies to protect your rights
- Pursue compensation through your UM coverage or other available sources
At The Raimondo Law Firm, we handle every step of the process, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your injuries and insurance coverage, you may be eligible to recover damages such as:
-Bodily Injury Compensation
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, you have the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them.
Don’t Wait — Time Limits Apply
In New York, there are strict deadlines for filing both insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
- No-Fault claims: Must be filed within 30 days of the accident
- Uninsured Motorist claims: Usually must be filed within 90 days
- Personal injury lawsuits: Typically within 3 years of the accident
Missing these deadlines can make it impossible to recover compensation — which is why it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
The Raimondo Law Firm: Advocating for Long Island’s Hit-and-Run Victims
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling helpless, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. We understand the emotional and financial toll these crashes take — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our experienced attorneys have decades of success fighting for accident victims across Long Island, NY, in Suffolk and Nassau County, recovering the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
If you’ve been injured on Long Island, don’t go it alone. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact The Raimondo Law Firm today at (631) 460-5472 or fill out our online form.
