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What to Know About Hit and Run Auto Accident in Pennsylvania?

What to Know About Hit and Run Auto Accident in PA?

The sound of crunching metal and shattering glass. The image of smoke billowing from a damaged car. This is the aftermath of a hit and run auto accident in Pennsylvania, an all too common occurrence that can leave victims with more questions than answers. Knowing what to do after being involved in a hit and run accident can make all the difference for the victim’s rights and legal standing. To understand how best to handle such an eventful situation, it's important to know about the laws concerning hit and runs in Pennsylvania as well as what steps should be taken following one of these accidents. By answering frequently asked questions, individuals involved in a hit-and-run will be equipped to navigate their way through any potential complications or disputes that may arise.

Hit and run accidents can be traumatic and complicated. If you have been in an accident with a hit and run driver, it is important to know your rights and understand the process for pursuing a claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. The car accident attorneys at Justice Guardians are here to help anyone who is injured in a car accident where a driver leaves the scene.

Local hospitals that treat hit and run accident injuries:

Frequently Asked Questions About a Hit-And-Run in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania hit and run accident is when a driver involved in an incident fails to remain at the scene of the accident. This includes any incidents involving either personal injury or property damage. Hit and runs can involve one car, multiple cars, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or other forms of transportation.

Under Pennsylvania law, drivers are required by law to stay at the scene after being involved in an accident until authorities arrive. Leaving without providing your name and contact information is considered a violation of state law and may result in criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident. In some cases it could also lead to license suspension or revocation if convicted. In Pennsylvania, they could face serious penalties for leaving the scene.

Failure to stop at the scene of an accident is often seen as a sign that someone was driving under the influence or otherwise responsible for causing harm to another person’s property or health. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident can have serious repercussions including fines, jail time, restitution payments, increased insurance rates and more.

Leave The Scene: Penalties to Driver Who Fled 

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, especially in Pennsylvania. It carries heavy penalties that can have damaging long-term consequences.

Understanding these laws and how they are applied is important to protect yourself if you find yourself in such a situation:

  • A hit and run charge is considered a felony or misdemeanor depending on the severity of the incident.
  • Penalties may include jail time, community service, restitution payments, and license suspension or revocation.
  • Hit and run convictions also stay on your record and could affect future job opportunities or insurance rates.
  • In some cases, it could even result in deportation for non-citizens.
  • If charged with leaving the scene of an auto accident, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

It's always best to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives when involved in any kind of traffic collision regardless of fault; however, if you do leave the scene, call police as soon as possible so that authorities are aware of what happened and can investigate properly. Even though there are various punishments associated with violating hit and run law in Pennsylvania, understanding all legal aspects of this crime will help ensure proper representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney should one be needed.

Pennsylvania Hit-And-Run Laws

In Pennsylvania, a hit and run accident is defined as one in which the driver of a vehicle leaves the scene without providing any information to other parties involved. According to state law, if you are involved in an auto accident with another vehicle or person, you must stop and provide your name and contact information for anyone who requests it. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges as leaving the scene of an accident is a crime.

Those convicted of leaving the scene of a crash without providing their identity may be guilty of a misdemeanor offense that carries serious penalties including heavy fines and possible jail time. Additionally, those found guilty will likely face license suspension or revocation along with higher insurance premiums due to points added against their driving record. The severity of punishment depends on the extent of property damage or injuries caused by the crash.

If someone is injured as a result of being victim of a hit and run, they have up to two years from the date of the incident to file a claim through PennDOT's Uninsured Motorist Program. If approved, this program provides limited financial assistance for medical bills resulting from an uninsured motorist collision. It is important to note that filing claims under this program does not absolve drivers from responsibility for damages related to hit-and-run accidents; however, it can help victims get some degree of compensation should all else fail.

Given Pennsylvania's strict laws regarding hit and runs, it is essential for drivers involved in such incidents to fully understand their legal rights and obligations before taking any action following an accident. Taking proactive steps during these difficult situations can help protect both victims’ rights and avoid potential legal repercussions down the road.

Car Insurance After A Hit And Run

When involved in a hit and run accident, it is important to exchange information with the other driver if possible. This may include names, vehicle make and model, license plate number, insurance details, and other information about the accident. If there is no contact with the other driver at all, then it is critical to contact the police as soon as possible. Depending on the state laws of Pennsylvania for auto insurance coverage, filing an uninsured motorist claim through your own car insurance company might be necessary. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for any damages incurred from accidents involving an unknown or uninsured driver. It can also cover medical expenses resulting from a hit and run accident such as hospital bills or rehabilitation costs. Knowing what type of coverage you have ahead of time can help determine how best to proceed after experiencing a hit and run accident in PA. Contacting both your car insurance company and local law enforcement are essential steps that should be taken immediately following the incident.

Property Damage In Hit And Run Car Accidents

Property damage is another consequence of a hit and run in Pennsylvania. The scene of the crash may be filled with debris, broken glass and damaged objects, leading to an array of expenses for those affected. It can be difficult for victims to recoup costs associated with physical property damage after a hit and run, especially if the driver does not leave a note or insurance information at the scene of the accident.

Here are five key points about dealing with property damage from a hit and run:

  • Property damage includes any type of damage done to another vehicle or object by either a single car or multiple vehicles involved in an accident.
  • If you’re involved in a hit and run where your vehicle suffers damages, it’s important that you report this immediately to police so they can investigate the incident.
  • In some cases, insurance companies will cover certain types of financial losses related to property damage caused by a different motorist during a hit and run situation.
  • You should also take pictures at the scene of the accident showing all areas where there was evidence of contact between your vehicle and the other vehicle or object.
  • Though it can take time for claims adjusters to review your case, make sure you document as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene; sometimes even tire tracks left behind could help resolve questions regarding liability.

When dealing with property damage from a hit and run, it is essential that you act quickly by seeking medical attention if needed, then calling authorities who can investigate further and possibly identify liable parties from their findings. Additionally, having adequate auto insurance coverage which applies to situations like these is extremely beneficial when attempting to recover lost costs due to property destroyed in such accidents. Taking photographs at the site along with filing reports promptly can help ensure that legal action taken against responsible drivers yield desirable results.

Involving Serious Bodily Injury Or Death

When a car accident results in serious bodily injury or death, there are certain criminal charges that may be applied to the driver responsible for causing it. In Pennsylvania, if an individual is found guilty of being involved in a hit and run auto accident with serious injury or death, they may face third-degree felony charges. Such crimes carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15000. Victims of hit and runs involving fatalities can also seek civil damages from the defendant's insurance company as well as additional punitive damages awarded by the court.

In such cases, those accused will need strong legal representation to ensure they receive fair treatment under the law. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help build a solid defense against any allegations made against them, while also helping mitigate any potential jail time or fines associated with the case. Additionally, attorneys can provide counsel on how best to handle communications with law enforcement officials during their investigations into the incident.

It is important for individuals facing these types of criminal charges to understand their rights under the law and take steps necessary to protect themselves from unwarranted prosecution. Seeking out professional legal advice early on and fully cooperating with authorities throughout the process can greatly improve one’s chances of receiving favorable terms when it comes time for sentencing.

Uninsured Driver Flees The Scene of an Accident: Hit and Run Charges

Hit and run auto accidents in Pennsylvania can be as painful and sudden as a slap to the face. Involvement in such an accident can leave victims confused and scared, wondering what rights they have when their attacker has fled the scene without stopping. The first thing anyone involved in a hit and run should do is call law enforcement immediately so that an investigation can begin.

The driver who flees the scene of a hit and run accident is typically uninsured or underinsured, making it difficult for those seriously injured in the incident to receive compensation. However, there are still ways for victims of a hit and run accident to seek justice even if the perpetrator remains at large. If possible, take pictures of any damage done by the vehicle during the crash as well as any license plate numbers you may have seen before it drove away; these could help authorities identify the responsible party later on. Additionally, try to get contact information from witnesses who may have seen something related to the incident.

Victims of a hit and run may also want to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in auto insurance claims after being victimized by such an offense. An attorney can review your case, make sure all necessary steps were taken during police investigations, determine how best to move forward with legal action, explain available options for reimbursement due to property damage sustained during the crash, provide guidance on filing claims against personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or uninsured motorist policies held by insurance providers associated with other drivers involved in the crash, among other helpful services.

Victim Of A Hit-And-Run Accident

The aftermath of a hit and run auto accident can be devastating for the victim. In Pennsylvania, when someone is injured or killed in an automobile accident it's considered a crime if the driver flees the scene. Therefore, it is important to understand what rights victims have after being affected by such an incident.

  1. Remain at the Scene: If you are involved in a hit and run, stay at the scene until law enforcement has arrived. This will allow them to investigate and collect evidence that could help identify the driver who hit you.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: After being involved in any type of car accident, seek medical attention right away even if there are no visible injuries present. It is also important to document all related medical visits as well as expenses incurred due to treatment received because this information may be needed later on for insurance claims or legal proceedings if necessary.
  3. Collect Evidence: When possible try to get photos of your vehicle before you leave the scene along with contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Be sure to keep track of all records associated with your case including police reports and documents from repair shops used for repairs made to your vehicle following the accident.
  4. Report Accident: Even though filing a police report does not guarantee compensation, it will provide proof that an accident occurred which could come into play during settlement negotiations between insurers or attorneys representing either party involved in the incident.

It is essential that victims take appropriate steps following a hit and run auto accident in order to protect their rights under Pennsylvania law while seeking justice against those responsible for causing harm or damage through criminal negligence or reckless behavior on public roads and highways within state boundaries.

Auto Insurance After An Accident Involving A Driver Who Leaves the Scene

Hit and run auto accidents, involving a driver who leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to provide identification or exchange information with other involved parties, can create legal difficulties for all parties. If you are involved in such an incident, it is important that you know your rights concerning insurance coverage. In Pennsylvania, drivers must have the minimum liability insurance coverage required by law in order to be able to drive legally on public roads.

If you have been hit by a driver who fled the scene and failed to stop after the accident, then you should call the police as soon as possible and report what happened. The police will attempt to track down the responsible party if they can identify them from witness accounts or surveillance video footage of the area at the time of impact. Unfortunately, this might not always be successful and no one may ever be held accountable for causing damage to your vehicle.

In this case, it is important that you contact your auto insurance company immediately so that they can assess whether there is any coverage available under your current policy which could help pay for repair costs associated with damages caused by another person’s negligence. This type of situation often falls under uninsured motorist coverage which provides protection when an insured person has been struck by someone whose identity cannot be determined or confirmed due to their inability (or refusal) to stay on-site following an accident. You should review your existing policy closely before submitting claims since some companies require special declaration forms or additional documentation prior to authorizing payments associated with these types of situations.

No matter what kind of scenario you find yourself facing after being hit by a driver who flees from responsibility; understanding how your personal auto insurance works in conjunction with state laws regarding financial responsibility can go a long way towards getting much needed repairs done quickly and efficiently while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses incurred through filing various claims processes.

Injuries Or Death From A Hit And Run

Hit and runs involving injuries or death can be especially devastating for victims and their family members. Have you ever wondered what the legal ramifications are for someone who leaves the scene of a collision? In Pennsylvania, leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death is considered a felony offense and carries significant penalties.

Those charged with a hit and run resulting in injury or death can face severe criminal charges such as:

  • Manslaughter
  • Involuntary manslaughter
  • Vehicular homicide

In addition to criminal charges, offenders may also be liable for civil damages awarded by a court of law. It's important to remain at the scene after any type of motor vehicle crash; fleeing could result in serious consequences. Local police will investigate these types of crashes and collect evidence that could be used against those who left the scene.

If involved in a collision, it’s best practice to stay put until all parties have exchanged information, contacted insurance companies, medical professionals if necessary, and local authorities arrive on scene. Violating this rule puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk and could lead to hefty fines and jail time should someone get injured or killed due to your negligence.

What Are The Charges For Leaving the Accident Scene Without Stopping?

In Pennsylvania, fleeing the scene of an accident can bring heavy penalties. The severity of these charges depends on the severity of the accident, and if it caused injury and property damage. To help understand what one may be facing when leaving an accident scene without stopping to provide information or report the accident, it is important to first look at how this law is written into PA state statutes.

According to section 3742 of Title 75 under Vehicle Code, a driver must stop after being involved in an auto accident that has caused bodily injury, death, or property damages. This includes providing their name and address as well as other required information upon request from anyone affected by the incident. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges for Fleeing Scene Accident Involving Bodily Injury or Death (Section 3735). Depending on the circumstances, this crime carries a penalty range from three months up to seven years imprisonment and fines exceeding $15000 USD.

The most serious charge comes with accidents involving serious bodily injury such as third-degree felony which could result in up to 7 years imprisonment if convicted. It should also be noted that even when no injuries were reported but the driver still left without providing relevant information they are still liable under sections 3743(a)(3) and 3758 of Title 75–Vehicle Code—which outlines lesser misdemeanors carrying sentences ranging from 90 days prison time up to two years along with possible court fees and license suspension.

These laws underscore how crucial it is that drivers remain at an accident scene regardless of whether there are any casualties or not; consequences for violating them vary greatly depending on individual case details but may lead to severe punishment for the negligent driver who leaves before fulfilling their obligations according to PA state regulations.

How To Protect Yourself After Being A Victim Of A Hit And Run

Being a victim of a hit and run can be both terrifying and devastating. In Pennsylvania, it is essential to protect yourself after being involved in such an event by following these steps: track down the driver, fill out the form, stop and stay at the scene of the accident, report injury & property damage, and file a claim with your insurance or the other party’s insurer.

  1. The first step is to attempt tracking down the driver who caused the accident. You may need to contact law enforcement for assistance if you have any information from witnesses that could help identify them. If possible, take pictures of their vehicle as well as its license plate number so that authorities can locate them later. This will also be useful when filing a claim with your own insurance company or attempting to sue the responsible party for damages or injuries sustained in this incident.
  2. It is important to fill out an Incident Report Form which documents all details about what happened during and after the accident including any injuries suffered or property damaged due to this event. It should include information on all parties involved (including drivers), descriptions of vehicles, location of accident site, time/date of occurrence, etc., so make sure you are thorough in filling out this form accurately before submitting it.
  3. Finally, after stopping at the scene of the accident, it is crucial that you remain there until police arrive and do not leave without first reporting anything related to injury or property damage incurred during this incident; even if no one was hurt physically-wise but there were still costs associated with repair work needed afterwards – those must be documented too! Doing so ensures that these losses can eventually be recouped through either filing claims with respective insurers or suing responsible parties directly (in some cases). Tracking down driver causing hit & run auto accident in PA requires taking certain precautions like filling out forms documenting any injury & property damage while staying at scene until police show up - then follow up by filing necessary claim(s) ensure recouping losses incurred due financial harm done via reckless driving behavior. 

Legal Options For Victims Of Uninsured Drivers In Pennsylvania

Victims of uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania have certain legal options. When an accident occurs and one is injured, it is important to seek the help of an attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, a victim may be able to recover damages related to injury or property damage due to another driver’s negligence and lack of insurance coverage.

The following are three key steps victims should take after a hit and run auto accident in PA:

  1. Contact law enforcement - Victims must contact law enforcement immediately after an accident so that a report can be filed. This will provide crucial evidence for any future court proceedings.
  2. Seek medical attention - It is important for victims to receive medical treatment right away even if they feel no pain at the time of the crash; otherwise, their claim could be denied by insurers or courts. Severely injured victims should call an ambulance.
  3. Obtain legal counsel - An experienced lawyer can assist victims with obtaining compensation from negligent parties who caused the accident and do not possess adequate vehicle liability insurance coverage (or none at all). Most personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluation services and work on contingency fees, meaning there is usually no upfront cost involved in filing a claim against an uninsured driver.

Victims of uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania need to become familiar with their legal rights and obtain appropriate representation promptly after an auto accident occurs. Doing this will ensure maximum protection during any potential litigation process, helping them secure fair outcomes regardless of whether the other party was insured or not.

Helping Pennsylvania Hit-and-Run Accident Victims Get Justice

Hit and run auto accidents in Pennsylvania can have serious consequences. It is important to understand the laws, penalties, insurance matters, property damage and other legal issues related to such an incident. Depending on the circumstances of each individual case, a hit and run could result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

For example, consider a hypothetical situation where a driver hits another vehicle while traveling at high speed in Philadelphia late one night. Rather than stopping or attempting to help Driver B, Driver A flees the scene without providing their name or contact information. As a result, Driver A would most likely face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident as well as possible civil liability for causing damage to another vehicle. Furthermore, if Driver B was injured due to the collision they may also be able to pursue compensation through applicable uninsured motorist coverage with their own insurance company.

It is imperative that drivers involved in hit-and-run incidents seek legal advice before making any decisions regarding potential claims against another driver or pursuing personal injury settlements from their own insurer. Understanding relevant state laws and taking appropriate steps after being involved in a hit and run are essential for protecting oneself from potential penalties and liabilities associated with these types of accidents.

Hit-and-run accidents can be some of the most devastating car accidents that occur. In addition to the physical injuries, victims of these accidents can suffer emotionally and financially due to damages to vehicle or property. The car accident lawyers at Justice Guardians understand the unique and difficult circumstances of hit and run accidents and are here to assist anyone victimized by a negligent driver.

We will provide you with guidance and support throughout the process and will work to ensure your rights are protected. We will review all evidence and will use the latest technology to develop the strongest case possible on your behalf and help you avoid drawn out legal processes. At Justice Guardians, we understand that hit and run accidents can be traumatic and devastating. If you or someone you love has been involved in a hit and run accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and are committed to providing you with the best legal representation and guidance possible.

 

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David Petrone
Date Published: March 9, 2023
David Petrone is a personal injury attorney at Justice Guardians.
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