Dos and Don’ts After a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident occurs anytime a driver hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object and flees the scene without helping or exchanging information with others. In Pennsylvania, a driver can be criminally charged for a hit-and-run accident. If found guilty, the driver may face fines and jail time.

At Mette Attorneys at Law, we have worked with numerous clients impacted by hit-and-run drivers. If you have fallen victim to a hit-and-run accident, you may feel confused and infuriated. We understand that it may be challenging to know what steps to take, which is why our personal injury lawyers are here to discuss the do’s and don’ts after another person flees the scene of a crash.

What To-Do

Call the Police: The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requires that you contact the police in the following situations:

• If there are any injuries or fatalities
• More than $1,000 in property damage
• If a vehicle cannot be moved and must be towed
• In the event of a hit-and-run

If you remember seeing the other driver, share what you saw so that the responding police officer can file it in the accident report. This will help the police department when conducting their investigation to find the hit-and-run driver.

Police officers may choose not to respond to a car accident involving minimal property damage and no injuries. However, under 75 Pa.C.S. §3747(a), if you are legally required to report an accident and a police officer does not arrive on the scene, you must submit a written report of the accident to PennDOT within five days.

Check for Injuries: Scan yourself for any signs of injury. The officer who arrives on the scene will call for emergency services for any injured persons (if other drivers are involved). If your injuries are minor and nobody else sustained injuries, then an ambulance will likely not be called. In this case, you should visit urgent care if you believe you should be seen the same day by a physician. If you appear to have no injuries, still schedule a medical evaluation with your primary care physician (PCP) to be on the safe side.

Gather Evidence: If you are not injured, take photos of skid marks, shredded tires, bent fenders, and the final resting position of the vehicles. Snapping pictures of the nearest intersection and other identifying landmarks can help place your exact location. There is no such thing as too many pictures since any documentation may be used when filing your claim.

Speak to Witnesses: If you saw anyone witness the accident, ask for their name, contact number, and a brief description of what they saw or heard. Ask them to stay at the accident scene until a police officer arrives.

Contact a PA Personal Injury Lawyer

In the aftermath of a hit and run, you will want to seek legal guidance to assist you in filing your claim. While instinctively, you may want to call your insurance company, these communications are best left to a PA personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney will know what to say and what information should be withheld, allowing you to receive maximum compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage.

What Not To-Do

Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident: Even if you have minor injuries or vehicle damage, do not leave the scene before the police arrive. Leaving the accident scene could suggest you are liable even if you were the only driver affected.

Do Not Chase the Other Driver: Even if you see the other driver speed off, remain on the scene. Going after the other driver is dangerous and prevents you from collecting valuable evidence at the accident scene.

Do Not Refuse Medical Care: If paramedics want to bring you to the hospital, let them. While it may seem like a waste of time, medical personnel are trained to spot signs of spinal cord injuries or internal bleeding. If a paramedic recommends that you receive a medical evaluation, do so. Taking the time to be seen by a doctor may save your life.

Victim to a Hit and Run? Speak with Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers

There is no describing the distress one experiences when struck by a driver who immediately drives off. In Pennsylvania, a hit-and-run driver who only causes property damage may still be imprisoned for up to one year in addition to being fined.

At Mette Attorneys at Law, our personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to help find the hit-and-run driver while helping recover your losses. If you are ready to learn the worth of your hit-and-run case, do not hesitate to contact our office online or at (717) 232-5000.