Hit and Run Accidents in NYC

Hit and run accidents are unfortunately very common in New York City and the surrounding boroughs. More than 38,000 hit and run accidents were reported in 2015. Generally, the insurance company of the car that strikes a pedestrian in New York will assume payments of all medical bills and a percentage of lost wages. That vehicle’s insurance company will also pay the bodily injury claim for physical injuries, as well as pain and suffering as a result of the accident. However, this does not apply to pedestrians struck by a hit and run vehicle.

In New York, when a pedestrian is struck by a hit and run vehicle, there is generally no way to ascertain the insurance company information, unless the license plate is obtained. New York State created a solution to this problem, known as The Motor Vehicle Accident Identification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC pays benefits to automobile accident victims, pedestrians, or cyclists who are injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run vehicle. MVAIC provides both no-fault benefits up to $50,000, as well as up to $25,000 per injured person as compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering sustained in the accident. MVAIC has very stringent deadlines, and filing a claim is not a straightforward process. Attempting to file a claim without proper experience can affect the available compensation.