Understanding Your Rights as a Victim of a Hit-and-Run
Getting into an accident is scary and can lead to serious injuries and long-term impacts. Knowing what to do after an accident can be confusing and scary. Most likely, you will first check for damages and then connect with the other driver involved in the accident to exchange insurance or contact information.
However, a hit-and-run accident adds a new level of confusion to the situation. Despite the Pennsylvania law that drivers must stay at the scene of a car accident, some drivers do not obey the law.
Without the other driver present, it may feel hopeless to get the compensation you deserve. If the other driver is not present, how do you collect insurance information? If you are hurt or your vehicle is damaged, how will you be able to get compensation?
We are here to help you get that compensation and be a resource for you during this stressful time.
What To Do After a Hit-And-Run
There are some key steps to take specifically after a hit-and-run collision that will help you increase the likelihood of recovering compensation for your damages:
- Check your safety. If you have sustained serious injuries, call 911 right away.
- Call the police. Having an official report of the hit-and-run will help build out your case for compensation later on.
- Document the situation. Specifically, write down notes about the other car/driver and take photos of your car, damages, and the scene.
- Seek medical attention after the accident to address potential internal damages, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding.
- Connect with an experienced, trusted attorney to help build your case.
- Contact your insurance provider to report the necessary details and file a claim. Some insurers require a claim to be filed within 24 hours, so it is important to report the accident as soon as possible.
During Step 3, writing down as many notes as possible about the other car/driver is critical. It may be challenging to remember all of the details about the car amidst the chaos of a hit-and-run accident, but writing down as much as you can remember will significantly increase the likelihood of having a strong accident case.
Consider writing notes on the carās make, model, color, license plate number, or other unique features. If seen, also make a note of which direction the car drove off to after the wreck. It is also important to check for cameras in the area of the crash, such as a speed camera, that may have recorded the hit-and-run.
Victim Rights In A Hit-And-Run
In a typical accident, insurance information is shared between drivers. As long as you are not the at-fault driver, you would be able to seek damages and compensation from the other driverās insurance provider.
However, in a hit-and-run case, the driver is not always identifiable and contacted for their insurance information. Despite this, you are still able to seek compensation. Pennsylvania is a āchoice no-faultā state that requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP). PIP includes:
- Medical benefits up to $5,000
- Property damage up to $5,000
- Bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident
With PIP, you can cover yourself and your passengers to a limited extent. Creating a strong legal claim with the help of a well-practiced attorney will increase your likelihood of earning even more compensation for your accident-related losses.
As the victim, you have the right to open a criminal or civil case against the perpetrator of the hit-and-run. In a criminal case, you are arguing that the accident was a crime against society because the driver broke the law of waiting at the accident scene. On the other hand, a civil case focuses more directly on earning compensation for your losses (such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering).
Our dedicated lawyers will advocate for your rights and ensure you open a case that best fits your situation and needs.
Have You Or A Loved One Suffered Damages From A Hit-And-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run is not something anyone should have to experience, especially without support. It can feel disorienting to be involved in a hit-and-run accident. Getting justice for the damages you experience from a hit-and-run adds more stress to an already stressful situation.
At Bordas & Bordas, our attorneys are experienced and committed to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. Insurance companies and the driver who fled the scene do not have your back; our dedicated team of lawyers do.
We are ready to use our experience to help you as best as we can. If you or a loved one are involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation and get to work on your case.