What to Do After a New York Hit-and-Run Accident
Being victimized by a hit-and-run is a uniquely traumatizing experience—especially if it left you with serious personal injuries or property damage. You may feel hopeless and out of options. After all, how can you collect compensation from someone when you do not even know who they are? Fortunately, there are still ways to recover your damages after a New York hit-and-run car accident.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and the Law
Did you know that fleeing the accident scene is a crime in the state of New York? Unfortunately, that is still not enough to keep some drivers from committing hit-and-runs. NYPD data shows that the rate of hit-and-run accidents in New York City alone jumped 26 percent from 2013 to 2017. There was even a 14 percent increase in hit-and-run accidents that caused personal injury between 2013 and 2017. Unfortunately, you must always stay prepared to come face to face with a negligent driver.
Recovering After a Hit-And-Run Accident
The good news: Any uninsured motorist coverage you have should cover a hit-and-run accident. The bad news: This coverage often is insufficient for victims who are dealing with 
serious injuries. Fortunately, the state of New York has a separate, dedicated provision for hit-and-run accident victims. This provision is called the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Act (MVAIC). You must file a claim directly with the MVAIC to recover under this provision.
Navigating an MVAIC claim can be difficult, especially if you do not have a full and comprehensive understanding of the law. You will have to deal with a claims adjuster just like you would with insurance. Working with an experienced New York hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you recover the full value of your case. It may even be possible to identify the driver liable for your accident.
Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Of course, drivers are not the only ones who can be victimized by a hit-and-run. Such accidents can happen to pedestrians and bicyclists as well—and they are often even more dangerous. Some statistics show that nearly one in five pedestrian deaths occur because of a hit-and-run. Additionally, it is more difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to recover compensation for their damages in a hit-and-run accident due to their lacking insurance coverage. However, there are still ways for victims to recover damages. Every case is different, so your options will vary depending on the specifics of your situation. Consult a hardworking New York hit-and-run accident attorney to ensure that you are doing the best thing for yourself and your claim.
Seeking Legal Help
Were you or a loved one recently injured in a hit-and-run car accident? We at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced New York auto accident attorneys. We draw on over 50 years of combined legal experience to serve you as best we can. We proudly serve the Central New York area, including Syracuse, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.