A man walking along Old Riverhead Road in Hampton Bays was seriously injured Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, when he was struck by a car, according to Patch and The Southampton Press (27east). Police say the driver left the scene and later went to Southampton Town police headquarters, saying he thought he had hit a deer. As a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer team, Chaikin Trial Group extends our thoughts to the injured man and his loved ones, and we hope for his full recovery.
What Happened on Old Riverhead Road in Hampton Bays
According to the reports, the crash happened at about 7:30 to 7:40 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, in the vicinity of 94 Old Riverhead Road West in Hampton Bays. The man was walking on the side of the road after dark when a vehicle struck him.
A Suffolk County Police Department medevac helicopter airlifted the man to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries. Police have not publicly identified him. The roadway was closed for about two hours while officers investigated.
The driver left the scene before police arrived, according to the reports. He later went to police headquarters and told officers he believed he had struck a deer. Police interviewed him and impounded the vehicle. As of Friday morning, no charges had been filed, and the investigation is ongoing. We will not speculate on fault; the facts here are only those reported by police and local news.
This is the second pedestrian crash in Hampton Bays we have written about this month. Earlier, we covered a separate pedestrian accident at Ponquogue Avenue and Montauk Highway.
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Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen After Dark
Each fall, as the clocks change and evenings get darker, the risk to people on foot rises. National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 7,080 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, about one every 74 minutes. NHTSA reports that 76% of pedestrian deaths happened in the dark, and 73% happened at locations other than intersections.
Those patterns are familiar on Long Island’s East End, where many roads have limited street lighting, narrow shoulders and few or no sidewalks. Common contributing factors in a pedestrian hit by car crash include:
- Poor visibility and drivers not adjusting speed for dark conditions
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Speeding on rural and suburban roads
- Impaired or fatigued driving
- Missing sidewalks, shoulders or lighting that force people to walk in or near the roadway
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in New York
If you were a pedestrian hit by a car in New York, several legal rules may apply. This is general information, not legal advice for any specific case:
- No-Fault benefits: New York is a No-Fault state. Pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle are generally eligible for No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection) benefits that can cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. The No-Fault application deadline is short, generally 30 days.
- Serious injury threshold: To bring a claim for pain and suffering against an at-fault driver, New York Insurance Law § 5102(d) generally requires a “serious injury,” such as a fracture, significant limitation of a body function, or a qualifying disability lasting at least 90 of the first 180 days after the crash.
- Drivers who leave the scene: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 requires a driver who knows, or has cause to know, that a crash has caused personal injury to stop, exchange information and report the crash to police. Whether any law was broken in a particular case is for police and prosecutors to determine.
- Hit-and-run cases with an unknown driver: When a driver is never identified, injured pedestrians may be able to seek benefits through their own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage or through MVAIC (the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation). These claims have strict notice requirements, including prompt police reporting, so speaking with a hit and run lawyer early is important.
- Deadlines: In New York, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years. If a town, county or other government entity may share responsibility, for example for a dangerous road condition, a Notice of Claim is generally required within 90 days.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident on Long Island
- Call 911 and get medical care. Some injuries, including head and internal injuries, are not obvious right away.
- Report the crash to police and get the report number, especially if the driver left the scene.
- Document what you can: photos of the scene, lighting conditions, your injuries, and any vehicle details.
- Get witness names and contact information. Nearby homes and businesses may also have camera footage, which can be erased quickly.
- File for No-Fault benefits promptly to protect your right to medical and wage benefits.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company before getting legal advice.
- Talk to a Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer about your options and deadlines.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
At Chaikin Trial Group, our Long Island personal injury lawyers represent pedestrians and families across Suffolk County, Nassau County, New York City and Westchester. When someone is a pedestrian hit by car, we investigate the crash, preserve evidence, work with experts, handle insurance companies and pursue full compensation for medical care, lost income and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian crashes often overlap with other claims. Our team also handles car accident cases and, when the worst happens, wrongful death claims. You can review our case results, read client reviews, and see the communities we serve.
Consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win. Contact us online to speak with a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer if I was hit by a car?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but pedestrian cases involve No-Fault rules, the serious injury threshold and strict deadlines. A Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer can help protect your claim while you focus on recovery.
What should I do if I was a hit and run pedestrian?
Get medical care, report the crash to police as soon as possible, and save any evidence. If the driver is not identified, you may be able to claim through uninsured motorist coverage or MVAIC, which have short notice deadlines. A hit and run lawyer can help you meet them.
Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian hit by car accident in New York?
In most cases, No-Fault insurance pays medical bills and some lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may also bring a claim against the at-fault driver.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim on Long Island?
Generally three years for a personal injury lawsuit in New York, but No-Fault applications are due in about 30 days, and claims involving a government entity usually require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. See our FAQs or contact us to discuss your timeline.
Conclusion
The Hampton Bays crash is a reminder of how vulnerable people on foot are on dark Long Island roads, especially this time of year. If you or someone you love was hurt, a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can explain your rights at no cost. Reach out online for a free consultation.
Sources: https://patch.com/new-york/westhampton-hamptonbays/pedestrian-airlifted-after-being-struck-hampton-bays-pd; https://www.27east.com/southampton-press/police-fire/police-news/article_81a0a97a-29c9-4ec7-97c9-e7eedb805ca6.html; https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/pedestrian-safety
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.