BrittanyHit-and-run accidents are becoming familiar occurrences in Philadelphia. Generally, there’s a belief that a driver who leaves or flees the accident scene is at fault or at least partially responsible. Under Pennsylvania laws, there are stringent criminal penalties associated with leaving the accident scene. Regardless of who is at fault, courts often tend to be sympathetic to injured plaintiffs under these circumstances.
If you are a victim of a Philadelphia hit-and-run accident, immediately after the incident, take the time to calm yourself down and assess whether you have any injuries that need prompt medical attention. After seeking immediate medical care, contact a seasoned Philadelphia car accident attorney who has extensive experience in helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and other damages.
What Is A Hit-And-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver collides with another automobile, a pedestrian, or property and then speeds away from the accident scene without informing the police, exchanging insurance information with the affected party, or providing assistance to the injured.
In Pennsylvania, the law requires all state drivers to stop at the scene without obstructing traffic and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to any driver or passenger of any other vehicle involved in the accident. Drivers also must provide this information to any police officer who responds to the accident.
There are two crucial ingredients to hit-and-run car accidents:
- The crash of a car into a property or a person (the hit)
- Leaving the scene of the crime (the run)
The nature of hit-and-run accidents is such that it’s not always possible to find the at-fault driver. Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance rules, you may be able to recover damages from your insurance company under your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy.
The Significant Role Of A Car Accident Lawyer In Handling Hit-and-Run Car Accident Cases
Once you contact a car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run, the lawyer may advise you to take note of all details at the accident scene and note down the contact details of any witnesses. An experienced car accident lawyer will hire detectives and accident reconstructionists and conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident to determine the identity of the at-fault driver.
Your lawyer will seek statements from witnesses, collaborate with law enforcement, and even contact local repair shops that might have received a damaged vehicle matching the description of the one involved in your crash. Identifying the at-fault driver boosts your options for financial recovery. If you suffer severe injuries that meet the ‘serious injury threshold,’ a car accident lawyer can help you step outside the no-fault insurance rules and file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party.
Contact A Competent Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies have a team of highly-trained claims adjusters working to protect the company’s assets. These professionals do everything they can to avoid paying claims swiftly. If they do offer to settle a claim, it’s often for pennies on the dollar. A competent car accident lawyer understands the underhanded tactics that insurers use to deny claims or minimize payouts. The best car accident lawyers know how to apply legal leverage to motivate the highest and best settlement offer in every accident case.
Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously if they know you have a specialized car wreck lawyer on your side. If you or a loved one have suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Philadelphia, get legal help immediately. You have only two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact a Philly car accident lawyer immediately to schedule a free case assessment to discuss your accident.
