1. Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in New York | Client Background and Initial Concerns
The client was a motorcycle delivery worker who became involved in a road altercation during heavy rain. Moments later, the other rider slipped and fell.
Believing there had been no physical contact, the client left the area. Days later, he learned a criminal complaint had been filed alleging he violated New York’s Leaving the Scene of an Accident law.
How the Incident Unfolded
The client explained that a brief verbal dispute occurred between the two riders.
The other driver accelerated, lost control on the wet roadway, and fell.
Because the fall appeared unrelated to the client’s motorcycle, he continued his delivery route.
Later, police contacted him based on the other rider’s complaint, triggering substantial concern because VTL §600 can create criminal exposure even in relatively minor incidents.
2. Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in New York | Legal Framework Under VTL §600
Under VTL §600(1), a driver must stop and exchange information when involved in an incident causing property damage. Under VTL §600(2), stricter duties apply if personal injury occurs.
In both situations, two core elements must exist:
• A motor vehicle accident involving the defendant
• The defendant’s knowledge or reasonable awareness that an impact or injury occurred
h3 Identifying Case Dispositive Issues
The defense lawyer recognized three crucial questions:
• Was there any actual contact between the two motorcycles?
• Could the client reasonably perceive an accident had occurred?
• Did the situation impose a statutory duty to stop under VTL §600?
If any element was missing, criminal liability would not apply.
3. Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in New York | Defense Strategy and Evidence Review
After obtaining body camera footage, CCTV recordings, and witness statements, the attorney constructed a comprehensive defense addressing the factual and legal weaknesses in the accusation.
Video Analysis Demonstrating No Collision
The attorney reviewed multiple videos showing:
• The two motorcycles never collided
• The complainant lost control independently due to wet pavement
• The complainant stood up immediately and did not appear injured
This evidence contradicted the initial allegation and supported the argument that no accident involving the client occurred.
Establishing Lack of Accident Awareness
The defense presented contextual factors showing the client had no reasonable belief that he caused or was involved in a reportable incident:
• Limited visibility due to rain
• The dispute appeared resolved
• The complainant’s fall occurred at a distance
• No sound, vibration, or physical impact indicating a collision
These circumstances demonstrated that the statutory “knowledge” requirement was not met.
4. Car Accident Lawyer Near Me in New York | Prosecutorial Review and Final Outcome
The defense lawyer prepared a formal submission detailing the absence of statutory elements, supported by video analysis and legal arguments.
In addition, mitigating information was presented to ensure a fair and holistic review.
Supplemental Mitigation Supporting Dismissal
The defense highlighted:
• The client’s clean record
• His role as the sole provider for two children
• His cooperative behavior once notified
• Genuine willingness to engage in communication or civil resolution
The prosecution, after reviewing the evidence, agreed that the charge under VTL §600 could not be sustained.
26 Nov, 2025
