In December 2015, there were 38,000 hit and run accidents in New York City, according to a NYPD official who testified before the City Council. While the greater majority of accidents involved only property damage, there were 4,000 accidents where drivers left the scene after someone suffered injury, and 48 of those accidents involved serious injury or death. In these latter accidents, the NYPD’s crash investigation squad was alerted to investigate the accidents.

(Source: Politico New York)

Hit and Run Accidents Remain a Serious Problem

Fast-forward to 2018 to a citylimits.org article written in February that indicated Vision Zero is reducing accidents through lower speed limits, safer street designs and greater law enforcement. However, hit and run accidents are on the rise with a 26 percent increase from 36,000 incidents in 2013 to 46,000 incidents in 2017, based on NYPD statistics. More than 5,000 of the 2017 incidents resulted in injury, and 52 people died. Very few of the accidents resulted in arrests.

What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident?

You should document as much of the incident as you possibly can. Actions you should take if you are involved in a hit and run accident, include:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Take photos of the car damage and accident scene (if you are able to do so).
• Write down the color, make and model of the other car and its license number (whenever possible).
• Get names and contact information from witnesses.
• File an accident report with the police.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Hire an experienced car accident attorney to help you file reports and gather all necessary information regarding the accident.

Your accident lawyer will be able to gather statements from witnesses, analyze evidence from the accident and the firm’s investigative team may be able to track down the hit and run driver.

At Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your hit and run accident and evaluate your potential case.