Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Orleans County, NY
If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver in Orleans County, New York, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents victims pursuing compensation through personal injury claims—not the fleeing driver who may face criminal charges. A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the uncertainty of identifying the responsible party. Our firm helps injured people throughout communities like Albion, Medina, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville, Ridgeway, Gaines, Carlton, and Yates hold negligent drivers accountable, even when they leave the scene. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founding Attorney, has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to personal injury matters, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. To discuss your hit-and-run accident claim, reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Personal-injury claims arising from hit-and-run accidents in New York must be filed within three years of the date of injury.
Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Hit and Run Accident Claims Mean in Orleans County
Orleans County lies in western New York along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, with major routes like I-90, Route 31, and Route 104 connecting its small towns. Hit-and-run accidents in this region often occur at rural intersections, along dark stretches of highway, or near commercial areas in Albion and Medina. Because a driver who flees the scene may have little insurance or be driving without consent, pursuing a personal injury claim frequently requires identifying your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, examining the scene for evidence, and working with law enforcement. The Orleans County Supreme Court, located at 1 South Main Street, Suite 3 in Albion, is the trial court with general jurisdiction over personal injury lawsuits seeking damages beyond the monetary limits of lower courts.
New York follows a pure comparative fault rule under CPLR Article 14-A, meaning an injured person’s recovery is reduced by their own percentage of fault but not barred entirely. However, motor vehicle accident claims in New York also must meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 before non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are recoverable. In a hit-and-run context, the absence of the at-fault driver can complicate proving liability, since there may be no statement from the other side. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand how to investigate these cases, work with accident reconstruction attorneys, and present evidence to the Orleans County Supreme Court to establish negligence and the extent of your injuries.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Accident Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a hit-and-run accident, the first step is a thorough case assessment. We review the police report—often generated by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office or the New York State Police—to determine what the investigating officer documented about the fleeing vehicle and any witnesses. Because the driver may remain unidentified, our team examines your own auto insurance policy for uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage that can step in to compensate you. In New York, UM coverage is mandatory, and a hit-and-run accident typically triggers it when the other driver cannot be found.
If the driver is later identified, a lawsuit may be filed in the Orleans County Supreme Court. The complaint will allege negligence and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all phases: drafting the complaint, conducting discovery, retaining medical and economic attorneys, and negotiating with insurance companies. Many cases resolve through settlement before trial, but if a fair offer is not made, we are prepared to present the case to a jury. Throughout the process, we aim to keep you informed without adding to the stress of recovering from your injuries. The firm’s New York location in Buffalo serves clients in Orleans County by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how evidence is gathered and how witness testimony is tested—advantages when building a personal injury case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive experience in personal injury litigation, and together they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Orleans County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, and try to document any details about the fleeing vehicle. Even if you cannot identify the driver, note the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you saw. Look for witnesses and ask nearby businesses if security cameras captured the incident. Report the accident to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office or the New York State Police. Notify your own auto insurance company promptly; failing to do so could affect your uninsured motorist claim. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your legal options.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run accident claim in New York?
While not required, an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the unique challenges of a hit-and-run claim. Proving liability when the driver is missing, negotiating with your own insurance carrier, and satisfying New York’s serious injury threshold are complex tasks. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled many personal injury matters since 1997 and can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you need. A consultation can clarify your options.
How long does a personal injury case take in Orleans County Supreme Court?
The timeline varies based on case complexity, the court’s calendar, and whether the driver is identified. A straightforward uninsured motorist claim might resolve in several months, while a case that proceeds through discovery and trial can take eighteen months or longer. In Orleans County Supreme Court, procedural steps include a preliminary conference, compliance conference, and potentially a trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain what to expect based on your specific situation.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost for a hit-and-run case?
Our firm handles hit-and-run accident claims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, discussed during your consultation. Costs such as filing fees and expert witness fees are separate. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and discuss fee arrangements.
Can I still recover damages if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes, through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. New York requires all auto policies to include UM coverage, which can compensate you for injuries caused by a driver who flees and cannot be identified. You must promptly report the accident and cooperate with your insurance carrier. An attorney can help present your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
What types of damages are available in a hit-and-run accident claim?
Compensatory damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. New York does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury. To recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you must prove a “serious injury” as defined by Insurance Law § 5102—such as a fracture, significant disfigurement, or permanent disability. Consult with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to evaluate whether your injuries meet that threshold.
How does a hit-and-run accident affect my insurance claim?
It often shifts the claim to your own uninsured motorist coverage rather than the at-fault driver’s policy. You will need to notify your insurer and cooperate in their investigation. Because the other driver cannot be interviewed, your insurer may require additional evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs. An attorney can guide you through this process and advocate for a fair resolution of your UM claim.
Where can I find a hit and run accident lawyer near Orleans County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured victims throughout Orleans County from our New York location in Buffalo. We serve clients in Albion, Medina, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville, and all surrounding communities. By appointment only—call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation at our Buffalo location or by phone.
What is the serious injury threshold in New York and how does it apply to my hit-and-run claim?
New York Insurance Law § 5102 requires that you sustain a “serious injury” before recovering non-economic damages. Seriously injured includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ or function, or a medically determined injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident. Your medical records and physician testimony must support this claim. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help determine if your injuries meet the statutory definition.
What if the hit-and-run driver was underinsured or had no insurance?
Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverages may provide compensation. If the driver is identified but carries insufficient insurance, UIM coverage can fill the gap up to your policy limits. If the driver had no insurance or cannot be found, UM coverage applies. Our firm can review your insurance policies and explain what coverage is available.
Related Locations We Serve in New York
- Personal Injury Lawyer New York County (Manhattan)
- Personal Injury Lawyer Kings County (Brooklyn)
- Personal Injury Lawyer Queens County (Queens)
- Personal Injury Lawyer Richmond County (Staten Island)
- Personal Injury Lawyer Nassau County (Long Island)
Orleans County Supreme Court ·
New York Insurance Law § 5102 ·
New York CPLR § 214
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York Location
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
(888) 437-7747 · By appointment only
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.