Left for Dead: What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash in New York

You got hit. You’re bleeding, dazed, maybe lying in the middle of the road. And the driver? They just sped off like your life didn’t matter. The worst part? It happens more than people think—especially in New York.

If you’ve been through a hit-and-run motorcycle crash, you already know it’s not just the pain that sticks with you. It’s the disbelief. The rage. The question that won’t leave your head: How could they just leave me like that?

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys help injured riders across New York fight back—even when the driver disappears. We’ll help you recover, track down compensation, and make sure you’re not stuck paying the price for someone else’s crime.

You’ve Been Hit—Now What? First Moves to Protect Yourself

When you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, every second after the crash counts. Not just for your health—but for your case.

Stay Alive and Get to Safety

If you can move, get out of traffic immediately. Your safety comes first.

In New York, Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600 requires all parties in an accident to stop—but hit-and-run drivers ignore that law. That means you’ve got to think for yourself. If you’re on the BQE, FDR, or a high-speed Upstate road, pull off to the shoulder or divider and call 911 as soon as you're able.

If you can’t move, yell for help. Bystanders often play a critical role in these cases—and their statements can help you later.

Grab Evidence Before It Disappears

If you’re conscious and able to act, try to:

• Snap a photo of the fleeing vehicle—even a partial plate helps
• Take pictures of the scene: damage to your bike, debris, skid marks, and surroundings
• Ask anyone nearby if they saw the crash and can stay to talk to police

Surveillance cameras are common near intersections, stores, and even residential buildings in NYC. If you note your location, that footage can sometimes be pulled within days—but only if someone acts fast.

Get Checked Out—Even If You Feel “Fine”

Adrenaline is powerful. It masks pain and makes you think you’re okay.

But we’ve seen riders walk away from hit-and-runs with internal bleeding, fractures, and concussions—only to collapse later. Always go to the ER or urgent care. Your medical records become part of the foundation of your legal claim.

Even if you’re uninsured, your own motorcycle insurance or health coverage may step in, especially if you act quickly.

They Took Off—But You Still Deserve Compensation

Just because they disappeared doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. It just means the path forward looks different.

How to File a Claim When the Driver Vanishes

You can file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is required under New York Insurance Law § 3420(f)(1). This part of your policy is designed for exactly this kind of nightmare: when the at-fault driver can’t be found or has no coverage.

Your UM claim can help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (in some cases)

You’ll still need evidence. Photos, witness statements, and police reports matter just as much as if the driver had stayed at the scene.

Using Your Own Coverage in New York

Here’s what may apply to your hit-and-run crash:

• UM (Uninsured Motorist Coverage): Pays when the other driver is unknown or uninsured
• MedPay (Medical Payments): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your bike, even if the other party isn’t found

Important: PIP (Personal Injury Protection) usually does not apply to motorcycle riders in New York. Riders are excluded from no-fault benefits under NY law.

We’ve worked with riders in Rochester, Queens, and Westchester who had no idea their policies could help until we read the fine print. You might have coverage waiting—you just need someone to dig it out and use it right.

How New York Police Hunt Down Hit-and-Run Drivers

Even when a driver flees, they often leave a trail. And in New York, that trail gets investigated—especially if someone is seriously hurt.

Security Footage, Witnesses, and the Digital Trail

NYPD and local departments often check:

• Nearby traffic or red-light cameras
• Surveillance footage from storefronts, ATMs, or apartment complexes
• Eyewitness videos—especially in NYC, where bystanders often record
• Toll records or license plate readers, especially on bridges or parkways

In a 2023 Brooklyn case, video from a pizza shop led to the arrest of a hit-and-run driver who plowed through an intersection and fled. The rider, critically injured, later received a six-figure UM payout after the driver’s insurance denied coverage.

What Law Enforcement Looks for at the Scene

Police look for clues like:

• Paint transfer or debris from the other vehicle
• Tire marks showing direction or speed
• Broken mirrors or lights that don’t match your bike

Even without a plate number, these details can help identify the make and model of the car—and that can lead to security footage or matching vehicle reports later.

If you make a report, always get a copy of the MV-104A (official police accident report). It can be critical when filing your UM claim or building your case.

They Left You Hurt—We’ll Help Make It Right

You didn’t get the license plate. You didn’t see their face. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means you need a legal team who knows what to do next.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys help hit-and-run victims across New York fight for the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re filing a UM claim, tracking down witnesses, or recovering from serious injuries, we’ll step in, take over the paperwork, and help you move forward. If you’re ready to fight back with one of the best law firms in America, we’re ready to stand with you.