A 61-year-old woman was injured early Tuesday morning, November 3, 2026, when a driver struck her as she crossed Park Avenue in East Harlem and then left the scene, according to Patch. As a Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyer team, we see how even a “minor” injury from a hit-and-run can leave a person facing medical bills, missed work, and real uncertainty about who will pay. Below, we review what was reported and explain the rights pedestrians have in New York when the driver drives away.
What Happened on Park Avenue in East Harlem
According to Patch, citing the NYPD, the crash happened at about 5:20 a.m. Tuesday at Park Avenue and East 115th Street. The woman was crossing Park Avenue when the driver of a red Honda went through the intersection, then reversed back into her, striking her left knee. The driver then fled uptown on Park Avenue.
The woman was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside in stable condition with minor injuries, Patch reported. As of publication, no arrests had been made and police were searching for the driver. The investigation is ongoing.
We wish her a full and speedy recovery. Anyone with information about this crash should contact the NYPD.
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Pedestrian Safety in Manhattan: What the Data Shows
New York City has made real progress on traffic safety, but pedestrians are still the most vulnerable people on our streets. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, the city recorded 205 traffic deaths in 2025, the lowest since Vision Zero began. Even so, 111 of those deaths were pedestrians, more than half of the total. NY1 also reported on the record-low figures, noting that traffic safety remains a citywide priority.
Early-morning hours, when it is still dark and visibility is limited, can be especially risky for people walking to work or transit. Wide avenues, turning and reversing vehicles, and drivers who fail to yield in crosswalks are common factors in cases where a pedestrian is hit by a car. Uptown pedestrian safety has been in the news recently, too, as we discussed in our post on the Central Park e-bike safety rally.
Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run in New York
Being struck by a driver who flees is frightening, and many people assume there is nobody to hold responsible. That is often not the case. A Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand which of these paths may apply:
- No-Fault (PIP) benefits. New York’s No-Fault system generally covers a pedestrian’s reasonable medical expenses and a portion of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash. Benefits may come from the striking vehicle’s insurer if the vehicle is identified, or from a policy in your own household. No-Fault applications have short deadlines (generally 30 days from the accident), so acting quickly matters.
- MVAIC. If the driver is never identified and you have no available auto policy, you may be able to file with the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which exists to protect people injured by hit-and-run and uninsured drivers. MVAIC has its own strict requirements, including prompt reporting of the accident to police and a written notice of intention to file a claim, generally within 90 days.
- A lawsuit for pain and suffering. To recover for pain and suffering after a motor vehicle crash in New York, an injured person generally must meet the “serious injury” threshold in Insurance Law Section 5102(d). If the driver is identified, a claim may be brought against the driver and the vehicle owner.
- Deadlines. New York’s statute of limitations for most personal injury negligence claims is generally three years from the date of the accident, but MVAIC and No-Fault deadlines are much shorter. Different rules can apply when a government vehicle is involved.
Every case is different. Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury is also a violation of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, and a driver’s criminal case is separate from your right to seek compensation.
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident
If you are wondering what to do after a hit and run, these steps can protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and get medical care right away. Some injuries, such as knee, ligament, and head injuries, may get worse over the following days.
- Report the crash to police. A police report is important for insurance and MVAIC claims. Ask for the report number.
- Write down everything you remember. Vehicle color, make, partial plate, direction of travel, and time all help investigators.
- Look for witnesses and cameras. Nearby businesses, buildings, and buses may have video. Footage can be erased quickly.
- Keep records. Save medical bills, receipts, photos of injuries, and notes about missed work.
- Speak with a lawyer before giving recorded statements to any insurance company.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents pedestrians and families throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester. Our pedestrian accident lawyers know how to work with police, track down video, and pursue No-Fault, MVAIC, and liability claims so you can focus on healing.
Learn more about our car accident practice and our broader personal injury services, see the areas we serve, or review some of our case results. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win. Our Manhattan office is at 450 7th Ave, Ste 1901. To speak with our team, contact us online.
FAQ: Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents in NYC
What happens if a pedestrian is hit by a car and the driver is never found?
You may still have options. No-Fault benefits may be available through a policy in your household, and if no policy applies, you may be able to file a claim with MVAIC. Strict deadlines apply, so it helps to act quickly.
What is MVAIC?
MVAIC (the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation) is a New York entity that provides certain benefits to people injured by hit-and-run, unidentified, or uninsured drivers when no other insurance is available. It has its own notice and reporting rules.
How common are hit-and-run crashes in NYC?
Hit-and-run crashes happen across all five boroughs. Whether you were struck in Manhattan or anywhere else in the city, a pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC can help you understand which coverage applies to you.
Do I need a pedestrian hit by car lawyer if my injuries seem minor?
Not every case needs a lawsuit, but a free consultation can help you understand deadlines and benefits you may not know about. Injuries that seem minor at first can turn out to be more serious, and early medical documentation matters.
Talk to a Manhattan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was hurt by a driver who fled the scene, you do not have to figure it out alone. A Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can explain your rights, help with No-Fault and MVAIC claims, and fight for fair compensation. You can also read our FAQs or client reviews. For a free consultation, contact us online.
Facts about the crash are based on news reports available at the time of writing and may change as the investigation continues.
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.