A significant number of hit-and-run incidents occur in Pennsylvania, with Philadelphia being a particularly affected area. If you or someone close to you has been a victim of a hit and run accident in Pennsylvania, you are probably considering whether it is worthwhile to seek representation from an attorney. This decision is crucial in the frequently chaotic and confusing period that ensues after this kind of event. Hit-and-run accidents happen frequently and occur suddenly and without warning. Dealing with such a circumstance can be a distressing experience, particularly if you have sustained injuries.

Is it advisable to seek the services of an attorney following such an incident? Experiencing uncertainty is a common response under the current circumstances. Understanding the most effective course of action or determining the right kind of help can be an overwhelming endeavor. We recommend that anyone who has been involved in a hit and run accident seek the advice of a Pennsylvania car accident attorney to examine the specifics of the case and explore the potential legal options.

Responsible motorists understand that following a collision, it is necessary to remain at the scene and await the arrival of emergency services, as well as share the necessary details. However, certain drivers disregard the rules of the road and laws. They could experience fear regarding the potential consequences and, as a result, opt to flee rather than remain at the scene of the accident. If you sustained injuries in a car accident or pedestrian accident when the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, a hit and run accident attorney from Brandon J. Broderick is ready and available to provide you with assistance today.

In What Ways Might Hit-and-Run Accidents in Pennsylvania Occur?

Hit and run accidents are essentially collisions in which the driver responsible for the accident leaves the scene without stopping or exchanging information. This can occur in many different kinds of situations. As an illustration, the NHTSA recently disclosed that approximately 23 percent of pedestrians who lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2020 were hit by drivers who fled the scene.

An attorney specializing in hit and run accidents in PA can provide assistance for incidents involving:

• A driver strikes a pedestrian, causing injury or wrongful death
• A driver gets into an accident with another vehicle or vehicles
• A driver hits a stationary object, such as a parked car

What Distinguishes a Hit and Run Accident From a Typical PA Car Accident Case?

Although the basic premise of a hit and run incident and a car accident is similar, the procedure for seeking compensation may differ.

If you purchase no-fault insurance, your own insurance provider will cover the expenses related to a hit-and-run incident. If you have obtained insurance coverage based on fault, the situation becomes more complicated.

Obtaining sufficient automobile insurance is the most effective means to recoup damages incurred in a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania. In the event of an accident where the other driver's whereabouts are unknown, a driver must depend on uninsured motorist coverage (UM) to submit a claim. Following a hit-and-run accident, it is important for claimants to promptly notify the police. Promptly submitting a police report enhances the legitimacy of your claim and strengthens the likelihood of a settlement by providing a clear record to your insurance provider.

• Personal injury protection coverage (PIP): Pennsylvania requires the purchase of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in some capacity. Drivers are obligated to carry only $5,000 in medical benefits coverage, which is a version of PIP coverage. This insurance policy provides coverage for medical expenses up to a maximum of $5,000. The coverage extends to you, your passengers, and any other individuals included in your policy, regardless of the party at fault for the accident.
  
  
• Uninsured motorist coverage (UM): Uninsured motorist coverage provides insurance protection for any bodily injury or property damage that you or your passengers may suffer as a result of an accident involving a driver who does not have insurance or cannot be located.
  

Regardless of whether you possess sufficient uninsured motorist coverage, it is important that you reach out to a skilled Pennsylvania car accident attorney who can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses. Insurance companies, being profit-oriented companies, may refuse, postpone, or propose meager compensation in order to protect their financial interests. If law enforcement is unable to determine the identity of the motorist responsible for an accident, an insurance company has the right to reject a claim due to insufficient evidence of fault. Brandon J. Broderick's skilled attorneys specializing in hit-and-run accidents in Pennsylvania will aggressively fight for your full compensation.

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

Understanding what actions to avoid following a hit-and-run accident holds greater significance than knowing the appropriate course of action.

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is strongly advised not to engage in a pursuit of the driver who is attempting to flee the scene.

Engaging in the pursuit of a driver who is attempting to escape is not only very dangerous, but departing from the scene may result in a failure to identify crucial witnesses.

Instead, follow the steps listed below:

Contact emergency services by dialing 9-1-1.

In a typical accident, all individuals involved stay at the scene, and the party responsible usually contacts the police. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania, it is crucial that you promptly dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Initiating a call to 9-1-1 is a suitable initial action for various reasons.

• Reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities
• Notifying law enforcement that a hit-and-run crime has occurred.
• Contacting emergency services by dialing 9-1-1 increases the likelihood that law enforcement officers will become aware of the escaping vehicle.
• Your ability to collect evidence that can result in an arrest is inferior to that of the police.
• It will accelerate the arrival of medical assistance at the location.

Prioritize seeking treatment for any injuries sustained by yourself or your passengers as the initial course of action. It is crucial to promptly notify the authorities and provide them with comprehensive details regarding the vehicle that collided with you, such as its make, model, and, if possible, the license plate number. Interview any potential eyewitnesses in the vicinity of the accident site who could have observed the other car. Make a record of any paint transfer that remains on your car, and capture images of it.

Promptly seek medical assistance. Regardless of whether you perceive any injuries, it is crucial to have a medical examination. When you have an injury, it is crucial to maintain an accurate record of any expenses associated with the injury.

Document the Events That Occurred and Collect Any Relevant Information

Accidents commonly cause distress among those affected, which impairs their ability to remember specific details. If a hit-and-run accident occurs, it is possible for crucial information about the accident and the parties involved to be entirely overlooked.

Use your smartphone to document the incident by either typing out a detailed account or recording a voice note. Include relevant information such as the description of the other car, its occupant, and any other significant details. A seemingly unimportant detail that might have slipped your mind after the accident could aid in the potential capture of the other party. Documenting your thoughts can also enhance your ability to remember certain information in the future.

Carefully documenting every aspect will assist your attorney. They can depend on your notes or remarks to determine, from your point of view, what occurred. This could help your attorney formulate an investigation plan and legal strategy regarding your case.

Look for and Speak With Any Individuals Who May Have Witnessed the Incident

Interviewing witnesses and gathering their thoughts, views, and opinions is just as crucial as documenting your own thoughts and observations. If you want to take legal action against the other party or their insurance company, a witness may have provided valuable information to law enforcement that can strengthen your case.

Witnesses can assist in establishing the events that took place. They might have observed the other driver operating their vehicle in a reckless manner or committing traffic infractions. In addition, their account of the other car and driver may be more comprehensive than yours due to their observation of the crash from an alternative viewpoint.

An eyewitness can also assist in determining fault. Establishing fault is essential if your injuries are above the limits set by Pennsylvania's no-fault vehicle insurance laws. In such a situation, your only option may be to rely on the observations made by a third party.

Notify Your Insurance Company

It is likely that your insurance coverage requires you to promptly report any accident. Regardless of whether you are responsible or if it seems unlikely that the other person will be identified, it is crucial that you notify your insurance company. It is important to avoid losing insurance coverage for both yourself and your vehicle due to a breach of policy.

When reaching out to them regarding your hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania, only provide the information that they specifically ask for. Proceed cautiously until you get additional information. It is advisable to assume that your insurance provider will investigate extensively in order to determine the legitimacy of your claim. Avoid acknowledging any responsibility or fault. It is beneficial to seek the counsel of an experienced PA car accident attorney as soon as possible.

A Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney at Brandon J. Broderick Is Available To Help You Day or Night

After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important that you reach out to a Pennsylvania car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation. They have the ability to assess your case, communicate with law enforcement, and assist you in identifying the most effective course of action. In the event that your insurance company decides that your actions were to blame for the accident, your attorney will inform you of both good and bad news and help you craft a statement to give to them.

Another benefit of having legal representation is that, in the event the other party is apprehended, your attorney will possess the expertise to navigate the legal process in a manner that is likely to lead to a favorable outcome for you. There is a chance that the complexity of criminal proceedings and other circumstances will overshadow your claim against the other party if you choose to represent yourself.

Ultimately, your Pennsylvania car accident attorney can help you formulate the most effective legal plan. Potential legal recourse may involve initiating legal proceedings against the insurance provider of the opposing party, pursuing a personal lawsuit against the opposing party themselves, or seeking compensation from a third party who acted negligently.

To seek legal assistance about a Pennsylvania hit-and-run accident, please contact Brandon J. Broderick. We are available to provide assistance to you immediately.