Accidents move fast. This guide doesn't. Every step below is attorney-reviewed and specific to New York City, New York law — so you don't miss what matters.
Hit-and-run incidents account for a significant share of NYC's 95,000+ annual crashes. Even if the at-fault driver fled and was never identified, NYC has multiple recovery paths — but each comes with strict deadlines that are easy to miss without legal guidance.
If a driver fled the scene of your NYC accident, your recovery options depend on your insurance status:
- You have NY auto insurance: File NF-2 with your own insurer (30-day deadline) AND uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own carrier
- You don't have auto insurance: File MVAIC Notice of Intention within 90 days
- NYPD report is mandatory for any MVAIC claim — call 911 at the scene
- Try to capture even partial plate info — NYC traffic cameras and witness reports can sometimes identify a fleeing vehicle later
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What You're Experiencing
Another driver hit you in NYC and then drove away. You may have only a partial plate, a vehicle description, or nothing at all.
What This Likely Means
- If you have any plate info → Report immediately to NYPD; they may identify the vehicle from DMV records
- If the driver hit you in a high-traffic area → Witnesses and CCTV are likely
- If you have no information → MVAIC + UM coverage + your own no-fault PIP are the recovery paths
Your Options
You Can Do This
- •Call 911 immediately — get NYPD report
- •Try to capture any plate, vehicle, or driver description
- •Get witness contact information
- •File NF-2 with your insurer within 30 days
- •If no insurance, file MVAIC Notice within 90 days
Attorney Handles
- •Subpoenas NYC CCTV and private business surveillance
- •Files MVAIC paperwork with full documentation
- •Pursues UM claim against your own insurer
- •Coordinates with NYPD on follow-up identification
Avoid Doing This
- •Don't pursue the fleeing driver — this is an NYPD job
- •Don't accept your insurer's first UM offer without legal review
- •Don't miss the 90-day MVAIC deadline
What This Typically Costs
MVAIC payments mirror standard no-fault PIP — $50,000 cap. UM coverage limits depend on your own policy.
When to Call a Professional
Contact an attorney immediately if any of these apply:
- 1
If you have any vehicle identification → Tell NYPD immediately at the scene.
- 2
If you don't have auto insurance → MVAIC is your recovery path; deadline is 90 days.
- 3
If you have UM coverage → File simultaneously with both your insurer and (if eligible) MVAIC.
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Get Free Case Review →Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MVAIC Notice deadline | 90 days from accident | NY Insurance Law § 5218 |
| MVAIC max benefit | $50,000 per person | NY Insurance Law § 5204 |
| NF-2 (own PIP) deadline | 30 days | NY Insurance Law § 5106 |
| Hit-and-run criminal penalty (injury) | Class D felony | VTL § 600(2) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1
Mistake #1: Not calling 911 because the other driver fled.
Without an NYPD report, MVAIC will deny your claim.
- 2
Mistake #2: Missing the 90-day MVAIC Notice deadline.
Unlike the 3-year SOL, this 90-day deadline is absolute.
- 3
Mistake #3: Filing UM claim against your own insurer without checking coverage.
Review your declarations page first to confirm UM/UIM limits before filing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is MVAIC and how do I file?▼
MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation) is NY's fund for victims of unidentified or uninsured drivers. File a Notice of Intention within 90 days at mvaic.com. Requires NYPD report and proof you don't have other applicable coverage.
Can NYC traffic cameras help identify the fleeing driver?▼
Sometimes. NYC has extensive CCTV camera networks — red light cameras, speed cameras, MTA cameras, and private business cameras. NYPD can sometimes identify a fleeing vehicle from camera footage, especially in Manhattan. An attorney can subpoena private surveillance to supplement NYPD's investigation.
Sources & Citations
Related New York City Accident Guides
Deep-dive service guides written with our verified partner attorneys.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in New York City
Hit by a driver who fled the scene in NYC? New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) covers victims of unidentified drivers. Learn VTL § 600, MVAIC claims, and your 30-day filing deadline.
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York City
Injured in a NYC car accident? New York's no-fault law limits lawsuits — but you may still have a case under the serious injury threshold (§ 5102(d)). Learn the 30-day NF-2 deadline and 3-year SOL.
Check My Case Value & Protect My Claim →
Free · No obligation · 24/7 intake open
⚡ Free · No Obligation
See If You Qualify in 60 Seconds
Step 1 — Select accident type
What type of accident were you in?