At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin, and Lindheim, we are committed to ensuring justice for those lives impacted by preventable tragedies. The recent fatal incident on Interstate 95 near Philadelphia, involving the untimely death of Peter Sorochinski underscores the devastating consequences of a hit-and-run.
On Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, at approximately 8:57 p.m., Mr. Sorochinski of Bucks County became the victim of a fatal chain of events following a car crash on I-95 South. After initially losing control of his vehicle, Sorochinski exited his car, disoriented and injured, only to be struck by an unidentified silver sedan. Shockingly, the driver of the silver sedan fled the scene, leaving him severely injured on the roadway, where he was subsequently struck by two additional vehicles. Unlike the first driver, the operators of the latter vehicles stopped and remained on-site, cooperating with authorities.
This incident is a glaring reminder of the ongoing problem of hit-and-run accidents in Pennsylvania and across the country. In a situation where every second can mean the difference between life and death, the decision to flee not only constitutes a serious crime but also deprives victims of potentially life-saving aid. Pennsylvania law mandates that drivers involved in accidents remain at the scene, provide assistance, and report the incident to law enforcement. Failing to do so transforms an accident into a criminal offense.
The Legal Perspective on Hit-and-Run Cases
In Pennsylvania, hit-and-run offenses are classified under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742: Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury. Fleeing the scene of an accident that results in death elevates the crime to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and substantial fines. Moreover, the act of fleeing often exacerbates the grief and suffering of the victim’s family, who are left searching for answers and justice.
While criminal charges are pursued by law enforcement, victims’ families also have the right to pursue civil remedies against negligent or reckless drivers. In hit-and-run cases resulting in a fatality, this includes holding the driver accountable for wrongful death, emotional trauma, and economic damages.
Our firm stands ready to assist victims and their families in navigating this complex legal landscape. We achieve compensation and for the victim’s family to hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
Justice for Peter Sorochinski
The tragic death of Peter Sorochinski is made more heartbreaking by the circumstances of the hit-and-run. Witnesses and evidence suggest that the driver of the silver sedan failed to uphold a moral and legal obligations. This act of negligence and abandonment has left a family mourning the loss of a loved one during the holiday season.
The Pennsylvania State Police are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Identifying the driver is crucial not only for ensuring justice for the Sorochinski family but also for reinforcing the message that fleeing the scene of an accident is unacceptable and will be met with legal consequences.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know has any information regarding the silver sedan involved in this incident, we encourage you to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 215-452-5216. Any detail, no matter how small, can play a vital role in solving this case.
Additionally, if you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to face this journey alone. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin, and Lindheim, we are here to advocate for your rights, provide legal support, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Hit-and-run accidents are more than legal violations—they are betrayals of our shared responsibility to protect each other on the road. As we seek justice for Peter Sorochinski and others like him, let us raise awareness about the importance of accountability and compassion in moments of crisis.
Together, we can make our roads safer and ensure that those who fail to meet their responsibilities are held accountable.