Can you sue someone for a hit and run accident in Philadelphia?

Under Pennsylvania law, you can pursue compensation for injuries and related losses caused by someone else’s negligent conduct. Many personal injury claims and lawsuits arise out of car accidents caused by unsafe behavior such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield. Whether a driver remains at the scene (as they are legally obligated to do) or flees, they can be held liable for the damages they cause through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

How can you recover compensation if the at-fault driver in a hit and run crash isn’t found?

Unfortunately, even the most meticulous investigation doesn’t guarantee that a driver who fled the scene of the crash will be found. There may not be sufficient evidence to identify this motorist, especially if there were no witnesses and you weren’t able to get a good look at the car or driver. Alternatively, an investigation might reveal that the at-fault driver had no insurance, which is often a reason motorists flee the scene in the first place. If the driver who caused your accident isn’t found or they are uninsured or underinsured, there’s still hope for recovering financial compensation. Our Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers undertake a full analysis of the situation to determine whether any possible sources of coverage or compensation exist. For example, some circumstances may allow you to receive compensation through your own insurance coverage. If you are covered by your own auto insurance policy or the policy of a relative you live with, you may be eligible for medical bill coverage through your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Any uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage included in the policy may provide an avenue to recover compensation for other losses, such as lost wages. An unidentified defendant makes hit and run injury claims more complicated, but having dedicated legal representation allows you to consider all your options.

Do I need to file an injury claim if the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges for a hit and run?

A driver who fled the scene of the crash, leaving you injured and in need of help, can be criminally charged with breaking Pennsylvania law. Whether or not this incident gives rise to criminal charges, you should pursue the compensation you’re entitled to through the civil legal system. As much as you may want to see the driver face criminal penalties, this outcome is unlikely to address many aspects of your losses, including the medical bills, income loss, and other financial effects your injuries have had on your life. It’s through a claim or lawsuit you file in the civil legal system that you can receive compensation for these and other losses, ensuring you have the resources you need to move forward with life after an accident.

Is it worth hiring an attorney for a hit and run accident claim?

The more complicated your injury case, the more important it is that you have professional guidance as you navigate the legal process. Claims arising out of hit and run accidents are particularly challenging because, at least at first, the defendant’s identity is unknown and their information is missing. The accident must be documented thoroughly. An investigation must be conducted to identify the defendant if possible. Other avenues for receiving compensation may need to be explored. Our experienced hit & run accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, have the knowledge and resources to help you manage this situation.

Philadelphia Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Hit & Run Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA Providing Legal Pursuit of Untraceable Drivers in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

For victims injured in hit and run accidents, the driver’s actions after the crash make everything more complicated. The motorist who fled the scene left you injured and potentially unable to get the help you need. They have made it more difficult for you to eventually recover the compensation you deserve. As experienced Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim recognize how devastating this situation is, and we’re prepared to take all legal actions necessary to hold the driver who struck you accountable.

The driver deserves to face the consequences of their actions, and you deserve full compensation for all of the ways this accident has affected your life. Through a thorough investigation, collaborations with accident reconstructionists and other expert witnesses, and a full examination of insurance coverages available, it’s possible to receive the compensation you’re entitled to. To get your claim started with a free consultation, contact us today.

Call 215-486-0123 or Submit a Free and Secure Online Contact Form to Get Started

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Philadelphia

Any car accident can be disorienting, but figuring out what to do next can be particularly difficult when the driver has fled the scene. Even as you’re in pain, it can feel surreal to helplessly watch the motorist speed away, unable to stop them. You can’t control the other driver’s actions, but you can take steps that help protect your safety, your health, and your legal rights.

Get to a safe place: When a driver flees the scene of an accident, the crash also becomes less visible to other motorists—particularly in instances of pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and motorcycle accidents, in which the victims lack the protection of a vehicle. Get out of the path of traffic right away to avoid further harm.
Call 911: You need to get help as soon as possible. Calling 911 (or having a witness or passerby do it for you) allows you to inform police of the crash and receive an initial evaluation by emergency medical personnel.
Document the accident: As much stress and shock as you are in right now, try to focus on documenting the accident to the best of your ability. Note down everything you can remember about the vehicle and its driver. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, any tire tracks or debris, and your injuries.
Provide your information: When the police arrive, provide as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver. In hit and run accidents, the police have to track down the motorist who fled the scene. Car makes and models, partial license plate numbers, any distinguishing damage or markings, and other details can help the police identify the driver who hit you.
Get medical help: You should get checked out by emergency medical personnel, but you also need a more extensive evaluation. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you should consider going to a hospital, urgent care center, or doctor’s office for further assessment. The sooner you seek medical care, the better you’re able to preserve your health and protect your rights.
Speak to an attorney: Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may or may not be covered by an auto insurance policy of your own. Even if you know you’re covered, it’s in your best interests to consult an attorney about how to protect your rights when dealing with an insurance company. We can help you determine what steps to take next and explore avenues for compensation that may be available to you.

One of the benefits of hiring experienced Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers is the comprehensive legal support we provide. All you have to worry about right now is prioritizing your physical recovery. We’ll get started investigating the crash, exploring possible paths to compensation, and documenting your damages.

Injured in a Car Accident?

Dedicated Legal Help for a Hit and Run Accident Injury in Philly

You have rights under Pennsylvania law, including the right to recover compensation when someone has harmed you through their negligent or careless actions. Although fleeing the scene wasn’t the full extent of the defendant’s negligence, it certainly contributes to the harm you suffered.

Many times, a motorist flees the scene in an effort to avoid legal trouble for violations such as:

Speeding
Tailgating
Distracted driving
Drunk or impaired driving
Driving without a valid license or with a suspended license
Driving without maintaining a valid auto insurance policy

In other instances, the motorist may flee the scene in a panic rather than an intentional attempt to avoid the consequences. No matter why the motorist fled the scene, you’re the one impacted by their crime.

Drivers involved in auto accidents that cause property damage or injury are required under Pennsylvania law to stop their vehicle and provide their name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information. They must also render reasonable assistance to an injured person. By failing to do so, the driver makes it more difficult for you to pursue a claim for compensation and puts your health and safety at greater risk by neglecting to provide assistance.

Our Philly hit and run accident lawyers take this violation seriously. We set out to identify hit and run drivers, as well as any other sources of coverage or compensation, through an in-depth investigation. Depending on the circumstances, our efforts to find the driver might include:

Interviewing witnesses
Identifying potential sources of video surveillance footage and gathering that footage as evidence
Collaborating with accident reconstructionists or other expert witnesses

To secure you compensation for your injury, our hit & run accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, generally need to identify a liable party and establish the conduct that both breached some duty of care to you and caused your injuries and related damages.

If a hit and run driver cannot be found, it may be possible to recover compensation through any uninsured motorist coverage available to you, instead. Our Philly hit and run accident lawyers can advise you, based on your specific circumstances, how to move forward with getting the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers by dialing (215) 486-0123 today.

How van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Can Help

When the defendant flees the scene, it can make the legal process of securing compensation more complicated. Our hit & run accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, address these challenges through a combination of diligent case preparation and aggressive advocacy.

You can count on the Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to:

Undertake a detailed investigation
Assess all possible sources of insurance coverage available to you
Identify, calculate, project, and document all of your damages, including medical costs, income loss, and pain and suffering
Prepare and file claims paperwork and legal documents
Represent you in all interactions, negotiations, and legal proceedings involved in your case

Our hit & run accident attorneys in Philly fight for maximum compensation without backing down. We know you deserve nothing less than full compensation for all of your losses recognized under Pennsylvania law, and we’re committed to securing you everything you’re entitled to.

Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?

When you’re seeking compensation for a case as complicated as a hit and run accident, don’t trust your claim to just any law firm. Choose the Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers with a passion for securing victims maximum compensation, a history of success handling high-profile legal issues, and a holistic approach to representation.

A Passion for Advocacy

We handle each case with uncompromising passion, fighting for fair compensation for the victims of hit and run accidents. We’re dedicated to victory—to getting our clients maximum compensation that covers all of their losses—and we’re determined to explore all paths for securing results, including taking complex cases to trial.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we have advocated successfully for hundreds of injured victims in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.

A History of High-Profile Cases

Hit and run accidents often end up in the spotlight, with authorities seeking the public’s help in identifying perpetrators and the heinous act of fleeing the scene capturing audiences’ interest. Although you didn’t ask for this attention, it’s a reality that could impact your case.

With our background handling high-profile legal matters, our Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers are prepared for the challenges that accompany cases that make headlines. We can advise you on all aspects of your legal issue, including what to do (and what not to do) when you’re at the center of a high-profile hit and run injury claim.

A Personalized Approach to Legal Representation

In every accident claim, there are unique factors your legal counsel must take into account: liability, the types and extent of damages, and more. However, the specific challenges that accompany hit and run cases make it even more important that your legal strategy is custom-tailored to the details of your individual circumstances.

Through our holistic approach to legal assistance, our hit & run accident attorneys in Philly get to know every client, their family, and their unique circumstances. We develop personalized legal strategies and arguments based on your needs, your concerns, your priorities, and the damages you’ve suffered.

For a Free Legal Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Philadelphia, Call 215-486-0123.

Contact the Philadelphia Hit and Run Accident Lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today for a Free Consultation

With so much uncertainty clouding your future, you need the peace of mind that comes with having skilled legal counsel on your side. A free consultation allows you a chance to find out what your rights are and what the legal process ahead might look like as you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our contingency-based representation ensures that you can receive the guidance you need without upfront legal costs.

For help from experienced hit & run accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim online or call 215-486-0123 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accident Claims in Philadelphia, PA

Under Pennsylvania law, you can pursue compensation for injuries and related losses caused by someone else’s negligent conduct. Many personal injury claims and lawsuits arise out of car accidents caused by unsafe behavior such as speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield. Whether a driver remains at the scene (as they are legally obligated to do) or flees, they can be held liable for the damages they cause through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Unfortunately, even the most meticulous investigation doesn’t guarantee that a driver who fled the scene of the crash will be found. There may not be sufficient evidence to identify this motorist, especially if there were no witnesses and you weren’t able to get a good look at the car or driver. Alternatively, an investigation might reveal that the at-fault driver had no insurance, which is often a reason motorists flee the scene in the first place.
If the driver who caused your accident isn’t found or they are uninsured or underinsured, there’s still hope for recovering financial compensation. Our Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers undertake a full analysis of the situation to determine whether any possible sources of coverage or compensation exist.
For example, some circumstances may allow you to receive compensation through your own insurance coverage. If you are covered by your own auto insurance policy or the policy of a relative you live with, you may be eligible for medical bill coverage through your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Any uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage included in the policy may provide an avenue to recover compensation for other losses, such as lost wages.
An unidentified defendant makes hit and run injury claims more complicated, but having dedicated legal representation allows you to consider all your options.
A driver who fled the scene of the crash, leaving you injured and in need of help, can be criminally charged with breaking Pennsylvania law. Whether or not this incident gives rise to criminal charges, you should pursue the compensation you’re entitled to through the civil legal system.
As much as you may want to see the driver face criminal penalties, this outcome is unlikely to address many aspects of your losses, including the medical bills, income loss, and other financial effects your injuries have had on your life. It’s through a claim or lawsuit you file in the civil legal system that you can receive compensation for these and other losses, ensuring you have the resources you need to move forward with life after an accident.
The more complicated your injury case, the more important it is that you have professional guidance as you navigate the legal process. Claims arising out of hit and run accidents are particularly challenging because, at least at first, the defendant’s identity is unknown and their information is missing.
The accident must be documented thoroughly. An investigation must be conducted to identify the defendant if possible. Other avenues for receiving compensation may need to be explored. Our experienced hit & run accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA, have the knowledge and resources to help you manage this situation.

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Throughout the years, our firm and our individual attorneys have been recognized in both local and national media for our extensive legal knowledge, experience, and record of success. Our attorneys frequently appear in the media to provide insights and information on various legal matters, including high-profile cases.

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Unrivaled Record of SuccessWe have won tens of millions of dollars for injured victims, and have achieved countless "not guilty" verdicts for clients faced with criminal charges.
No Challenge too BigOur firm has handled some of the biggest cases in country, including representing the President of the United States.
Personalized RepresentationWe understand that every case is unique. Therefore, we tailor our approach based on the facts of the case and the needs of our client.
Uncompromising PassionOur competitive nature is one of our strongest qualities. You can be confident that no other firm will outwork our team.
Holistic ApproachNot only do we want to excel legally for the client, but we also want to make sure we are strengthening their mind, body and spirt.
Supporting the CommunityOur team engages in many community events and regularly donates time and resources to many charitable organizations in Philadelphia.

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Home to Philadelphia’s most accomplished attorneys, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim pairs diverse practice experience with a passion-driven, comprehensive law practice—all for the client’s benefit.