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What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Philadelphia Tell Us Your Story

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Philadelphia

Hit-and-run accidents are a frustrating reality on Philadelphia’s busy streets. These incidents, where a driver flees the scene after causing an accident, can leave you feeling violated, confused, and unsure of your next steps.

Statistics paint a concerning picture: according to a recent report by the Philadelphia Inquirer, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in the city, with pedestrian fatalities reaching a disturbing high.

If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a hit-and-run accident in Philadelphia, this guide from Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can empower you to know what to do after a hit-and-run accident.

If you have questions, please contact our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers today. 

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide 

The adrenaline rush after a car crash can be overwhelming, but staying calm and taking the proper steps is crucial. Here’s how to handle a hit-and-run car accident.

1. Ensure Your Safety

Pull over to a safe location away from traffic, if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if someone needs medical attention. 

Under Pennsylvania law, drivers involved in an accident, regardless of severity, are legally obligated to stop and render aid to injured persons. A hit-and-run driver’s failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor, which may result in license suspension or jail time.

2. Gather Information and Document the Scene

Take pictures of your car’s damage, the surrounding area, and any debris from the accident. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information.

Try to remember details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and license plate numbers, and record your recollections as soon as possible after the accident. 

3. Report the Accident 

Keep in mind that all accidents that result in physical injury or property damage must be reported to the police as soon as possible. Even if the damage appears minor, the official police report is critical for insurance claims and potential legal action.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Be sure to report the incident to your insurance company. Insurance policies generally require you to report an accident within a short time after the incident, and doing so is essential to initiating a claim.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to be cautious about what you share with the insurance company—even if they are your own insurer.

In a hit-and-run accident, it’s likely that you will need to file an uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer is likely to try to minimize your injuries or even deny your claim altogether.

Thus, it’s best to avoid detailed conversations with your insurance company without legal counsel present, as anything you say can be used against you later. 

Hit-and-Run Car Accident and Your Insurance: Can You Recover Costs?

Even without identifying the at-fault driver, you may be able to recover some or all of your losses through your own UM/UIM insurance policy. UM/UIM is optional coverage insurers are required to offer in Pennsylvania.

This coverage can compensate you for injuries or property damage caused by an unidentified driver or someone whose insurance coverage is insufficient.

Call (215) 999-2244 or complete the free case evaluation form below

Take Back Control: Contact a Philadelphia Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer for a 100% Free Consultation

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can cause. With over 75 years of experience, our trusted personal injury attorneys will treat you with empathy and understanding during this difficult time.

Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate service and aggressive legal representation. We’ll fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, let us help you get back on your feet. Our trusted personal injury attorneys can help turn your setback into a comeback. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Hit-and-Run FAQs: Addressing Your Concerns

While this guide provides a starting point, navigating a hit-and-run accident can raise further questions. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Absolutely. Identifying a hit-and-run driver and recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident can be difficult. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can be a powerful advocate in your corner. They can handle negotiations with your insurance company, freeing you to focus on healing. Additionally, your lawyer can launch an independent investigation to identify the hit-and-run driver, maximizing your chances of recovering compensation for your losses.

What Happens If the Police Don’t Find the Hit-and-Run Driver?

Even if the police can’t locate the driver immediately, a lawyer can still explore options. They’ll investigate the possibility of recovering compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you have it on your auto insurance policy. Additionally, your lawyer will keep a watchful eye on the case, ready to act if the police identify the driver down the line.

So, How Much Money Can You Get from a Hit-and-Run Accident?

The amount you can recover from a hit-and-run accident depends on several factors, such as:

  • Whether you are able to identify the driver;
  • Whether you have UM/UIM coverage on your own policy;
  • The insurance limits of the applicable insurance policies;
  • The extent of your quantifiable losses, like medical bills and lost wages;
  • The extent of your pain and suffering; and
  • Whether you shared fault for the accident.

Consulting with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and maximize your potential compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Pennsylvania law provides a two-year window to file a personal injury claim arising from a car accident. However, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is crucial. Evidence collection and witness memories fade with time, making a timely legal consultation is critical for building a strong case.

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Laurence Rosen

Laurence Rosen, the founding partner of Rosen Injury Lawyers, is widely recognized as a highly accomplished and innovative attorney. Larry concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation, including dangerous pharmaceutical cases, defective medical device cases, class actions, securities litigation and product liability matters