Early Saturday morning, 27-year-old Shariq Bryant was struck and killed while crossing E. 222nd Street near Boston Road. Police say the driver of a 2025 BMW M8 was speeding down the block before hitting Mr. Bryant and crashing into a telephone pole. Instead of staying to help, the driver ran off, leaving behind an injured passenger and a shattered community.
Loved ones describe Mr. Bryant as optimistic, supportive, and someone who brought people together. He had returned to his old Bronx neighborhood to visit friends when his life was taken without warning.
Events like this leave families and close friends not only grieving but confronted with the overwhelming question:
“What can we do now — and how do we pursue justice and compensation when the driver fled?”
As Bronx car accident lawyers, this is a question we help families answer every day.
How Families Can Seek Compensation After a Fatal Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run does not eliminate your legal options. New York law provides multiple pathways for loved ones to recover damages, even when the responsible driver has not yet been identified. Understanding these options is critical in the days and weeks following a fatal crash.
1. Wrongful Death Claims (If the Driver Is Identified)
If police identify the driver, the family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Loss of financial support
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Loss of parental guidance
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Loss of companionship
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Conscious pain and suffering before death
Wrongful death cases allow families to hold reckless drivers accountable and ensure they cannot escape responsibility by merely fleeing the scene.
2. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Many families are surprised to learn that UM insurance coverage may apply even when the hit-and-run driver is never found. This coverage can provide substantial compensation, especially in fatal pedestrian crashes.
UM claims often involve strict timelines and technical requirements — our attorneys guide families through the process to prevent insurers from minimizing or denying valid claims.
3. Compensation for Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrians struck by speeding or reckless drivers suffer catastrophic injuries that often result in death. Our NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer have extensive experience representing loved ones in these cases.
4. Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
Our hit and run accident attorneys conduct independent investigations, secures video evidence, works with crash reconstruction experts, and coordinates with law enforcement to strengthen the family’s civil case.
5. Claims for Emotional and Economic Loss to Loved Ones
Loved ones may also recover damages for:
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Emotional anguish
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Loss of household services
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Loss of future support
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Medical bills incurred before death
New York’s wrongful death statute is complex, but when handled correctly, these claims can provide families with essential support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Why Legal Support Matters Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run cases are some of the most challenging fatal crash cases in New York. Evidence can disappear quickly — video footage gets erased, vehicles are repaired or hidden, and witnesses can be hard to locate. An experienced legal team ensures:
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Evidence is preserved
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Insurance policies are identified
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UM claims are filed correctly
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The family’s rights are protected from the start
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling high-stakes fatal crash litigation throughout the Bronx and New York City. We know how to navigate the legal and investigative challenges that arise when a driver runs from responsibility.
Support for Loved Ones Seeking Justice
Mr. Bryant’s loved ones describe him as the person who lifted everyone up — someone always smiling, supportive, and caring. Their loss is immeasurable, and they deserve clear answers, accountability, and full compensation under the law.
If you lost someone in a hit-and-run or pedestrian crash, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Our Bronx car accident attorneys are available to guide you through each step and help ensure justice is pursued on behalf of your loved one.
Call (212) 943-1090 for a free consultation with a top trial attorney.
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