When Someone Hits You — And Then Disappears

A hit and run leaves more than injuries behind.

It leaves silence where answers should be.

No driver to speak with.
No insurance information.
No clear explanation of what just happened.

Instead, there’s damage, disruption, and an unsettling uncertainty about what comes next.

In Manhattan, these incidents happen across every mode of movement — whether someone was driving, walking, cycling, or riding. And in each case, the most frustrating part is often the same: the person who caused the crash is gone before anything can be sorted out.

How Hit & Run Accidents Actually Happen in Manhattan

We see patterns.

A vehicle strikes someone while turning through a crowded intersection and keeps going.
A cyclist is clipped by a car pulling away from the curb.
A pedestrian is hit during a rushed pickup or drop-off moment.

In a city built on constant movement, the instinct to leave — whether out of panic or fear — can turn a crash into something far more complicated.

These are part of the broader category of motor vehicle crashes, but the absence of the driver changes how recovery may happen.

What To Do Immediately After a Hit & Run

In the moment, shock is normal.

If possible:

• Seek medical care

• Note anything you remember about the vehicle

• Look for witnesses

• Document the scene

Nearby cameras — from buildings, vehicles, or street infrastructure — may exist even when you don’t immediately see them.

Early attention to what happened can matter.

Why These Cases Feel So Unfair

When the driver leaves, it can feel like accountability disappears with them.

But in New York, recovery does not always depend on identifying the person who caused the crash.

Even when the driver is never located, there may still be paths available.

How Insurance Works After a Hit & Run

Many people assume:

“No driver = no recovery.”

That isn’t necessarily true.

Depending on the situation, coverage may be available through:

• your own insurance

• policies connected to the vehicle involved

• other applicable sources

New York’s no-fault system may still provide initial coverage for medical care and lost income.

Beyond that, additional recovery may be possible depending on how the incident occurred.

Hit & Run Doesn’t Just Affect Drivers

These incidents often involve:

• pedestrians

• cyclists

• motorcyclists

Questions about responsibility and recovery can arise in situations similar to pedestrian collisions or bicycle accidents.

Each situation carries its own considerations.

How We Help After a Hit & Run

Hit and run cases are not just about finding the driver.

They often involve:

• preserving early information

• identifying available coverage

• understanding recovery options

We assist clients by:

• helping them access appropriate medical care

• guiding early documentation

• communicating with insurers

• clarifying potential paths forward

Our role is to help bring structure to a situation that often feels chaotic.