Not every car accident involves drivers exchanging their information after the crash. If you were involved in an auto accident where the other driver fled the scene, consider meeting with a hit-and-run accident lawyer in New York. You may be able to seek compensation.
Learn about your options in this guide from the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC, an experienced personal injury practice in New York.
Breaking Down Hit-and-Run Accidents in New York and Your Legal Options
Although New York City’s Department of Transportation recently announced that traffic deaths have decreased 31%, thousands of injury-causing accidents still occur each year. Brooklyn sees the highest number of collisions, accounting for 33% of the total reported crashes, while Queens accounts for 28%, according to Forbes.
The city sees a significant number of hit-and-run accidents. In 2025, the New York City Police Department recorded 35,324 instances of drivers leaving the scene. If you have sustained a personal injury due to a hit-and-run, it is possible to pursue damages.
How To Pursue Financial Compensation After an Accident
The state of New York trails only California and Texas in the total economic cost of motor vehicle crashes, according to the Department of Transportation, which totals over $15.2 billion annually. But how can you seek compensation following a crash?
New York is a no-fault state, so motorists are expected to make a claim through their own insurer instead of contacting another motorist’s insurance company. This applies to both hit-and-run cases and accidents in which the involved drivers remain at the scene.
If you carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, contact your provider shortly after the crash to make a claim. This no-fault policy can cover some of your medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services following an accident. You may also be able to use uninsured motorist coverage for hit-and-run claims.
Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents are encouraged to take the following steps immediately after the crash:
- Report the accident to the police and call for emergency medical care, if needed.
- Gather evidence on the scene, such as witness statements, including names and contact information as well as photos and videos of the damage and accident location.
- Seek medical attention for any injuries.
- Contact your insurance provider to make a claim.
- Consult an attorney for legal support.
The Role of a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in New York
Seeking legal representation may benefit you during the claims process. Personal injury attorneys advocate for hit-and-run victims by evaluating their losses and negotiating insurance settlements. Insurance companies may not offer a settlement that adequately compensates someone’s losses, but a personal injury lawyer could negotiate on their client’s behalf.
Filing for arbitration may be possible for victims who meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. If your injuries meet these criteria, a qualified attorney could file for arbitration and represent you through the process. Some cases may go to an arbitration hearing, so an attorney must prepare for this possibility and present your case at the arbitration hearing.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York
Pursuing financial compensation is possible after a hit-and-run. Contact the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC to consult with an experienced accident lawyer and discuss your options.
Our firm, led by founding attorney Joseph Wohlgemuth, represents victims of truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bus accidents, and more. Whether you want to pursue a hit-and-run claim or learn more about a pedestrian accident victim’s rights and compensation, our firm is happy to assist you.
Contact us today at (718) 474-9100 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, our legal team answers common client questions about car accident cases.
What Are My Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident in New York?
After a hit-and-run accident, victims have a right to make a claim with their auto insurance provider. They may choose to have a lawyer represent them during the process.
Is It Possible To File a Lawsuit After a Crash?
Yes, it may be possible to file a lawsuit after a crash, depending on the extent of your injuries. However, it can be a longer and more complex process than filing an insurance claim, and outcomes vary.
How Much Will Hiring a Hit-and-Run Attorney Cost?
Many hit-and-run attorneys will only charge clients on the contingency of settling their claim or winning their lawsuit.
How Much Could My Case Be Worth?
The potential compensation for victims of hit-and-run crashes varies, depending on the case’s details. A hit-and-run accident lawyer could evaluate your potential damages and discuss this with you before making a claim.
