What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Long Island

One second your life changes. The driver speeds off. Now what?

On the morning of May 9, 2025, a 14-year-old boy was hit by a car in front of Milton Olive Middle School in Wyandanch, NY. The driver didn’t stop. Instead, they sped off down Garden City Avenue and disappeared. The teen was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital with injuries, and police are still looking for the person who left him there. Luckily, it wasn’t worse.

It’s the kind of story no parent wants to hear—and unfortunately, it’s not rare. Hit-and-run accidents happen across Long Island more often than people realize. If it happens to you or someone you love, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do in a hit and run, how to report it, what your insurance may (or may not) cover, and how a hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you protect your rights from the very start.

What’s in This Guide

• What to Do in a Hit and Run

• How to Report a Hit and Run

• How Long Does It Take to Investigate a Hit-and-Run?

• How Can Police Prove a Hit-and-Run?

• How Fast Do Police Respond to Hit-and-Run?

• Can Someone Find You After a Hit-and-Run?

• What Are the Odds of Finding a Hit-and-Run Driver?

• Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run in NY?

• What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in NY?

• Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run If It’s a Parked Car?

• Are You at Fault for a Hit-and-Run?

• What Percentage of Hit-and-Runs Are Solved?

• Why Work with a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?

What to Do in a Hit and Run

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, here’s what to do right away to protect your health and your case:

• Call 911. Always report the crash, even if your injuries seem minor. You’ll need a police report to move forward.
• Get medical attention. You could have internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Seeing a doctor right away also creates a medical record that helps your claim.
• Take notes. Write down anything you remember about the vehicle, license plate, driver, or direction they fled.
• Look for witnesses. Get their names and contact info before they leave the scene.
• Take photos. Capture damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the surroundings—street signs, debris, skid marks, and lighting conditions.
• Be cautious when reporting the accident. You do need to notify your insurance company, but don’t give a recorded statement or go into detail until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Read more about why in our previous blog.
• Call a lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney near you can help you report the accident properly, file the right claims, and fight for full compensation, especially if the other driver was never caught.

How to Report a Hit and Run

In New York, you are legally required to report a hit-and-run accident to the police. If you can’t identify the other driver, you must still file a report and notify your insurance company. In most cases, you’ll need to:

• File a Collision Information Exchange Report
• Submit a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) to the DMV if damages exceed $1,000
• Provide all details to your insurer, especially if you’re using uninsured motorist coverage

How Long Does It Take to Investigate a Hit-and-Run?

There’s no standard timeline. Some investigations are resolved quickly, especially with surveillance video or license plate info. Others may take weeks or months. Police prioritize hit-and-run incidents involving injuries, especially when minors are involved, like the teen struck in Wyandanch.

How Can Police Prove a Hit-and-Run?

Police may use:

• Surveillance footage
• Eyewitness statements
• License plate readers
• Vehicle debris or paint
• Tip-offs from the public

Even if the driver isn’t caught at the scene, a thorough investigation can still lead to an arrest.

How Fast Do Police Respond to Hit-and-Run?

Response times vary based on location and severity, but police respond quickly to hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians or children. In the Wyandanch case, officers responded immediately and launched an investigation.

Can Someone Find You After a Hit-and-Run?

Yes. Drivers are often tracked down through video footage, eyewitnesses, or evidence left behind. If you’re the victim, don’t assume the driver will get away, especially with a personal injury lawyer on Long Island helping with the investigation.

What Are the Odds of Finding a Hit-and-Run Driver?

While not all drivers are caught, many are, especially in serious or well-documented cases. The more information you can provide at the scene, the better your odds. Working with a Long Island car accident lawyer also increases your chances.

Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run in NY?

Yes. Your no-fault insurance (PIP) will typically cover medical costs. If the driver can’t be identified, you may also use:

• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Collision coverage (for vehicle damage)

Keep in mind: your insurer may try to pay as little as possible. That’s why it’s smart to have an auto accident attorney near you guide your claim.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run in NY?

Under New York law, a hit and run is any crash where a driver leaves the scene without sharing contact/insurance info or helping an injured party. This includes accidents involving:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Other vehicles
• Parked cars
• Property (like fences or poles)

Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run If It’s a Parked Car?

If your car was hit while parked and the other driver left without a note or report, it’s a hit and run. You’ll typically need collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage for this type of claim.

Are You at Fault for a Hit-and-Run?

If you flee the scene of a crash, yes. But if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you are not at fault. Still, you must report it and cooperate with the investigation to preserve your rights.

Learn more about fault in our multi-car accident FAQ.

What Percentage of Hit-and-Runs Are Solved?

According to the most recent data by Transportation Alternatives, hit-and-run crashes in New York City have risen 25% since 2018, with 220 people killed in 2023 alone. Even more alarming? Just 5% of hit-and-run drivers involved in these fatal crashes were identified and held accountable.

The vast majority (95%) of fatal hit-and-run suspects in NYC are never caught. Police cite fake or obscured plates, lack of surveillance, and limited resources as major challenges in solving these crimes.

Why Work with a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?

At Chaikin Trial Group, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents across Long Island fight back when others flee the scene. We don’t just file claims, we investigate, build strong cases, and demand real compensation.

Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or helping you file a lawsuit, we’re here to stand by your side.

Call Chaikin Trial Group Today

If you or your child were hurt in a hit-and-run, don’t wait. A hit and run accident lawyer is available by call 24/7.

Call us for a free consultation. Our Office is in Melville and serves Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn & NYC. We also go as far as Westchester County and NJ. Hablamos español.

Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. The information herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. This blog is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the topic.