Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Ontario County, NY
You were driving along State Route 5 near Canandaigua when a vehicle struck your car and fled toward Geneva. You pulled over, shaken and injured, but the other driver was gone—no license plate, no witness, no easy answers. A hit and run accident leaves you facing medical bills, vehicle damage, and uncertainty, all while the person responsible is nowhere to be found. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help injured people in Ontario County pursue the compensation they need after a hit and run crash. Whether the at‑fault driver is later identified or remains unknown, our firm works to hold accountable parties and insurance carriers responsible. We know the roads you travel: Routes 20 and 21, the I‑90 corridor, and the local streets of Canandaigua, Victor, and Phelps. To discuss your situation, reach our team at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Hit and Run Accident Means in Ontario County
A hit and run accident is more than a collision where the other driver leaves the scene—it triggers a distinct set of legal and insurance challenges. In Ontario County, personal injury claims arising from these crashes are filed in the New York Supreme Court, Ontario County, located at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua. The 7th Judicial District court handles civil cases where injured parties seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because a hit and run driver may never be found, the case often shifts from a traditional liability claim against a known defendant to an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with the injured person’s own insurance company. New York law requires every auto policy to include UM coverage, which can step in to compensate you when a hit and run driver is unidentified or uninsured. Working with an experienced attorney helps you navigate the interplay between police investigation, insurance adjusters, and the court’s procedural requirements.
Ontario County’s location in the Finger Lakes region means many hit and run accidents occur on rural highways or near tourist destinations. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments, investigate these incidents, but identifying a fleeing driver is not always possible. When a suspect is located, they may face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident, but a criminal prosecution does not automatically produce compensation for your injuries. A separate civil action—or a UM claim—is typically necessary. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand the county’s court system and the practical realities of building a claim when the other driver is absent.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Pursue Hit and Run Injury Claims
When you become a client, the team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. begins by gathering all available evidence: police reports, 911 call records, witness statements, surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses or intersections, and your medical records. If the fleeing driver is identified, we investigate their insurance coverage and, where appropriate, file a civil complaint in Ontario County Supreme Court. If the driver remains unidentified, our focus shifts to your own uninsured motorist coverage. A UM claim after a hit and run still requires proving that an unidentified driver caused the accident and that your injuries resulted from that crash. The insurance company may dispute these facts, but Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to build a persuasive case supported by the evidence.
In New York, an injured person’s own no‑fault insurance pays the first layer of medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. For more serious injuries that cross the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102, the claim moves into a third‑party liability or UM stage where pain and suffering damages become available. Our firm handles the entire continuum: from no‑fault applications to UM demands and, when a liable driver is located, civil litigation. We also coordinate with medical attorney and accident reconstruction attorneys to document the full extent of your harm. Because hit and run cases often involve tight notice deadlines and evidence that can disappear quickly, contacting an attorney promptly is essential.
What to Expect When You Work With Our Firm
The process begins with a consultation. During that conversation, we listen to your account of the accident, review the documents you have, and explain the options available under New York law. If we move forward together, our team handles communication with insurance companies, files the necessary paperwork, and keeps you informed as the case progresses. We do not ask you to guess about timelines; the duration of a hit and run claim varies based on factors such as the complexity of identifying the driver, the extent of your injuries, and the court’s calendar. What remains constant is our commitment to pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Throughout the case, you can reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747. We return calls and messages promptly, and we make ourselves available to answer your questions. Whether the matter resolves through a settlement or proceeds to trial in Ontario County Supreme Court, we prepare every file as though it will be tried. Our Buffalo location serves clients across New York, including those in Ontario County, and we handle all consultations by appointment. There is no fee for personal injury cases unless we recover compensation for you.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings insight into how opposing parties and insurance carriers evaluate claims, including those arising from accidents where the at‑fault driver is missing. He keeps his personal caseload manageable to stay closely involved with each client’s matter.
Mr. Sris works alongside his Of Counsel—attorneys engaged through Excella who contribute extensive experience across personal injury, insurance law, and civil litigation. Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Every hit and run accident case receives collaborative attention, combining the firm’s investigative resources with the individualized judgment of attorneys who understand New York’s court system.
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from hit and run accidents, is three years from the date of injury.
Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). NY Senate CPLR § 214
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident in Ontario County?
Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, then write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle and the scene. If you can do so safely, note the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate. Take photos of your car, the location, and your injuries. Ask nearby businesses or homeowners if they have security cameras. Request a copy of the police report and keep all medical records. Contact an attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster about a settlement.
How long do I have to file a claim for a hit and run injury in New York?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This three‑year statute of limitations (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)) applies to claims for damages caused by a negligent driver, including hit and run crashes. If the accident causes a death, a wrongful death claim must be brought within two years. Certain notices to municipalities may have shorter deadlines, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Can I recover compensation if the hit and run driver is never identified?
Yes, through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. New York requires every auto policy to include UM coverage that protects you when the at‑fault driver is unknown or uninsured. To succeed on a UM claim, you must be able to show that a phantom vehicle caused the accident and that your injuries are real. Physical evidence, a prompt police report, and witness statements strengthen your UM demand. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles the UM process for hit and run victims.
How does uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage work after a hit and run?
Your own insurer stands in the shoes of the missing driver and pays your damages up to the policy limits. You file a claim with your carrier, notifying them of the accident and providing evidence that an unidentified motorist was at fault. The insurer investigates and may dispute fault or the value of your injuries. Because the insurance company is not on your side, having experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. We work to negotiate a fair settlement or, if necessary, pursue arbitration or litigation against the insurer.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run accident claim in Ontario County?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but navigating a hit and run claim without one often leads to lower recoveries and procedural missteps. Identifying the driver, proving liability and damages, and dealing with insurance adjusters—especially in UM cases—can be complex. An attorney can gather evidence, calculate the full value of your claim, and advocate on your behalf. For a free consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What damages can I recover after a hit and run accident?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. New York’s pure comparative fault system reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault, but you can still collect damages even if you were partially responsible. In auto‑accident cases, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 to receive money for pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer can help you document the extent of your injuries and calculate the full scope of your economic and non‑economic losses.
Our firm also represents personal injury clients in other New York counties, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Nassau County. Explore our pages for further guidance:
- Personal injury lawyer in New York County (Manhattan)
- Brooklyn car accident lawyers
- Queens hit and run attorney
- Staten Island personal injury representation
- Nassau County injury claim lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747.