Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Being struck by a driver who flees the scene is a disorienting and frightening experience, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming when you do not know who caused your injuries. If you were hurt in a hit and run accident, a car accident lawyer in Manhattan can help you explore every available path to compensation.
Don’t give up hope. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyer, we pursue every legal option available to get our clients the recovery they need. Contact our Manhattan hit-and-run lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Manhattan Hit and Run Accident?
When you work with our personal injury lawyer in Manhattan, we make every effort to build a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses. Hit and run victims in New York have several potential avenues for financial compensation even when the responsible driver cannot be found.
Damages in a hit and run claim may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries keep you out of work
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and long-term treatment
- Property damage to your vehicle or other personal belongings
The path to compensation in a hit and run case depends on the specific facts, the available insurance coverage, and how quickly evidence is gathered. We move quickly to protect your options from the start.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Hit and Run Cases
When the driver who caused your accident cannot be identified, your own uninsured motorist coverage may become the primary source of compensation. New York requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, and that policy can apply when a hit and run driver is never found.
If you do not have your own auto insurance, or if your coverage is insufficient, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may provide a path to compensation for qualifying victims. MVAIC is a New York State program that can compensate people injured by uninsured or unidentified drivers.
Filing a claim under UM coverage or through MVAIC involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements. Our team handles that process carefully to make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
How New York Law Defines a Hit and Run Accident
Under New York law, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in New York, and the severity of the charge increases when injuries or fatalities are involved.
For civil purposes, a hit and run accident is treated as a collision caused by an unidentified or uninsured motorist. That classification determines which insurance policies may apply and what legal options are available to victims.
The legal framework surrounding hit and run cases in New York is specific, and small procedural missteps can affect your ability to recover. Our Manhattan hit and run attorneys will make sure your case is handled correctly from the beginning.
How Shulman & Hill Pursues Hit and Run Claims in Manhattan
At Shulman & Hill, we understand that hit and run cases require a fast and thorough response. We work quickly to gather surveillance footage, canvass for witnesses, and review available traffic camera data before that evidence is lost. At the same time, we handle all insurance filings and MVAIC applications so nothing falls through the cracks.
We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. Our team keeps you informed throughout the process and is available to answer your questions at every stage.
We also coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate to support any ongoing investigation into the identity of the fleeing driver.
Why Hit and Run Cases Are Harder to Win Without Legal Help
Hit and run cases place a heavier burden on the victim than most other car accident claims. Without a known at-fault driver to pursue directly, building a successful claim requires a thorough understanding of New York’s insurance laws, MVAIC procedures, and the evidentiary standards that apply.
Insurance companies handling UM claims are not on your side. They apply the same cost-minimizing tactics they use in any other claim, and without an attorney advocating for you, it is easy to end up with a settlement that does not come close to covering your losses.
Our hit-and-run attorneys in Manhattan level the playing field. We know how insurers approach hit and run claims, and we are prepared to fight for the full value of your case at every stage of the process.
Contact Shulman & Hill After a Hit and Run Accident in Manhattan
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Manhattan, do not assume that an unknown driver means no recovery is possible. Call Shulman & Hill today to schedule your free consultation and find out what options may be available to you. There is no obligation and no cost to get started.
Time limits on hit and run claims in New York are strict, and some deadlines are shorter than you might expect. Contact our Manhattan hit and run attorneys today so we can begin protecting your rights.
