Each year, Pennsylvanians are injured in auto accidents that could have been avoided. According to PennDOT, there were 117,899 reported incidents in Pennsylvania that resulted in over 69 thousand injuries and 1,230 fatalities. Accidents are typically the result of negligent behavior, and they cause heartache and suffering for everyone involved. When a hit-and-run accident occurs, the carelessness and irresponsibility of the at-fault driver compound the car accident's damage.

In the United States, hit-and-run incidents are a problem on a national scale. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 4.6 drivers per 10,000 have committed at least one hit-and-run offense, and more than one hit-and-run collision occurs every 60 seconds.

Most people's first thought following a car accident is to contact their insurance company to report the incident. While you are required by law to notify your insurance company whenever you are involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact a PA car accident and injury law firm to discuss the details of your case.

What Do I Do If I am the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, DO NOT pursue the fleeing motorist.

Not only is pursuing a fleeing driver highly dangerous, but leaving the scene may cause you to miss key witnesses.

Instead, execute the steps below:

• Contact emergency services immediately. Your health should be your primary concern. If you are injured, dial 911 for an ambulance. You should also contact the police and explain that you fled the scene of an accident. The police will document the incident and attempt to locate the driver.
  
  
• Acquire information. Collect as much information as possible about the driver, car, and accident, including the license plate number, a description of the vehicle, the vehicle's direction of travel, and photographs of the accident site.
  
  
• Locate witnesses. Who witnessed the accident? What about individuals in adjacent vehicles? What about the neighboring individuals waiting for the bus? What about the employees of the adjacent buildings? Identify and compile the contact information for any potential witnesses.

How Pennsylvania Law Protects Hit-and-Run Accident Victims

Any motorist involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania must provide the other driver with their name, address, insurance, and registration information. If an accident results in injuries, the other party (and witnesses) have a legal obligation to provide aid until medical assistance arrives. Once apprehended, a person who flees the scene of an accident will face criminal penalties.

Those who are injured by a hit-and-run driver may be comforted by the knowledge that the offender will face criminal proceedings if apprehended. However, they will continue to encounter financial obstacles due to their injuries.

Can I Sue Someone For a Hit & Run in Pennsylvania?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania, you may be unsure of what legal options you have. In Pennsylvania, it is possible to file a lawsuit against a hit-and-run driver.

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver flees from the scene of a car accident without providing their contact information or assisting any injured parties. In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to flee from the scene of an accident without fulfilling certain legal requirements.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, your first step should be to promptly contact the police. The police will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and attempt to identify the at-fault driver.

After identifying the at-fault driver, you have the right to press charges and initiate a civil suit against them. You can seek compensation for the injuries you sustained as a result of the accident by filing a civil lawsuit. This may include compensation for property damage, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.

Importantly, Pennsylvania law states that you must file a lawsuit within a specific amount of time after the accident, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may forfeit your right to compensation.

How Do I Receive Damages to Recover My Losses if The Hit-and-Run Driver is Not Found?

If you purchased no-fault insurance, your own insurance company will cover the costs of a hit-and-run accident. If you purchased fault-based insurance coverage, things are a bit more complicated.

Having adequate auto insurance is the best method to recover losses from a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania. To file a claim for an accident in which the other driver cannot be located, a driver must rely on uninsured motorist coverage (UM). Immediately after a hit-and-run accident, claimants should contact the police. The quick submission of a police report provides credibility for your claim and strengthens your chances of a settlement by providing a clear record to your insurance provider.

Even if you have adequate uninsured motorist coverage, you must contact an experienced Pennsylvania auto accident lawyer who can help you recover damages. Because insurance companies are businesses, they will deny, delay, or offer a low settlement in order to protect their bottom line. When authorities are unable to locate the driver who caused an accident, an insurance company may deny a claim for lack of evidence of fault. Brandon J. Broderick's experienced Pennsylvania hit-and-run accident attorney will fight for your maximum recovery.

If You Are The Victim of a Hit-And-Run Accident Contact Brandon J. Broderick Today For Assistance

Contact a PA car accident attorney now for a free consultation. They are able to examine your case, help investigate the hit-and-run accident, communicate with law enforcement, and advise you on the best course of action.

If the opposing party is apprehended, your attorney will know how to proceed in a manner that will most likely result in you receiving what you deserve. If you represent yourself, your claim against the other party may be lost in the confusion of criminal proceedings, etc.

In the end, your Pennsylvania auto accident attorney can help you construct the most effective legal strategy. Possible legal options include filing a lawsuit against the other party's insurer, the other party personally, or a negligent third party. Contact Brandon J. Broderick if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. We are here to assist you.