Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A hit-and-run accident is a violation on top of an injury. If a driver struck you and fled the scene, you may be left wondering how to pay for your medical care and recover lost wages when the person responsible cannot be found.
A hit and run lawyer in Mount Vernon can help you pursue every available path to compensation, even when the at-fault driver is unknown. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we represent injured New Yorkers across Westchester County and the five boroughs, and our car accident lawyer in Mount Vernon team is ready to review your case today.
We have recovered over $1 billion and served more than 26,000 clients, and we know how to build a strong claim even when the responsible party has disappeared. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Hit and Run Claims Work in New York
When a driver flees the scene, your options for recovering compensation shift. New York law allows compensation for hit-and-run victims, but getting it requires a clear understanding of how the state’s insurance system works.
Our personal injury lawyer in Mount Vernon team handles hit and run cases regularly and can identify every available source of compensation for your situation. The primary options available to hit and run victims in New York include:
- Your own Uninsured Motorist coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance
- Your No-Fault personal injury protection, which covers initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault
- A claim through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, known as MVAIC, for victims who have no applicable insurance coverage
- A direct claim against the at-fault driver if they are later identified by law enforcement
Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is one of the first things we work to determine. The right approach depends on your insurance coverage, how the accident occurred, and whether the driver is ever identified.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Mount Vernon
The steps you take immediately after a hit-and-run accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Acting quickly and carefully gives us more to work with when building your claim.
If you are physically able after the accident, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the police immediately
- Stay at the scene and document everything you can, including vehicle descriptions
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash
- Photograph your injuries, the accident scene, and any debris left behind
- Seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor
- Contact a Mount Vernon hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible after your accident for specific advice
Reporting the accident to the police promptly is especially important in hit-and-run cases. Many insurance policies and MVAIC claims require a police report filed as soon as possible after the crash. Delays in reporting can complicate or jeopardize your claim.
Common Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents often involve drivers who flee precisely because they were acting recklessly, speeding, or impaired. That means the collisions tend to be high-impact, and the injuries can be severe.
Injuries commonly seen in hit-and-run accident cases include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries and whiplash
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
The severity of your injuries directly affects both the value of your claim and the legal pathway we pursue. We can help you document every aspect of your condition thoroughly so that your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
What Compensation May Be Available to Hit and Run Victims
Even when the at-fault driver is unknown, compensation may still be available through your own insurance or other legal mechanisms. The amount recoverable depends on your coverage, the severity of your injuries, and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Compensation in a hit-and-run case may include:
- Medical expenses, including future care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
If the driver is later identified, you may also be able to bring a direct personal injury claim against them. Our hit and run lawyers in Mount Vernon monitor the status of police investigations into hit and run cases and will act if that becomes an option in your case.
How Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers Handles Hit and Run Cases
Founded in 2013, Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers has spent over a decade fighting for working-class New Yorkers hurt in accidents across the city and surrounding areas. We bring more than 200 years of combined legal experience to every case, with over $1 billion recovered for more than 26,000 clients.
We use our own in-house investigation team to gather evidence, review traffic camera footage, and work alongside law enforcement efforts to identify hit-and-run drivers. We do not outsource that work. The faster we get involved, the better our chances of preserving the evidence that supports your claim.
Contact a Hit and Run Attorney in Mount Vernon Today
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mount Vernon or anywhere in Westchester County, do not wait to get legal advice. The insurance deadlines in these cases are strict, and evidence can disappear fast.
Contact Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers today for a free case review and let us fight for every dollar you may be owed. As your hit-and-run lawyer in Mount Vernon, we are ready to pursue every available path to compensation on your behalf.
There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.