1. Hit and Run Insurance Claim in New York : Immediate Steps after an Accident
Immediately after a hit and run accident, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Call the New York Police Department or local law enforcement to report the incident, as a police report is essential for your hit and run insurance claim and creates an official record of the accident. Document the scene by taking photographs of your vehicle damage, the accident location, and any visible debris or skid marks.
Gathering Evidence and Witness Information
Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle, including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask witnesses to describe the other vehicle, including its color, make, model, license plate number if visible, and the direction it traveled. Request that witnesses provide written statements describing what they observed, as these statements strengthen your hit and run insurance claim significantly.
Documenting Your Damages
Take detailed photographs and videos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches, broken windows, and any other visible harm. Photograph the accident scene showing road conditions, traffic signals, and surrounding landmarks that establish context. Keep all receipts and documentation related to vehicle repairs, rental car expenses, and medical treatment if you or your passengers were injured in the hit and run incident.
2. Hit and Run Insurance Claim in New York : Filing Your Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company within the time frame specified in your policy, typically within thirty days of the accident, to report your hit and run insurance claim. Provide your insurance agent with the police report number, the date and time of the accident, the location, and a detailed description of what occurred. Submit all documentation you gathered, including photographs, witness statements, police reports, and medical records if applicable, to support your claim.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
In New York, hit and run accidents are typically covered under uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage, depending on your policy terms. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified, which is common in hit and run situations. Your collision coverage may also apply if you have that optional protection, though it usually carries a deductible that you must pay before receiving benefits.
Working with Your Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your hit and run insurance claim and determine the extent of your damages. The adjuster may request additional documentation, inspect your vehicle, or contact witnesses to verify the details of your claim. Cooperate fully with the adjuster by providing all requested information promptly, as this facilitates faster claim resolution and ensures accurate assessment of your damages.
3. Hit and Run Insurance Claim in New York : Legal Protections and Your Rights
New York law provides specific protections for victims of hit and run accidents through uninsured motorist coverage requirements and consumer protection statutes. Your hit and run insurance claim is governed by your policy terms and New York Insurance Law, which requires insurers to act in good faith when processing claims. If your insurance company denies your claim unreasonably or fails to follow proper procedures, you may have grounds for an insurance claim lawsuit to recover your damages and additional compensation.
When to Seek Legal Assistance
If your insurance company denies your hit and run insurance claim, delays processing your claim unreasonably, or offers an amount significantly lower than your documented damages, consult with an attorney experienced in insurance disputes. An attorney can review your policy, evaluate the insurance company's decision, and determine whether you have grounds to challenge the denial. Legal representation may be necessary if you need to file a lawsuit against your insurer to recover the full amount of your damages and any applicable statutory damages under New York law.
11 Feb, 2026
