Hit-and-run car accidents in Pittsburgh can leave you with physical pain, financial strain, and emotional trauma. It is hard enough being hurt in a crash, but knowing the driver responsible simply drove away adds another level of stress. If you were involved in this kind of incident, you may have legal options to pursue compensation.
Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC has experience helping injured people hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable. Our seasoned car accident attorneys know how to investigate these complex cases and defend what is right. Reach out to us today to get started.
In Pennsylvania, 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3742 states that it is illegal for a driver to flee the scene of a car crash and imposes harsher penalties for leaving an accident that causes injury or property damage. Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3744, an at-fault driver has a duty to stop, provide identification, and assist anyone hurt in a crash. Failing to do so is a criminal offense, and if someone is injured or killed, it becomes a felony.
A fleeing driver can be held civilly liable for injuries even if they are never identified, and an injured person could still seek compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. A Pittsburgh hit-and-run accident attorney could help you explore all the legal options available to support your recovery.
A hit-and-run crash in Pittsburgh can create legal hurdles because there is often no record of who caused the accident, how it happened, or basic details such as the make and model of the vehicle that left the scene. However, it may be possible to file a civil claim. An attorney familiar with these cases could help in various ways, including:
Our team has handled many injury claims involving unknown or uninsured drivers. In one such case, we helped an injured individual recover damages from their own insurance policy after a hit-and-run left them with serious injuries and hospital bills.
While some Pittsburgh hit-and-run drivers are never located, others are eventually caught. When the responsible party is found, civil claims may be filed against them and their insurers, enabling you to seek compensation for various costs, including:
Punitive damages may be available in cases of egregious conduct, such as fleeing the scene, especially when fleeing delays necessary medical care for an injured victim.
Many people fail to talk about the emotional toll that Pittsburgh hit-and-run vehicle accidents have on victims. Hit-and-runs often feel more traumatic as a result of being abandoned while injured and vulnerable. This sense of being disregarded can linger long after the body heals.
As these incidents often occur at intersections or during the evening when visibility is low, the risk of not being found for a long time is high. This can cause victims, especially children or older adults, to develop post-traumatic stress, sleep issues, and anxiety.
A comprehensive compensation claim could account for both the physical pain you have suffered and the emotional anguish. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Injuries caused by hit-and-run car accidents in Pittsburgh may require legal action to help you protect your future. Whether the driver is found or not, you may still have options.
A car crash lawyer could help you understand your rights, file your claim, and start strategizing a path to seeking financial recovery. Our team offers a free consultation and is ready to begin today.
