A hit and run can leave you shocked, angry, and unsure what to do next. You might worry about medical bills, lost work, and how to repair your car. More than that, you may feel abandoned and powerless. In New York, you still have rights even when the other driver runs. You can report the crash. You can seek care. You can pursue money for your losses. You do not have to track the driver down on your own. Police, insurance, and in some cases a Queens car accident lawyer can help you press forward. This guide explains what steps to take in the first hours and days. It also explains how New York insurance rules work after a hit and run. You deserve clear answers and a path toward recovery.
Step One: Get To Safety And Call 911
Your first job is safety. You protect yourself and anyone with you.
- Move to a safe spot away from traffic if you can.
- Call 911. Say there was a hit and run.
- Ask for police and medical help if anyone is hurt.
New York law says drivers must stay at the scene of a crash that causes damage or injury. When the other driver runs, that is a crime. A quick 911 call creates a record that helps later with insurance and any court case.
Step Two: Collect What Evidence You Can
You did not cause the other driver to run. You also do not have to chase that person. Instead, you focus on what you can safely collect.
- Write down anything you remember about the other car. Color. Make. Model. Any part of the plate number.
- Take photos of your car, the road, skid marks, and any broken parts.
- Look for cameras on homes, stores, or traffic poles.
- Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers.
If you feel dizzy, in pain, or scared, you stop and wait for help. Your health comes before evidence.
Step Three: Get Checked By A Doctor
Some injuries do not show right away. Pain in your neck, back, or head can show up hours or days later. New York has a no fault insurance system for car crashes. That means your own policy usually pays for medical care first, even in a hit and run.
You should:
- Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as you can.
- Tell them this was a hit and run crash.
- Keep copies of all records, notes, and bills.
You can read more about no fault rules in the New York Department of Financial Services guide to auto insurance at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance.
Step Four: Report The Crash To Police And DMV
New York law expects you to report many crashes. A hit and run is never minor. Even if damage seems small, you protect yourself by making a clear report.
- Ask the officer at the scene how to get a copy of the police report.
- If police do not respond, go to a local precinct or use the online crash report portal.
- If damage to any one car is more than $1,000, you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles explains crash report rules at https://dmv.ny.gov/records/crash-accident-reports.
Step Five: Notify Your Insurance Company
Next, you tell your insurance company what happened. You do this even if you think damage is small.
You should:
- Call your insurer as soon as you can.
- Say it was a hit and run and you do not know the other driver.
- Ask how to file a no fault claim for medical bills.
- Ask about coverage for car repair and lost wages.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, that coverage can help when the other driver runs or has no insurance. Many New York policies include this coverage.
How New York No Fault And Other Coverage Work
Here is a simple look at common types of coverage that may apply after a hit and run in New York.
| Type of coverage | What it usually pays for | When it may help in a hit and run |
|---|---|---|
| No fault (Personal Injury Protection) | Medical care. A share of lost wages. Some other basic costs. | Applies first, through your own policy, even when the other driver runs. |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Injury and some related losses caused by a driver with no insurance. | Can apply when the hit and run driver is never found. |
| Collision | Repair or replacement of your car. | Can pay for damage to your car after a hit and run, subject to your deductible. |
| Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) | Extra coverage when the at fault driver has low limits. | Helps when the driver is found but does not have enough coverage. |
Your Rights After A Hit And Run
After a hit and run in New York, you have key rights.
- You have the right to seek medical care right away.
- You have the right to file no fault and uninsured motorist claims.
- You have the right to a copy of your police report.
- You have the right to seek payment for pain, lost wages, and other harm if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold.
- You have the right to get help with forms and deadlines.
New York’s serious injury rule can affect your right to sue for pain and long term harm. That rule looks at things like broken bones, loss of a fetus, major limits on use of a body part, or a disability that lasts at least 90 days in the 180 days after the crash.
Common Questions From Families
What if the driver is never found
You still can seek help through your own policy. No fault and uninsured motorist coverage can both apply. You may also have coverage through a household member’s policy if you did not own a car.
What if my child was in the car
Your child has the same rights to care and coverage. You list your child as an injured person on the no fault claim. You keep records of school days missed and any counseling.
What if I cannot work
No fault can pay part of lost wages up to certain limits. Uninsured motorist coverage and any lawsuit may seek more, within policy and legal limits.
How To Protect Your Claim
You strengthen your claim by staying organized and steady.
- Keep a folder with police reports, medical records, and letters from insurers.
- Write down pain levels, missed events, and ways the crash affects your daily life.
- Follow medical advice and attend all appointments.
- Respond to insurer requests on time, but read every form before you sign.
If you feel pushed to accept a low offer or you feel confused, you can ask trusted legal help to review your options.
Closing Thoughts
A hit and run in New York can shake your sense of safety and control. You still have rights. You can get care. You can seek money for your losses. You can hold on to your voice in this process. With clear steps, honest support, and steady records, you give yourself and your family a stronger path forward after a painful event.
