Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Erie County, NY

If you were injured in a hit‑and‑run accident in Erie County, New York, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and the added frustration of not knowing who struck you. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured victims and their families in civil personal‑injury claims arising from hit‑and‑run collisions throughout Western New York. Our firm does not defend drivers; we help injured people pursue the compensation they need. Under New York’s pure comparative‑fault rule, even a partially‑at‑fault injured person may recover damages, but identifying the at‑fault driver and securing applicable insurance coverage often requires prompt investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team concentrate on personal‑injury matters and appear in Erie County Supreme Court and Buffalo City Court. To discuss your situation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Erie County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Hit and Run Accident Claims Mean in Erie County

When a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing identification or rendering aid, New York law treats the incident as a hit‑and‑run. For an injured person, the immediate challenges go beyond medical care. Identifying the fleeing driver may require cooperation with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo Police, or New York State Police, as well as canvassing for surveillance footage or potential witnesses. Because Erie County includes major transportation corridors such as I‑90 (the New York State Thruway) and State Route 33, hit‑and‑run collisions can happen in both urban settings like downtown Buffalo and in suburban or rural areas of Amherst, Cheektowaga, Hamburg, and Tonawanda. Each locality is within the 8th Judicial District, and personal‑injury actions are filed in Erie County Supreme Court, located at 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.

An injured victim’s ability to recover compensation often depends on evidence preserved in the first days after the crash. Even when the at‑fault driver is never located, New York’s mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide a source of recovery. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients in Erie County with navigating the interplay between a hit‑and‑run claim, the applicable no‑fault insurance benefits, and the potential for an uninsured motorist claim against their own policy. We work with accident‑reconstruction and forensic experts to reconstruct the events, helping to establish liability and damages. The firm’s familiarity with Erie County’s courts and local procedural practices allows Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to present the claim in a manner consistent with the expectations of the 8th Judicial District.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Accident Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by assembling all available evidence—police accident reports, medical records, photographs of the scene, and any video footage—to build a clear picture of how the collision occurred and who may be responsible. When the at‑fault driver is identified, the firm pursues a claim directly against that driver and their insurer. When the driver remains unidentified, the firm evaluates whether the injured client’s own automobile insurance policy provides uninsured motorist coverage and, when appropriate, pursues a UM claim. Throughout the process, we communicate with insurance carriers, coordinate with medical providers to document injuries, and prepare the case for litigation if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. All discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation is handled under Mr. Sris’s direction, with the support of Of Counsel attorneys who bring decades of experience in personal‑injury representation. The firm does not charge a fee in personal‑injury matters unless a recovery is obtained; fees are based on a percentage of the recovery.

New York’s statute of limitations for a personal‑injury claim arising from a motor‑vehicle accident requires careful attention. Injury victims should consult an attorney as soon as possible after the collision to preserve evidence and comply with any applicable notice deadlines. For certain claims involving municipal entities, notably shorter notice‑of‑claim periods may apply. Our firm evaluates all potential deadlines early in the matter so that no right to compensation is lost because of a procedural misstep.

In New York, a personal‑injury claim arising from a motor‑vehicle accident must be filed within three years of the date of the accident.

Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York State Senate

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on personal‑injury and civil litigation since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he appears in Erie County Supreme Court and other New York trial courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel oversees every personal‑injury matter the firm handles, supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys whose combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. The Of Counsel attorneys, engaged through Excella, are not firm employees; each brings extensive civil‑litigation experience to the representation of hit‑and‑run accident victims in Erie County.

Across all practice areas, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results. Results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough factual development, candid assessment of each claim’s strengths and weaknesses, and persistent advocacy at the negotiating table and in court. Clients in Erie County can expect direct communication with the attorney team and a strategy tailored to the specific facts of their collision.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar · Maryland Judiciary · DC Bar · NJ Courts · NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a hit‑and‑run accident in Erie County?

Call 911 to report the accident, seek medical attention, and try to document any details about the fleeing vehicle. Even if you feel fine, some injuries are not immediately apparent. Ask witnesses for contact information, take photos of the scene and your vehicle, and note the time, location, and direction the other car was traveling. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Soon after to discuss how we can help preserve evidence and evaluate your claim. The earlier an investigation begins, the better the chance of identifying the at‑fault driver.

How long do I have to file a claim after a hit‑and‑run in New York?

New York generally requires you to file a personal‑injury lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. However, special rules may apply if a government vehicle is involved or if you are seeking uninsured motorist benefits, which may have different deadlines under your policy. Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim, speaking with a lawyer promptly is important. Our firm will identify all applicable time limits and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

What if the hit‑and‑run driver is never found?

You may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you carry it on your auto policy. New York law requires every auto insurance policy to include UM coverage, which can provide benefits for injuries caused by an unidentified driver. You must report the accident to your insurer promptly and cooperate with their investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you present a UM claim and, if the insurer disputes coverage, represent you in Erie County Supreme Court to enforce your rights.

What types of damages can I recover in a hit‑and‑run accident case?

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the diminished ability to enjoy life. If the at‑fault driver is identified, your claim may also include property damage to your vehicle and other out‑of‑pocket costs. New York applies a pure comparative‑fault rule, so your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, if any, but not completely barred. Our firm works with medical and vocational attorneys to document the full extent of your losses.

Do I need a lawyer for a hit‑and‑run accident, or can I handle the claim myself?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having an experienced attorney manage your claim can significantly improve your chance of a full recovery. Hit‑and‑run accidents often involve complex evidentiary hurdles, insurance coverage disputes, and tight deadlines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes on the investigation, evidence gathering, and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery. Consultations are by appointment, and we do not charge a fee unless we obtain compensation for you.

How much does a hit and run accident lawyer cost in Erie County?

Personal‑injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless a recovery is obtained. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Follows this arrangement for hit‑and‑run accident cases. The fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, and the specific percentage is discussed during your initial consultation. Because the fee is contingent, there is no upfront cost to you to have our firm begin working on your matter. Contact (888) 437‑7747 to schedule an appointment and learn more.

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.