What Should You Do 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 3rd-degree misdemeanor, 3rd-degree felony, or 2nd-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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