Law Office of Paul G. Barden, PLLC Law Office of Paul G. Barden, PLLC 2026-10-01T09:52:45Z https://www.paulbardenlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1504726/2025/09/cropped-paulgbardenpllc-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Office of Paul G. Barden, PLLC <![CDATA[What Can You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in New York?]]> https://www.paulbardenlaw.com/?p=46639 2026-10-01T09:52:45Z 2026-09-30T17:00:34Z The other driver is gone, your vehicle is damaged and the next steps may feel unclear. That uncertainty is common after a hit-and-run. This article outlines procedural considerations for Rochester drivers. 

Start with safety and a police report

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical help. Do not chase the other driver.  Report the hit-and-run to police right away. A police report can support your insurance claim later. Drivers must also stop after a crash under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 600. Leaving the scene may lead to criminal charges.

Document what you can

Memory can deteriorate rapidly after a traumatic collision. Surveillance footage from nearby properties may also be overwritten within days. Record and photograph the following information as soon as circumstances permit: 
  • Vehicle details: Color, make, model, partial plate and direction of travel
  • Photos: Your car damage, debris and the surrounding area
  • Witnesses: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash
  • Cameras: Nearby businesses or homes that may have video
Even a partial license plate can assist investigators. Avoid speculating about details you cannot accurately recall. 

Get medical care and notify your insurer

Seek medical evaluation even if you feel uninjured. Adrenaline can conceal pain. Certain injuries may not manifest for several days. New York is a no-fault state. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may reimburse medical expenses. It may also compensate for a portion of lost earnings. Your policy might include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage could apply if the driver is never identified. Notify your insurer promptly that the collision was a hit-and-run.

Watch for short deadlines

Some claims proceed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, or MVAIC. N.Y. Ins. Law § 5208 generally requires a police report within 24 hours. A notice of intention may be required within 90 days. You may also need to file an MV-104 report with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This requirement applies if property damage exceeds $1,000.

Why these steps matter for your claim

Safety, a police report, good records and a quick call to your insurer work together. These steps may keep your PIP and uninsured motorist options open. Acting early matters because evidence fades and deadlines can be short. If your situation becomes more complicated, an attorney can help you understand your options. ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Paul G. Barden, PLLC <![CDATA[How long do you have to report a crash to insurance?]]> https://www.paulbardenlaw.com/?p=46626 2026-08-07T05:49:41Z 2026-06-29T15:17:14Z A car accident can leave you juggling medical appointments, vehicle repairs and confusion about what to do next. In the middle of that stress, notifying your insurance company may not feel like the most urgent task. However, reporting a collision promptly often plays an important role in protecting both your insurance claim and any potential personal injury claim.

Why reporting an accident promptly matters

Every insurance policy contains its own reporting requirements, but most expect drivers to notify the company as soon as possible after a crash. Prompt reporting allows the insurer to investigate while the evidence remains fresh. It also helps document injuries, vehicle damage and the circumstances surrounding the collision before important details become harder to verify. Delays can raise questions about what caused the damage or whether injuries resulted from the accident. In some cases, an insurance company may argue that late reporting affected its ability to investigate the claim. Depending on the policy and circumstances, that delay could slow the claims process or even lead to a denial of certain benefits. This step carries added importance in New York because the state follows a no-fault insurance system. In many cases, injured drivers first turn to their own insurance for benefits, making timely reporting an important part of the claims process. 

Information to collect after a collision

Gathering accurate information at the scene can strengthen an insurance claim and help avoid disputes later. If it is safe to do so, try to collect:
  • The other driver's name, contact information and insurance details
  • Photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene and any visible injuries
  • Contact information for witnesses
  • The responding police officer's name and accident report information, if available
  • Notes about the weather, road conditions and how the collision occurred
Keeping this information organized can make it easier to communicate with your insurance company and support your claim throughout the process.

Protect your rights after an accident

Insurance claims do not always proceed as expected. Disputes over liability, coverage or the value of a claim can come up even after a timely report. If you encounter challenges with an insurance claim following a New York car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your interests and help you pursue the compensation available under the law.]]>