Hit and Run Car Accidents in NY & Long Island

Hit and run car accidents in NY occurs when a driver leaves an accident scene without stopping to exchange information or offer help—breaking state traffic laws. These incidents create special challenges for victims who suddenly find themselves dealing with injuries and property damage without knowing who caused them. Across New York City, from Midtown’s congested streets to Brooklyn’s residential areas, these cases happen daily. Parked cars get sideswiped overnight, pedestrians get struck in crosswalks by speeding vehicles, and drivers escape responsibility.

Victims don’t have to face this alone. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. focuses specifically on these complex cases, using proven strategies to help clients recover damages even when the other driver disappears.

Your Rights After the Crash

New York’s no-fault insurance system requires your own policy to cover initial medical costs and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. But hit and runs add complications—if police can’t find the driver, uninsured motorist coverage may become essential.

While New York typically gives victims three years to file injury claims, deadlines vary by state. For example, in Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the accident date, and missing this deadline results in dismissal. Given that some jurisdictions have reduced filing timeframes—emphasizing the need to act quickly—consulting an attorney promptly is crucial.

Possible recoveries include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and in serious cases, compensation for pain and suffering. However, recent trends show some states introducing caps on non-economic damages, making thorough documentation of economic losses like medical bills and wages critical. Pedestrians hit by vehicles often have additional legal protections. Understanding these rights early prevents mistakes that could undermine your case later.

Critical First Steps

Safety comes first. Seek medical help immediately—some collision injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding might not show symptoms right away.

Gather evidence while details are fresh. Photograph damage to your vehicle, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If bystanders saw what happened, get their names and phone numbers. Look for businesses or homes with security cameras that might have recorded the incident.

In Connecticut, reporting accidents involving significant property damage, injury, or death is legally required to avoid criminal penalties. New York has similar reporting laws—delaying this could hurt your claim. Always obtain a copy of the police report; it’s one of your most important documents.

Contact your insurance company within 24 hours, but keep conversations factual. Don’t speculate about fault or injuries. Avoid discussing the crash on social media—posts can be taken out of context. Keep damaged items like torn clothing or broken car parts; they might become important evidence. The New York DMV provides useful resources for accident reporting.

Finding the Missing Driver

Police investigate hit and runs using traffic cameras, witness interviews, and vehicle registration databases. But with limited resources, many cases stall. This is where having a dedicated attorney changes everything. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. conducts parallel investigations, hiring accident reconstruction experts and private investigators when needed. They examine vehicle debris, analyze paint transfers, and track down leads the police might miss.

Proving fault—especially in fault-based states like Connecticut—requires strong evidence such as police reports, photos, eyewitness testimony, and even cell phone or vehicle data. Some cases resolve quickly when surveillance footage identifies the driver. Others require months of persistent detective work. Having legal professionals who won’t drop the ball matters tremendously.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

When the other driver can’t be found, uninsured motorist coverage usually becomes the main option. Policy details vary widely—some include extra protection when damages exceed standard limits. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, asking for recorded statements or downplaying injuries.

Denied claims aren’t necessarily final. Experienced attorneys know how to appeal these decisions and negotiate better settlements. Given recent updates in safety regulations for commercial vehicles and rideshare companies—which could increase liability for violating companies—victims may have stronger grounds for claims.

Legal Options When the Driver Disappears

Even without identifying the fleeing motorist, victims can still pursue compensation by demonstrating negligence and damages. Solid evidence—medical records, repair estimates, eyewitness accounts—makes all the difference. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. has won cases where the at-fault driver vanished, securing settlements through uninsured motorist claims and other legal strategies.

Many cases settle through negotiation, but sometimes lawsuits become necessary when insurers act in bad faith. Their team assesses each situation individually—one successful case involved a Queens pedestrian hit by an unidentified driver. Without eyewitnesses, they still obtained a substantial settlement by methodically analyzing physical evidence and traffic patterns.

Why This Law Firm Stands Apart

The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. brings concentrated expertise in New York hit and run cases. Their results range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic injuries, always with close attention to each client’s circumstances. Their contingency fee structure—you pay nothing unless they recover money for you—removes financial pressure during recovery.

They collaborate with top medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators to build strong cases. Client testimonials consistently mention their relentless approach, including one case where they turned a seemingly impossible situation into a fair recovery after a hit and run left someone hospitalized for months.

Free initial consultations provide clarity without obligation. If you’re struggling after a hit and run, making that call could start your path to resolution.

Hit and runs make victims feel powerless, but the right legal team restores control. Whether battling insurance companies or reconstructing accident scenes, skilled representation makes the difference between frustration and justice. Don’t face this challenge alone—professional guidance changes outcomes.