New York Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

At Chopra & Nocerino, our car accident attorneys are real New Yorkers with extensive experience handling the complexities and challenges often associated with hit and run accidents. We are dedicated attorneys who treat our clients like family, providing the personalized attention your case deserves. Our team of accident injury lawyers will vigorously advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Sameer Chopra

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Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: October 3, 2025

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Hit and run accidents, also referred to as “leaving the scene of an accident,” occur when a driver involved in a crash fails to stop and provide contact or insurance information. This makes it much harder for injured victims to pursue the compensation they need to recover. According to recent NYPD data, more than 37,200 hit and run incidents involving injuries or property damage were reported in New York City in 2024 alone.

Why Choose Chopra & Nocerino for Your Hit and Run Accident Case?

At Chopra & Nocerino, we don’t just work in the community; we live here, attend school here, and our families are actively involved throughout the state. This strong connection enables our legal team to genuinely understand local laws, court systems, and the culture that other firms may overlook.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success, backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements that we have secured for our clients.

Here are a few examples of the recoveries our attorneys have achieved on behalf of clients:

$19.5 million – For a woman who sustained severe injuries in a collision with a commercial truck.
$10 million – For a 77-year-old woman whose car was struck by a public bus at a Brooklyn intersection.
$4 million – For a woman who was rear-ended while stopped at a red light.
$3.65 million – For a client who required single-level fusion spine surgery after a chain-reaction rear-end crash.
$2.25 million – For a 57-year-old man who was knocked off his bicycle by an NYPD officer in Brooklyn.
$1.5 million – For a man who was hit by a truck while crossing a Brooklyn street.

For many people living and working in New York, English may not be their first language. Navigating a hit-and-run accident claim can be difficult, especially when potential language barriers are involved. At Chopra & Nocerino, we are proud to have a team that speaks various languages. This allows us to communicate with you about your case in the language that you are most comfortable with. Our team can assist you in languages including Spanish, Greek, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Cantonese, and more.

Understanding Hit and Run Laws in New York

In New York, as in most states, drivers are legally required to remain at the scene of any accident in which they are involved. Failing to do so is a crime commonly referred to as a hit and run. Drivers may flee for a variety of reasons, including intoxication, lack of insurance, outstanding warrants, or fear of the consequences of the crash.

This offense carries serious consequences, including potential criminal charges, particularly when an accident results in injuries or fatalities. However, arrests in hit and run cases remain rare. In 2024, more than 37,200 hit and run incidents were reported in New York City, and the NYPD confirmed that fewer than 1 percent led to arrests.

Even if no arrest is made, you can still pursue financial recovery for your injuries. A criminal conviction is not required to file an insurance claim or bring a civil lawsuit. An experienced New York car accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you explore the best path forward.

Our Investigation Process: How We Find Hit and Run Accident Drivers

Unfortunately, it’s common for vehicles to flee the scene of an accident, and this is a situation we frequently encounter in our cases. When you choose Chopra & Nocerino, you can trust that we will give your hit and run case the personalized attention it deserves.

We approach our investigations into hit and run claims as if we were police detectives. Our attorneys will hunt down any camera footage that may have captured the fleeing vehicle. We will gather witness statements and work to piece together the evidence so we can hold the driver accountable.

Additionally, we will guide you through other options for financial recovery. Even if we are unable to locate the other driver, alternative routes for compensation can still be explored.

Insurance Coverage Complexities in New York Hit and Run Accident Cases

In New York, the no-fault car insurance system mandates that you first utilize your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other basic economic losses resulting from a car accident. You can get this coverage regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This coverage is capped at $50,000 per person, which may not be sufficient to cover all your damages. Additionally, PIP does not compensate for property damage nor for non-economic losses, such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide financial recovery in the event of a hit and run accident. This type of coverage protects you against drivers who either do not have insurance or do not have enough insurance to cover your damages. In a hit and run scenario, the driver who caused the accident is effectively considered uninsured because they are unidentified and you do not have access to their insurance information, if they have insurance at all.

Other potential avenues for recovery include pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or filing a personal injury lawsuit. In many hit and run cases, though, the driver’s identity and insurance information are unknown, which can make these options difficult or unavailable unless the driver is located. To bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering in New York, you must also meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold, as defined under Insurance Law § 5102(d). This threshold is separate from the $50,000 in basic economic loss covered by no-fault insurance.

Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run Accident in New York

Being involved in a hit and run accident in New York can be distressing and overwhelming. Knowing the steps to take after such an incident can help alleviate some of the stress:

Get to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle out of the traffic flow and onto the shoulder of the road.
Call 911 and stay at the scene: Request police and medical assistance. Do not chase the other vehicle. You are required to stay at the accident scene, and pursuing a fleeing vehicle can be dangerous.
Collect evidence: Take photos and videos of the wreckage, the surrounding area, and any injuries sustained in the accident. If there are witnesses, be sure to write down their names and contact information.
Get legal help: Contact Chopra & Nocerino as soon as possible, before speaking with any insurance companies. Seeking legal assistance promptly allows an experienced hit and run accident lawyer to handle insurance negotiations for you and explore your legal options for financial recovery.

Following up with your medical care provider after the accident is crucial, even if you received medical attention on the same day. This helps check for hidden injuries that may not have been immediately obvious on the day of the accident.

Types of Hit and Run Accident Cases We Handle Across New York

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact and insurance information. However, hit and run accidents can be more complex than they seem. Here are some examples of the types of hit and run cases we handle throughout New York:

Drivers who fled the scene but were later identified and deny responsibility for the accident
Phantom vehicle accidents, also called miss-and-run accidents, occur when the actions of a reckless driver cause an accident, but do not have direct physical contact with the vehicle that crashed
Accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists
Accidents involving semi-trucks or commercial vehicles
Multi-vehicle accidents, or chain reaction accidents, where the at-fault driver fled the scene

FAQs About New York Hit and Run Accidents

What if the Other Driver Is Never Found?

If the hit and run driver is never found, you can still file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage. This allows you to address the situation and ensure that you’re covered despite the challenges.

Will My Insurance Rate Increase Even if the Hit and Run Accident Was Not My Fault?

Although there are no guarantees, it is unlikely that your insurance rate will rise following a hit and run incident.

How Can I Get Compensation if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

If the driver who caused your accident does not have insurance, you can still seek compensation for your losses. First, you can utilize your personal injury protection or no-fault insurance to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. If that does not fully cover your damages, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, you may have the option to sue the driver responsible for the accident.

How Long Will a Police Investigation Take?

A police investigation into a hit and run accident can take a few days to several months, or even longer. The duration of the investigation ultimately depends on the availability of evidence and the case’s complexity. For example, if there are numerous witnesses and substantial evidence, such as images or videos of the other driver and their vehicle, investigators will have an easier time identifying the individual responsible for the hit and run.

What Happens if I Accidentally Leave the Accident Scene?

Even if you leave the scene of a car accident by mistake, you can still face fines or criminal charges. The penalties vary depending on the seriousness of the crash and whether it caused property damage, injuries, or fatalities.

Why Should I Get an Attorney for a Hit and Run Case?

Hit and run cases are complex, more so than typical car accidents, and insurance companies will use tactics in an attempt to pay the least amount possible. An attorney can guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Let Us Handle Your New York Hit and Run Accident Case

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a hit and run accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced New York hit and run accident lawyers. We are real New Yorkers committed to serving our community, and we are ready to fight for you.

Call us today at (855) NYC-HURT for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced New York hit and run accident lawyer.

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