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New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers Hit and Run Case Dismissed



In this case study, new york traffic ticket lawyers successfully defended a Brooklyn driver who was accused of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury under New York law.The matter centered on whether the driver had actual or constructive knowledge that a collision related injury had occurred.Through statutory analysis, factual reconstruction, and targeted advocacy, the charge was dismissed before indictment, allowing the client to retain both criminal clearance and driving privileges.

Contents


1. New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers | Case Background and Incident Overview


This case involved a commercially active driver who regularly operated a passenger vehicle across Brooklyn arterial roads during daytime hours.The incident arose from a lane change maneuver that was later alleged to have caused a motorcycle operator to lose control and fall behind the client’s vehicle.


Lane Change and Post Incident Discovery


While traveling eastbound on a multi lane roadway in Brooklyn, the client lawfully transitioned from the center lane into the left lane after checking mirrors and signaling appropriately.


At no point did the client feel an impact, hear a collision, or observe a motorcycle in immediate proximity at the time of the maneuver.


Several moments later, traffic slowed, and the client observed, at a distance, a motorcycle lying on the roadway behind him, with no apparent contact between the vehicles.



2. New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers | Criminal Allegations under New York Law


Days after the incident, the client was contacted by law enforcement and informed that a report had been filed accusing him of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury.The allegation was brought under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §600(2)(a), which criminalizes knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury without reporting or rendering aid.


Statutory Elements of Leaving the Scene Involving Injury


Under VTL §600(2)(a), the prosecution must establish that:

 

• A motor vehicle accident occurred

• The accident resulted in personal injury

• The defendant knew or reasonably should have known that injury occurred

• The defendant failed to stop, identify himself, or report the incident

 

Absent proof of knowledge or awareness, criminal liability cannot attach under New York law.



3. New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers | Defense Strategy and Legal Analysis


Recognizing the seriousness of a hit and run injury allegation, new york traffic ticket lawyers focused their defense on the threshold issue of awareness.The strategy emphasized that criminal liability under VTL §600 is not strict liability and requires proof of actual or constructive knowledge.


Lack of Impact, Awareness, and Criminal Intent


The defense established that there was no physical contact between the client’s vehicle and the motorcycle.


Vehicle inspection showed no damage, transfer marks, or forensic indicators consistent with a collision.


The client was sober, driving within the speed limit, and complied with all traffic signals, undermining any inference of reckless conduct or conscious disregard.



4. New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers | Motorcycle Operator Negligence and Causation Issues


Evidence demonstrated that the motorcycle operator was traveling at an excessive speed and following too closely behind the client’s vehicle.As the client changed lanes, the motorcycle independently attempted a simultaneous lane shift, lost balance, and fell without contact.


Independent Loss of Control and Absence of Collision


Witness statements and roadway analysis supported the conclusion that the motorcycle accident was self induced rather than collision based.


Because the client’s vehicle did not strike the motorcycle, there was no objective basis for the client to associate the fall with his driving.


New York courts have consistently held that mere proximity to an accident is insufficient to establish knowledge under VTL §600.



5. New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers | Case Outcome and Dismissal


Based on the defense submission, prosecutors concluded that the evidence failed to establish the required element of knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt.The charge under Vehicle and Traffic Law §600(2)(a) was dismissed prior to indictment.The client avoided criminal conviction, license suspension, and the cascading professional consequences that often follow hit and run allegations.


Practical Impact for the Client


With the case dismissed, the client was able to continue his profession without interruption.


No criminal record was created, and no DMV points or court imposed penalties applied.


This outcome underscores the importance of early intervention by experienced new york traffic ticket lawyers in injury related traffic cases.


06 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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