Brooklyn, NY (October 7, 2026) – A 62-year-old man was killed just after midnight on Monday, October 5, on Ocean Parkway near Avenue S. New York Police said a black Audi hit the back of a Toyota Camry and sent it spinning into a RAV4. After the crash, the Audi driver left the scene.
Both the Camry and the RAV4 veered off the road and hit trees. The Toyota’s driver was rushed to a hospital but died.
A 39-year-old woman in the back seat of the Camry survived with neck and back injuries, and the RAV4 driver was hurt, though police described those injuries as minor.
The front ends of the Camry and RAV4, both rideshare vehicles, were badly mangled.
According to a witness at the scene, at least five people may have been in the Audi and that one may have taken off the plates before they left in another vehicle, but police have not confirmed that.
Police are still searching for the Audi driver, and the investigation remains active.
We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased driver’s family and friends and hope for a full recovery to those injured.
Why an Unidentified Driver Doesn’t Stop a Wrongful Death Claim in Brooklyn, NY
A wrongful death claim in New York generally must be filed within two years of the date of death, but when it comes to a hit-and-run case, it is important to note that it does not pause that clock.
Only the personal representative of the person’s estate can bring the claim, so someone must be formally appointed to that role first. Any compensation is typically divided among surviving family members, and it may cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of guidance.
When the driver who left has not been identified, insurance typically becomes the main path. Uninsured motorist coverage on a family member’s policy may apply to a hit-and-run, though many policies require a police report within 24 hours and some require physical contact with the other vehicle. Families without that coverage may turn to the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, which sets its own notice deadlines, usually much shorter than two years.
In these cases, evidence tends to decide how far these claims can go. Key evidence includes business footage, dashcam video, and witness memories can disappear within days or weeks. A wrongful death lawyer can help families track down that material, review which insurance routes remain open, and identify other parties, such as a vehicle’s owner, who may share responsibility once a driver is traced.
If your family has questions about a wrongful death claim after a hit-and-run, you can reach out to our team at Metro Law to talk them through. We can explain how these types of claims commonly develop in New York and how it may work for your particular case.
To learn more, call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak directly with our team. We are here to clear your doubts and help you make your next steps.