Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If you were injured by a driver who fled the scene, a hit and run lawyer in Orangetown can help you take the next step. Shulman & Hill represents injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and families who lost loved ones in Orangetown and throughout Rockland County. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients and are ready to assist you.
Our car accident lawyer in Orangetown handles hit-and-run crashes involving unidentified drivers, uninsured motorist (UM) claims, no-fault (PIP) benefits, wrongful death, and serious injury cases. We also assist with property damage and vehicle replacement issues.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Crash
Your priority is safety and medical care. Call 911, accept treatment, and document symptoms, even if they seem minor at first. Prompt medical records help connect your injuries to the crash.
Report the collision to law enforcement and obtain the incident number. Notify your insurance carrier promptly, as many policies require timely notice for UM claims. If possible, preserve evidence at the scene:
- Photograph vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and road conditions
- Note any details about the vehicle, including color, make, or direction of travel
- Ask nearby businesses or homeowners about surveillance footage
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Preserve dashcam footage or app data if available
- Keep all medical bills, receipts, and proof of missed work
Our Orangetown personal injury lawyer can help you take the next legal steps after you’ve been injured in a crash.
Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Injuries in New York
New York’s no-fault system means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. This is usually the first source of coverage after a hit-and-run.
If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation for bodily injury. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may apply if the driver is later identified but lacks sufficient insurance. Timely notice to your insurer is important to preserve these claims.
Uninsured Motorist Claims and No-Fault Benefits
UM claims generally require cooperation with your insurance carrier, including providing statements and supporting documentation. Many policies require that the incident be reported to law enforcement and the insurer within a set timeframe.
No-fault benefits may be disputed based on medical necessity or documentation. We work with your providers to support treatment and address any challenges to your benefits.
To recover damages for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet New York’s serious injury threshold. We evaluate your medical records to determine whether your claim qualifies.
How We Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents
We act quickly to preserve evidence before it is lost. This may include surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, traffic cameras, and available public records. We also gather witness statements and request emergency response records when available.
Physical evidence, including vehicle damage and debris, can help establish how the crash occurred. In some cases, accident reconstruction analysis may be used to clarify speed, impact angles, and causation.
Digital evidence may also be relevant. Dashcam footage, rideshare data, or location records can help identify the vehicle involved or support your claim.
Proving Fault and Damages When the Driver Leaves the Scene
Even if the driver is not identified, we can still build a claim using available evidence. Leaving the scene does not automatically establish fault, but it can support a claim when combined with other facts.
New York’s comparative negligence law applies. If you are partially at fault, your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
We document all damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic losses. Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years, with shorter deadlines for certain claims involving public entities.
Common Injuries and Losses in Hit-and-Run Cases
Injuries may range from soft tissue damage to serious conditions such as fractures, head injuries, or spinal injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists are often at greater risk of severe harm.
Beyond medical treatment, many people face lost income and long-term rehabilitation. We account for current and future financial losses, as well as damage to personal property.
Emotional impacts, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress, may also be part of the claim when supported by medical evidence.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Hit-and-Run
Insurance companies may request statements, medical records, or authorizations. It is important to provide only what is required and avoid overly broad releases.
Early settlement offers may not reflect the full value of your claim. We handle communications with insurers and present evidence that supports your damages.
If the driver is later identified, we can pursue a claim against that driver’s liability insurance in addition to any UM benefits.
Contact Our Hit and Run Lawyer in Orangetown
If you or a loved one were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Orangetown, Shulman & Hill can help you understand your options and pursue compensation.
Contact us to discuss your case, review deadlines, and take the next step with a free consultation.