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Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident the Same As Hit and Run?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

“Leaving the scene of an accident” and “hit and run” both refer to the same situation in which a driver is involved in an auto accident that causes significant property damage or injuries but fails to exchange information with other persons involved or to report the incident to the police.

Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to criminal charges in both New York and New Jersey. If you are in a crash in either state, you should always at least file a police accident report and, unless no other persons were involved in that crash, you should exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers. Next, call Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. for legal advice and representation to recover the maximum available damages and compensation for your losses and injuries even if the driver that caused the accident fled the scene.

What Should You Do at a Multi-Vehicle Accident Scene?

The immediate confusion in the aftermath of a car crash can cause you to forget a few of the important things you need to do at the accident scene. After you regain your composure, you should focus on five actions:

Verify that no one was seriously injured, and if there are injuries, call immediately for emergency medical assistance;
Call and report the accident and its location to the local police;
Give your contact and insurance information to other drivers and ask them to give you their corresponding information;
Record as much evidence as is possible, including contact information from witnesses, photos of the damage, and notes on weather and traffic conditions;
Report the accident to your own car insurance company.

If you fail to stop or to report an accident to the police, you will be cited for leaving the scene of an accident, and you could face felony criminal charges if other persons suffered injuries.

What Should You Do if You Hit a Parked Car?

Never assume that nobody saw you collide with a parked vehicle. In all likelihood, somebody will have seen you and taken a picture of your vehicle’s tag number with their smartphone, or security cameras on nearby buildings will have recorded the accident.

To avoid hit and run criminal charges after you hit a parked car or any other stationary object, you should write down the other vehicle’s plate number and leave a note on that car with your contact information. Again, notify the police and follow any instructions that they might give you about reporting the accident.

What Should You Do if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of a Car Accident?

Gather as much information about the other driver’s car as you possibly can, including the make and model of the car and its license plate number. Talk to witnesses at the accident scene to determine if they recorded any additional information, and call the police to report the accident. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pursue a driver that flees from an accident scene. Focus instead on what you can do, and leave the pursuit of a fleeing driver to the police.

How Can You Recover Your Damages in a Hit and Run Accident?

Both New York and New Jersey are “no-fault” car insurance states. Your own insurance coverage for collision and personal injury protection will reimburse you for your property damage and losses, medical bills, lost income, and certain other costs and expenses. If your losses and injuries exceed certain limits, you may have an option of going outside of your insurance coverage to sue the other driver and his or her insurance carriers for your damages. You can only do this, however, if you can identify the driver that fled through license tag numbers or witness reports. When you file a report, the local police will be better able to investigate the accident and to locate the other driver and vehicle.

Call KGG for Legal Representation

Please call Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. when you suffer property losses or injuries in a hit and run car accident in Rockland or Bergen Counties, or elsewhere in New York and New Jersey. When you call us, you will have an opportunity to consult directly with an experienced car accident lawyer. Learn your legal options and get the information you need to decide if filing a lawsuit is the right decision for you and your family.

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   Kenny Perlow 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 130 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 137 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 140 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident the Same As Hit and Run?

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