Hit-and-run accidents continue to plague drivers and pedestrians in New York City. From Brooklyn crosswalks to Bronx intersections, drivers are fleeing accident scenes, leaving victims with devastating injuries, unanswered questions, and complex legal challenges.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), we’ve spent more than five decades helping injured New Yorkers receive justice. If you’ve been injured by a hit-and-run driver, it’s important to know your rights, the options available for compensation, and how to take action quickly—and we can help.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents
According to the NYPD and citywide traffic data, hit-and-run incidents in NYC have increased year-over-year, especially in high-density boroughs like Brooklyn and the Bronx. Many involve:
- Pedestrian crashes
- Cyclist impacts
- Side-swipes during traffic congestion
- Late-night collisions with impaired drivers
Sadly, these accidents are often severe. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable, suffering traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, or worse.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Call 911 Right Away
Always report the accident, even if you don’t have the license plate number or driver information. The police will generate a report that will be essential for any future claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
Be sure to get evaluated by a doctor. Many injuries can worsen over time, especially head or internal injuries. Medical records also serve as crucial documentation.
Gather Evidence and Witness Information
If you can, collect contact information from bystanders and take photos of the vehicle damage, your injuries, and surrounding surveillance cameras. Any detail might help identify the driver or support your case.
Contact a New York Hit-and-Run Attorney
These cases require a fast, thorough investigation. A skilled NYC car accident attorney can preserve evidence, handle the paperwork, and navigate the legal channels that are necessary to secure compensation.
Compensation Options for Hit-and-Run Victims
Even if the driver is never caught, New York provides several options to help victims of hit-and-run injuries recover compensation.
No-Fault Insurance
New York is a no-fault state. If you were injured as a pedestrian or driver, your own insurance may cover:
- Medical bills (up to $50,000)
- Lost wages (up to 80% with limits)
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
However, no-fault benefits do not include pain and suffering or full lost income. And if you don’t own a car or aren’t covered by a policy, this option may not apply.
MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation)
If you don’t have access to insurance, you may be able to file an NY MVAIC claim, which is a state-run program designed to provide compensation to victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
To qualify:
- The accident must be reported within 24 hours.
- A Notice of Intention must be filed within 90 days.
- You must prove you had no other insurance options.
MVAIC may cover:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering (if you meet the serious injury threshold)
While MVAIC can be a lifeline, navigating its bureaucracy is challenging. Many valid claims are denied due to technical errors or missed deadlines. But an experienced attorney can ensure your application is thorough and on time.
Uninsured Driver Lawsuits
If the driver is later identified but turns out to be uninsured or underinsured, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them directly. These uninsured driver lawsuits may allow you to recover damages not covered by basic no-fault or MVAIC, including long-term disability, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the hit-and-run was especially reckless or involved alcohol.
Your Legal Rights as a Motor Vehicle Accident Victim
All motor vehicle victims in New York—including pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and drivers—have rights under the law. These include the right to:
- Receive emergency and ongoing medical care
- Pursue claims for medical and economic losses
- Hold negligent drivers accountable
- File a lawsuit if your injury qualifies as “serious” under NY Insurance Law §5102(d)
Understanding your motor vehicle victim rights is critical, especially if the other party fled the scene or lacked adequate insurance.
At WRSMH, we investigate every legal avenue, including third-party liability (e.g., if the driver was working at the time or using a rented vehicle) or manufacturer defects that may have contributed to the crash.
Brooklyn and Bronx: Hit-and-Run Hotspots in 2025
Hit-and-run incidents are especially common in:
- Brooklyn pedestrian accident zones like Flatbush, Bushwick, and downtown crossings
- Bronx car injury corridors such as Grand Concourse, Fordham Road, and intersections near I-95
High-speed corridors, poorly marked crosswalks, and late-night congestion all contribute to the spike. And, despite increased NYPD presence and speed cameras, enforcement alone hasn’t stemmed the problem. That’s why legal representation is more important than ever.
Common Challenges When Filing a Hit-and-Run Injury Claim
Victims of hit-and-runs face several hurdles:
- Identifying the driver (especially if no plates or cameras are available)
- Meeting short deadlines for no-fault and MVAIC filings
- Proving injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold for lawsuits
- Countering insurer tactics to reduce or deny valid claims
Insurance companies are also known for undervaluing pain and suffering damages or questioning the severity of your injuries. But a law firm like WRSMH has extensive experience in hit-and-run injury cases, and we know how to present compelling medical and legal evidence to bolster your claim.
Why Choose WRSMH?
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we’ve secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured New Yorkers. Our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for outstanding work in personal injury litigation.
Our firm has handled hundreds of pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle injury cases involving hit-and-run or uninsured drivers—including:
- Multi-million-dollar verdicts for injured pedestrians
- Severe TBI claims from crosswalk collisions
- MVAIC arbitration wins for clients with no auto coverage
We prepare every case for trial from the start, giving us the leverage needed to negotiate top settlements, and we treat each client with the compassion and dedication they deserve during a difficult time.
Speak With Our Experienced Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in NYC Today
Whether you were injured in a Brooklyn pedestrian accident, a Bronx car accident, or anywhere else in New York City, you don’t have to face this alone. Let our legal team at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, help you understand your rights, file your claim, and pursue maximum compensation.
Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to schedule your free consultation. Our New York City hit-and-run accident lawyers will handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.