What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident?

Contact us for legal help if you are the victim of a hit and run accident.

Hit-and-run accidents are an unfortunate reality. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, "More than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads." An experienced Civil Litigation attorney can provide legal guidance and support if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Pennsylvania does not take hit-and-run accidents lightly. They are considered a criminal act. Title 75, Section 3744 of the PA Vehicle Code mandates that drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents resulting in property damage or injury must stop their vehicle at or as close as possible to the scene, provide information, and assist the injured.

Depending on the circumstances - if there was property damage, injuries, or death - leaving the scene of an accident is considered a 3^rd-degree misdemeanor, 3^rd-degree felony, or 2^nd-degree felony in PA and may result in a fine, license suspension, probation, and/or a prison sentence of up to seven years.

There is no excusable reason for someone to flee the scene of an accident; however, there are many reasons that some people do. The offending driver could be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, driving with a suspended license or with no insurance, driving a stolen car, have an outstanding warrant for their arrest, or they may not even realize they were in an accident.

Being involved in a traffic accident is frightening and stressful enough. If the other driver flees the scene, it makes everything worse. You can take steps immediately following a hit-and-run accident to increase the chance of a successful resolution.

Steps to Take Following a Hit-And-Run Accident

Call 911. Request a police officer to file a report and an ambulance if anyone needs medical attention. 911 can also dispatch firefighters if needed.
DO NOT try to follow the driver. Speeding is unsafe, and the driver may be dangerous. Plus, you may miss the opportunity to identify potential witnesses.
Write down or make a voice recording of what occurred while it is still fresh in your mind.
Write down or record anything you can remember about the vehicle or driver that fled the scene – vehicle's make, model, color, distinguishing features (dents, bumper stickers, etc.) and license plate number if you caught it.
Identify witnesses. Ask anyone who witnessed the accident what they observed, what their impressions were, and what their opinion of how the accident occurred was. Ask if they recall any information about the vehicle or driver. Write or record the information and get their name and contact information.
Take photographs. If possible, take a photo of the other vehicle's license plate. It may also be helpful to take pictures of your car and the accident scene.
See a doctor for injuries you may have suffered or to confirm that you have not suffered any injuries.
Contact your insurance company. Most insurance policies require that you report an accident promptly. NOTE: If you choose full-tort coverage, you may seek financial compensation for pain and suffering and other nonmonetary losses stemming from the accident without any prerequisite. However, if you choose limited tort coverage, you may seek recovery for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket losses caused by the accident, but not for pain and suffering or other nonmonetary losses unless your injuries meet the statutory requirements for a limited tort claim.
Contact an experienced Civil Litigation Attorney. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options, assist you in collecting relevant evidence, file a claim for damages and help ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Put Experience on Your Side!

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you need an experienced civil litigation attorney on your side to represent you and protect your interests. Bingaman Hess's experienced litigation attorneys will gladly review your legal issue and recommend your best strategy.

Call Bingaman Hess's law firm at 610.374.8377 or contact us online.

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Business Succession Planning

By Mahlon Boyer • May 30, 2026

Business succession planning is an important process that helps business owners prepare for the upcoming transfer of ownership and leadership. Whether the transition involves passing the company to family members, selling to business partners or transferring ownership to outside buyers, having a clear succession plan helps reduce uncertainty and protect the long-term security of the business. A careful plan can also minimize disputes, preserve business value and ensure continuity in periods of change. Planning for Business Transfer The first step in business succession planning is identifying how the business will be transferred and who will assume control. Business owners should evaluate their long-term goals, retirement plans, and the financial needs of both the company and their family members. Some owners choose to pass the business on to children or relatives who are already involved in operations. Others may transfer ownership to key employees, business partners or third party buyers. Each option has different legal, operational and financial consequences. A successful transition often takes years of preparation. Potential successors may need leadership training, operational experience and gradual increases in responsibility to ensure they are ready to effectively manage the business. Good communication with family members, partners and stakeholders is also important to avoid misinterpretations and conflict. Business owners should work with legal and financial professionals to create formal succession documents, update corporate records, and establish a realistic timeline for the transfer process. Use of Buy-Sell Agreements Buy-sell agreements are an essential part of many succession plans. These legally binding agreements specify what happens to the interest of a business owner if certain events occur, such as retirement, disability, death or voluntary departure from the company. A buy-sell agreement typically defines who may buy the shares of the departing owner, how the business interest will be valued and the terms of payment. This structure helps maintain stability and prevents ownership disputes that could disrupt operations. For businesses with multiple owners, buy-sell agreements provide understanding and protections for all parties involved. They can prevent unwanted external ownership and ensure that remaining owners retain control of the company. Funding mechanisms are also important. Many businesses use life insurance policies to fund buyouts in the event of an owner's death. This allows surviving owners or family members to complete the transfer without putting financial hardship on the business. Tax Considerations Tax planning is an important part of business succession planning. If the transfer of ownership is not well planned, the business owner and successor will face a substantial tax liability. Depending on how the transfer takes place, the owners may face capital gains, estate, or gift taxes. With good planning, these tax burdens can be reduced with trusts, step-by-step ownership transfers, family partnerships, or changing the type of business entity. Another important factor is valuation. A proper valuation of a business is important for determining tax liability and ensuring that everyone involved in the transfer is treated fairly. Business owners should regularly review their succession plans with accountants, tax advisors, and attorneys, as tax laws are often changing. Regular updates keep the plan in line with changing legislation and the business’s needs. Let Us Help You Navigate the Essentials of Business Succession Planning Don’t wait! Talk to one of the experienced estate planning attorneys at Bingaman Hess today at 610.374.8377 or contact us online. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No one may rely on this information without consulting an attorney. Anyone who attempts to use this information without attorney consultation does so at their own risk. Bingaman Hess is not and shall never be responsible for anyone who uses this information. It is not legal advice.