Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Monroe County, NY
You are driving on I-490 near the Inner Loop when a pickup truck clips your rear bumper and speeds away into downtown Rochester. You are injured, your car is damaged, and the driver is gone — a classic hit-and-run scenario on Monroe County roads. You may be entitled to compensation, but identifying and holding the at-fault driver accountable can be challenging. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps injured victims in Monroe County pursue the full compensation they deserve after a hit-and-run accident. Founded in 1997, the firm is led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with extensive experience in personal injury litigation. From its New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, New York 14202 (by appointment only), the firm handles hit-and-run claims involving uninsured motorist coverage, third-party liability, and complex insurance disputes. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Hit and Run Accident Claims Mean in Monroe County
A hit-and-run accident in New York occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing identifying information or rendering reasonable assistance. In Monroe County, such incidents are unfortunately common on busy roadways like I-490, I-590, and arterial routes through Rochester, Irondequoit, Greece, and Brighton. For the injured person, a hit-and-run introduces two immediate legal challenges: identifying the at-fault driver and accessing compensation through the applicable insurance framework.
New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own auto insurance pays basic economic losses — medical expenses and a portion of lost wages — regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have suffered a “serious injury” as defined by New York Insurance Law, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. When that driver is unknown, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes critical. UM benefits can cover damages that would have been recoverable from the absent driver, including pain and suffering. A personal injury lawsuit in Monroe County is typically filed in the New York Supreme Court, Monroe County, located at 99 Exchange Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14614. The court follows the procedural rules of the 7th Judicial District, and a claim must be brought within three years from the date of the accident under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 214(5).
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Hit and Run Accident Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. after a hit-and-run, the firm begins with a thorough investigation to identify the fleeing driver and preserve all available evidence. This may include reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, analyzing police reports, and working with accident reconstruction professionals. Even if the driver is never found, the firm builds a strong uninsured motorist claim to maximize your recovery under your own insurance policy.
The legal process involves dealing with insurance companies who often undervalue UM claims. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle all communication with adjusters, negotiate from a position of documented damages, and are prepared to litigate if the insurer refuses a fair settlement. The firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. Throughout the case, you will receive straightforward guidance on the status of your claim and the legal options available under New York’s pure comparative fault standard, which allows recovery even if you bear some degree of responsibility, reduced by your percentage of fault.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him a unique understanding of how evidence is gathered, how witnesses are examined, and how opposing parties evaluate claims. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He keeps his caseload focused so that each client’s matter receives his individual case review.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys — non-employee, experienced lawyers engaged through Excella — who bring complementary skills in personal injury investigation, insurance law, and trial advocacy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Monroe County?
After a hit-and-run accident, prioritize safety, call 911, and seek medical attention. Then document everything you can: write down the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number if you saw it; take photographs of the scene and your injuries; and collect witness contact information. In New York, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours to preserve your right to uninsured motorist benefits. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to assist with evidence preservation and insurance notification.
How does uninsured motorist coverage apply to a hit-and-run accident?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in New York can provide compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Under the state’s no-fault system, your own auto insurance pays basic economic losses up to policy limits regardless of fault. If you meet the “serious injury” threshold, you may file a UM claim with your insurer for additional damages such as pain and suffering. The insurer requires prompt notice of the accident, and failure to timely report can jeopardize the claim. An attorney can help you navigate the UM process and contest any wrongful denial.
Can I still recover damages if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance. In addition to UM, you might have access to underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if the driver is later identified but lacks adequate insurance. You could also pursue a claim against the driver if an investigation uncovers their identity, but UM remains the primary source of recovery in most unidentified-driver cases. A lawyer can identify all possible sources of compensation — including excess or umbrella policies — and build the strongest available claim.
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 under New York C.P.L.R. § 214(5). However, insurance-related deadlines are often shorter: you must notify your insurer of the accident within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible, and UM claim requirements carry their own notice and filing deadlines. Missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar your right to compensation. Act promptly to preserve evidence and allow your attorney sufficient time to investigate.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run accident claim?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chance of a full recovery. Hit-and-run cases involve complex insurance issues — including uninsured motorist claims, potential disputes over the identity of the at-fault driver, and the need to prove a “serious injury.” An attorney can investigate the accident, gather and preserve evidence, deal directly with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate your claim. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle hit-and-run cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless they obtain compensation.
For additional information, review New York CPLR § 214(5) and the Monroe County Supreme Court website.
We also assist personal injury clients in Manhattan (New York County), Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island, and Nassau County.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.