Pennsylvania sees too many hit and run accidents. If you or a loved one were injured in a hit and run, you may be wondering how you can get compensation for your damages when the negligent driver who caused the wreck fled the scene before you could exchange insurance information.
The Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyers at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. are here to explain your options for compensation when the driver did not stop and exchange insurance information with you. To get your free consultation with us, call us now or contact us online.
Our car accident attorney in Philadelphia can offer you the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Let us fight for the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident. However, far too often, at-fault drivers in collisions fail to stop to exchange information with other involved parties. Why would drivers take this risk, especially if the victim may be injured and need emergency medical assistance?
There are many reasons hit and run drivers take this risk, from panic to being uninsured to a fear of consequences. The driver who caused the wreck could be in a stolen vehicle, they could have warrants out for their arrest, or they could have a general distrust of law enforcement.
In cases where the driver can be identified, if they can be proven to be negligent in the crash, you can file a claim to recover your accident-related damages. You may also have options to recover compensation with your insurance policy, such as if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
How Much Is a Hit and Run Claim Worth in Pennsylvania?
The value of a hit-and-run claim in Pennsylvania can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the resulting damages and injuries. Factors that can influence a claim include:
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: The amount of income lost due to time away from work while recovering from injuries.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any other personal property.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If the injuries result in permanent impairment or scarring, the value of the claim may be higher.
- Comparative negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Insurance coverage: The amount of compensation available may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, if they are identified, or by your own UM/UIM coverage limits.
It is important to work with a Pennsylvania hit and run attorney who can help you assess the value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to seek the maximum compensation available for your specific case. We can advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed with a lawsuit if necessary.
How Can You Get Compensation After a Hit And Run Accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, there are several potential ways to seek compensation for your damages and injuries:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If you have UM/UIM coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified (as in a hit-and-run).
First-Party Benefits
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry first-party benefits coverage. A form of “no-fault” coverage, it covers your and your passengers’ medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is optional in Pennsylvania. If you have collision coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it can cover your medical expenses related to the accident. However, your health insurer may seek reimbursement from any settlement or award you receive.
Lawsuit Against the Hit-and-Run Driver
If the police identify the hit and run driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to seek compensation for your damages and injuries. Evidence like security camera footage, debris from the vehicle found at the scene, or eyewitness accounts could identify a hit and run driver.
State-Sponsored Compensation Funds
Some states have funds that provide compensation to victims of crimes, including hit-and-run accidents. In Pennsylvania, the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) may provide financial assistance for certain expenses related to the accident.
It is essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you explore all potential avenues for compensation and guide you through the legal process. Call the experienced legal team at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. or fill out our online contact form to learn more about your rights in Pennsylvania.
How Long You Have to File a Claim for a Hit and Run Accident in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident, according to Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524). This means that you have two years from the date of the hit-and-run to file a lawsuit against the driver, if they are identified.
Get a consultation with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. They can help ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame and can guide you through the legal process to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Philadelphia
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a hit and run can greatly affect your claim’s value – or your ability to bring a claim at all. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Philadelphia, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety:
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police immediately, even if there are no apparent injuries or significant property damage.
- Gather information: If possible, try to remember and write down any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel.
- Look for witnesses: Ask any witnesses for their contact information and if they can provide a statement to the police.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, any injuries, and the accident scene, if it is safe to do so.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage.
- Consult with an attorney: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who can help you protect your rights and seek compensation for any damages or injuries.
If the police identify the hit-and-run driver, they may face criminal charges and be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by the accident. In some cases, the at-fault driver who fled the scene of the wreck may also be ordered to pay punitive damages.
Why Call an Injury Attorney After a Hit and Run in Philadelphia
After a hit-and-run accident, it is highly advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney for several reasons:
- Legal guidance: An experienced attorney can provide valuable advice on your legal rights and options, helping you navigate the complex legal process.
- Investigation: An attorney can help investigate the accident, work with the police to identify the hit-and-run driver, and gather evidence to support your case.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim. An attorney can handle communication with the insurers and negotiate on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation.
- Litigation: If the hit-and-run driver is identified and the case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you and fight for your rights.
- Statute of limitations: There are time limits for filing personal injury claims. An attorney can ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
- Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Get a Free Consultation With a Hit and Run Lawyer in Philadelphia
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Philadelphia hit-and-run crash, contact our experienced attorneys for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. You focus on recovery – we focus on results. During a free consultation, we’ll listen closely to your story, examine the facts of your case, and tell you if you have a valid claim.
The road to justice starts with a call to the hit and run attorneys at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. You can contact us or you can fill out our online contact form.
