Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Cortland County, NY
Being injured by a negligent driver who flees the scene leaves you with more than physical pain—it raises urgent questions about who will pay for your medical care, how you will replace lost income, and whether the at‑fault driver can be identified. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and families in Cortland County who have been harmed in hit and run accidents, pursuing civil claims for damages. We do not defend drivers facing criminal or traffic charges for leaving the scene; we focus exclusively on recovering compensation for those who were hurt. The firm’s New York location, 50 Fountain Plaza in Buffalo, serves clients throughout Cortland County and Central New York. Please note: Our principal New York office is located in Buffalo, approximately 150 miles from Cortland. We serve clients throughout Central New York, including Cortland County, and travel as necessary. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., together with his Of Counsel attorneys, has extensive experience in personal injury matters. Our legal team investigates hit and run collisions, works with accident reconstruction attorneys to identify responsible parties, and helps clients seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage when the driver cannot be found. Whether the accident occurred on Main Street in Cortland, near SUNY Cortland, or on a rural section of Route 13, our attorneys can help. New York law imposes deadlines for filing a personal injury claim, so we encourage you to call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What a Hit and Run Accident Claim Means in Cortland County
At the legal level, a hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing identification or rendering aid, as required by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. For the injured person, the claim is a civil action for damages, not a criminal prosecution. In Cortland County, these claims are typically filed in the New York Supreme Court, which has unlimited monetary jurisdiction. The courthouse is located at 46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301, Cortland, NY 13045. Local claims are governed by New York’s pure comparative fault rule under CPLR Article 14‑A: an injured party can recover damages even if partly at fault, but the recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault. When the at‑fault driver is unidentified, the claim often proceeds against the injured person’s own insurer under the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage required by New York Insurance Law § 3420(f)(1).
Personal‑injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents in New York must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.
Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York CPLR § 214
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Because hit and run claims involve an absent defendant, insurance companies may scrutinize the evidence of the collision and the severity of the injuries. New York’s serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 applies to claims for non‑economic loss, such as pain and suffering, unless the injury meets the statutory definition. Medical records, police reports, and accident reconstruction play a critical role in establishing liability and damages. The firm’s location in Buffalo enables us to handle matters throughout Cortland County and the 6th Judicial District, including cases in the villages of Homer, Marathon, and McGraw. We help clients navigate the interplay between no‑fault benefits—which pay for initial medical expenses and lost earnings regardless of fault—and the liability claim that seeks further compensation once the serious‑injury threshold is met.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Accident Cases
When a client comes to us after a hit and run collision, the first priority is to make sure medical treatment is underway and that any available evidence is preserved. We then evaluate all potential sources of recovery. That includes investigating the identity of the fleeing driver using available surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. If the driver is located, we pursue a claim against that driver’s liability insurance. When the driver remains unknown, we build a claim under the client’s own uninsured motorist coverage. New York law requires UM coverage at the same limits as the liability coverage, but insurers do not always voluntarily pay the full value of a claim. Our attorneys negotiate with insurers to seek a fair resolution, and when a negotiated settlement is not achievable, we are prepared to file suit in Cortland County Supreme Court and take the case to trial.
Throughout the process, we work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries and with economic attorneys to calculate future losses. We also handle communication and negotiation with lienholders, such as health insurers or Medicare, who may have subrogation rights. The timeline of a hit and run case varies depending on the complexity of the investigation, the cooperation of the insurer, and the court’s calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team provide guidance at each stage, answering questions and helping the client make informed decisions. Importantly, our representation is on a contingency fee basis: we collect a fee only if we recover compensation for you.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now practices as Owner and Founder of the firm. Mr. Sris is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). With a background that includes accounting and information systems, Mr. Sris brings a careful analytical approach to personal injury cases that involve complex damages calculations and insurance‑coverage issues.
Mr. Sris is assisted by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who are experienced litigators and negotiators. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Our New York location, situated at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, in Buffalo, serves clients in Cortland County and across the state. We are available for consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident in Cortland County?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, and report the accident to the police. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record connecting your injuries to the collision. The police report documents the scene and the fact that the other driver fled, which is critical for your uninsured motorist claim. If you are able, note the vehicle’s description, license plate number, and direction of travel. Preserve any physical evidence and photographs. Then contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your legal options before speaking with an insurance adjuster.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit and run accident in New York?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York, under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). This applies to civil claims for bodily injury arising from a motor vehicle collision. If the claim is against a municipal entity, a notice of claim must be served within 90 days. Wrongful death claims are subject to a two‑year period from the date of death. Early investigation is important because evidence and witness recollections degrade over time. For a full assessment of the applicable deadline in your case, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Can I still recover compensation if the hit and run driver is never found?
Yes, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which New York law requires in every auto policy. UM coverage protects you when the at‑fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance. To use UM coverage, you must demonstrate that the accident was caused by the unidentified driver and that the injuries resulted from the crash. Insurance companies often dispute the extent of damages or whether the accident actually occurred. An experienced attorney can help you present the necessary evidence, including the police report, witness statements, and medical records, to support the UM claim and negotiate a fair resolution.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run accident claim?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but an experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. Hit and run cases present unique challenges, including identifying the driver and establishing liability without the other party’s account. An attorney can also advise you about the interplay between no‑fault benefits and the UM claim, and manage any subrogation interests from health insurers. To discuss whether legal representation makes sense in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
What types of compensation can I seek after a hit and run accident?
You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. New York’s no‑fault system covers your initial medical costs and a portion of lost earnings, regardless of fault. For non‑economic losses, such as pain and suffering, you must establish that the injury meets the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102. If the hit and run driver is later identified and found to be negligent, you may pursue full damages against that driver. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the available insurance coverage, and the degree of fault. Results vary case by case.
How does the hit and run claims process work in Cortland County?
The process begins with an investigation, followed by a demand to the insurance company, and may lead to litigation in Cortland County Supreme Court if a settlement cannot be reached. After we gather evidence—including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis—we submit a claim package to the applicable insurer. If a UM claim is filed, the insurer must respond, and we negotiate on your behalf. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we file a summons and complaint in the New York Supreme Court, Cortland County, and proceed through discovery and trial. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and work toward a resolution that accounts for your full damages.
We provide personal injury representation in counties across New York: New York County personal injury attorney, Kings County injury lawyer, Queens County accident lawyer, and Nassau County personal injury lawyer.
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