When the unexpected happens and you find yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it can be a distressing and uncertain experience. In an instant, you may be left with unanswered questions, financial concerns, and emotional trauma. Understanding your legal rights empowers you to take action and protect your future.
Hit-and-run accidents impact thousands of drivers and pedestrians in Pennsylvania each year, often leaving victims struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and legal uncertainties. Knowing your rights can make all the difference. This guide explains the steps to take, the legal protections available, and how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
When a driver is part of an accident and flees without providing their insurance or contact information, it’s considered a hit-and-run. For victims, this can be a confusing and frustrating experience, often leaving them uncertain about their next steps. In Pennsylvania, fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious crime, with offenders facing penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Common Hit-and-Run Scenarios: What Victims May Experience
Hit-and-run accidents can occur in various situations, often leaving victims with unexpected financial and legal challenges. Below are some examples of how these accidents may happen:
- A Rear-End Collision at a Traffic Light: You’re driving home from work when another vehicle suddenly rear-ends you at a red light. Instead of stopping to exchange information, the driver speeds away, leaving you with vehicle damage and possible injuries.
- A Parking Lot Incident: You park your car at a shopping center, run a quick errand, and return to find your vehicle dented – with no note or witnesses in sight.
In these situations, the at-fault driver’s failure to remain at the scene complicates the process of recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Without their insurance details or contact information, victims must rely on police investigations, uninsured motorist coverage, and legal assistance to seek financial recovery.
Understanding what to do after a hit-and-run can make all the difference in protecting your rights and improving your chances of receiving compensation.
Your Legal Rights As a Hit-and-Run Victim
Legal protections exist to help victims recover after a hit-and-run. Here’s what you should know:
- File a Police Report: Reporting the accident to law enforcement is critical. A formal report not only fulfills legal requirements but also strengthens your case for insurance claims or legal actions.
- Pursue Compensation: Pennsylvania’s insurance laws provide avenues for victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process, explore all possible sources of compensation, and advocate for your best interests.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Acting quickly and strategically after a hit-and-run can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect your rights:
Ensure Your Safety
Move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance if needed.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene as soon as possible, including vehicle damage, visible injuries, and important details such as skid marks, debris, and traffic signs. Capture multiple angles to preserve crucial evidence before it fades. These images can help establish what happened and may assist in identifying the at-fault driver.
Gather Witness Information
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details. They may have seen the fleeing vehicle and can provide valuable details, such as its make, color, or license plate number, which could help law enforcement track down the driver.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the incident promptly and provide all available documentation. This step is essential for initiating a claim and understanding your coverage options.
Seek Legal Advice
A Pennsylvania hit-and-run lawyer can help you navigate complex insurance claims, negotiate with insurers, and explore legal options to secure the compensation you’re seeking.
Challenges Hit-and-Run Victims Face
Victims of hit-and-run accidents often encounter significant obstacles, such as:
- Identifying the At-Fault Driver: Without sufficient evidence, it can be difficult to track down the driver responsible.
- Insurance Disputes: Insurers may attempt to minimize your claim or dispute liability.
- Emotional and Financial Strain: The trauma of the accident, combined with the uncertainty of recovery, can be overwhelming.
Understanding these challenges early can help you take proactive steps to strengthen your case, such as gathering evidence immediately and seeking legal guidance as soon as possible.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a critical safety net for Pennsylvania drivers, particularly in hit-and-run cases. Under Pennsylvania’s 'no-fault' insurance system, your policy typically covers medical expenses regardless of fault, but UM coverage goes further by providing financial protection when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Many Pennsylvania drivers opt for UM coverage as a safety net, ensuring they are financially protected in cases where the responsible party flees the scene or lacks insurance. Without this coverage, victims may be responsible for covering their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses out of pocket.
Without uninsured motorist Coverage, victims will not be able to recover for their pain and suffering when they at fault driver can not be identified.
Proactive Steps to Protect Yourself on the Road
While accidents can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risks and safeguard yourself:
- Add UM Coverage to Your Policy: Uninsured motorist protection can be invaluable in hit-and-run situations.
- Install a Dashcam: Dashcams provide critical evidence, such as license plate numbers or vehicle descriptions, which can be useful in identifying a fleeing driver.
- Practice Defensive Driving: Stay alert and anticipate the actions of other drivers to minimize risks on the road.
- Review Your Insurance Policy: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage, including UM protection and collision insurance, for financial security after an accident.
Why You Need a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, from identifying the at-fault driver to handling difficult insurance claims. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand the challenges victims face and are here to help.
Every case is different, and our attorneys tailor legal strategies to fit your specific needs. Whether gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, or exploring alternative compensation options, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
Pennsylvania law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, waiting too long to take legal action can weaken your case. Critical evidence – such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident scene details – can degrade or disappear over time, making it harder to prove liability. Additionally, insurance companies may be less willing to negotiate as time passes. Acting promptly not only protects your legal rights but also strengthens your case, improving your chances of securing fair compensation.
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today if You Were Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Philadelphia
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Call van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today at 215-486-0123 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the stronger your case may be. With extensive experience representing accident victims across Pennsylvania— including Philadelphia, Easton, Willow Grove, and King of Prussia—we’re ready to fight for the compensation you’re seeking.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments or Pennsylvania laws applicable to your specific situation. For personalized legal guidance, please consult an attorney.