Hit and Run Accidents

Being in any traffic collision in Westchester County or in any community in New York can be life-changing, but being in a hit and run can add layers of complication. When a driver fails to stop and offer aid, those who are injured at the accident scene may not have someone available to call for help. For example, if someone loses consciousness at the scene of a car accident, they may need the at-fault driver to contact 911 on their behalf. If the at-fault driver illegally leaves the scene, and there is no one else available to offer assistance, the injured parties may not get life-saving help in time.

In addition, being in a hit and run can complicate the insurance process. Determining how much you are eligible for and making sure you get fair compensation for your injuries isn’t always clear.

If you find yourself in a car accident where the at-fault driver has sped away, consult with The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. Our offices in White Plains and Peekskill serve Westchester County, the lower Hudson Valley, the entire New York metropolitan area, and beyond. When you’re injured, we always provide you with a free initial consultation, so there is no risk and no cost to you in finding out more about what we can do for you. When you work with The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, you won’t pay any fees until and unless we recover a settlement or compensation for you. We’re also able to guarantee that you will get personalized attention for your case. Find out more about The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel and discuss your case with us in a free consultation. Contact us today to set up your free consultation. 

New York Hit and Run Laws

In the State of New York, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Specifically, under Section 600(1) of the V & T Law, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage but no personal injury can result in a misdemeanor charge in which the violator can face fines and potential jail time, particularly if it is not his or her first offense. Further, under Section 600 (2) of the Vehicle & Traffic Law, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident without reporting the accident can also result in a misdemeanor charge, and a repeat offender could be facing a felony with much more serious legal implications.

If the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident, before leaving the scene, the operator must provide his or her driver’s license and insurance card before leaving the scene. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are still common. In New York City alone, there were 409 reported hit and runs in 2023, according to the NYPD.

At-fault drivers leave the scene for many reasons. Some panic and leave because they do not want to be blamed for the accident. In some instances, the motorist is driving without a license or insurance, or is driving under the influence and doesn’t want to face criminal charges. Some hit and run accidents are caused by motorists with criminal records, outstanding warrants, or by individuals who are engaged in criminal activity at the time of the accident.

Whatever the reason, there is no excuse for a hit and run. If you have been in this type of collision, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation. Our office has represented the victims of many hit and run accidents over the last 38 years, and our team has secured compensation for victims at the negotiation table and in court. You can contact us 24/7 to schedule your free consultation and we can come to your home, office, or hospital room if you cannot come to see us to discuss your situation.

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Hit and Run

If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident in New York State, here is what you should do:

• Protect yourself from further harm. If possible, move away from the road to avoid being struck again.
• Call 911. Calling 911 allows the police to investigate the crime and it allows you to start getting medical attention right away. This is crucial, because hit and run accidents often lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries.
• Start gathering evidence. Write down what you remember as soon as you can and take photos of the accident scene, if you can. Keep a record of all your medical visits and costs. The more information you have, the easier it is to fill out insurance paperwork accurately and the simpler it is to evaluate your total costs, so you can pursue fair compensation.
• Contact a lawyer. In addition to the criminal proceeding in your case, you may have other options that allow you to secure the financial recovery you need. You can reach The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel at any time to set up a free consultation to discuss ways you can seek fair compensation.
• Contact your insurer. You’re required to report accidents to your insurance company, and you’ll want to reach out to start filing a claim. Before you make any statement to your insurance company, however, you may want to consult with an attorney to find out how to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your claim. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, which can help you seek compensation that covers more of your injury costs.

Taking the right steps after your accident can help you seek maximum financial recovery for your medical bills, car damage, lost income, and the many other expenses you may be facing as you heal from your injuries. If you’re injured and need support at any time, The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel is here to help.

What Are Your Options After a Hit and Run?

Fortunately, all insurance policies in the State of New York provide for what is known as UM coverage, meaning uninsured motorist coverage. Thus, if we are presented with a situation in which our client suffered injuries due to the negligence of a driver who fled the scene, did not make timely payments on his insurance coverage or was driving an uninsured vehicle, we can make a claim with the client’s own insurance policy under their Uninsured motorist coverage.

If the negligent other driver leaves the scene without reporting the accident or providing is or her identification, with the advent of intersection cameras, sometimes we are able to obtain information on the fleeing vehicle. If so, we can make a claim against the wrongdoer’s policy. Additionally, if the police report contains witness information, this is another source for our investigators to work with to identify the other driver and hold him or her accountable. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we also have access to a network of investigators and certified expert witnesses who can help us gather evidence and build a strong case.

If our client has no uninsured coverage, we can also pursue a claim for the client’s injuries and medical/hospital treatment through the State of New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This municipal corporation was created by the State of New York for situations in which the other car has no insurance and the injured victim has no recourse through uninsured coverage. However, there is a maximum $25,000 policy limit for bodily injury through MVAIC, they contest claims vigorously in our experience, and often refuse to settle for the maximum amount of coverage in the most meritorious cases. Thus, as a result, we utilize MVAIC solely as a last resort to ensure that we seek all possible sources of compensation for our clients.

Contact Us Today

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, our objective is to quickly and aggressively determine all possible parties that are responsible for our clients’ damages, including pain and suffering, medical and hospital bills, past and future lost earnings, and loss of the ability to perform activities of daily living. Contact the trial lawyers at The Law Offices of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation on your potential claim. For a free consultation to discuss your case in detail and your legal options, contact us anytime at (914) 428-7386 or online.