Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Traumatic experiences, such as hit-and-run accidents, affect many people and change lives drastically. In the United States, over 700,000 hit-and-run crashes occurred in 2015. Being struck by a passenger car or other vehicle can affect the person’s life directly, causing damages of bodily injury and economic hardship. At times, the drivers in these collisions and hit-and-run car accidents evade the scene to avoid penalties and consequences.

By neglecting their duty in a crash, the offender breaks the law and leaves the victim injured and alone. Although these cases may be frightening and challenging, hiring a skilled attorney may help you find the best path forward to receiving compensation and taking legal action against the driver responsible. Our Bucks County hit-and-run lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. may be able to help you file a claim and discover the best legal options after a hit-and-run situation.

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What Are Hit-And-Run Accidents in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a hit-and-run occurs when a vehicle hits another vehicle, person, or property and then leaves the scene without stopping and exchanging personal information. Frequently, drivers leave the scene to avoid the consequences of their wrongdoing. Other times, they may claim they did not know property or people were left damaged.

Accidents involving a criminal case investigation where the liable party evaded their legal duty to stop and report an accident may cause challenges for personal injury cases. Recent research has shown sixty-five percent of those killed in hit-and-run accidents were pedestrians and cyclists. Whether in the case of bodily injury or property damage, a legal team may pursue justice to alleviate the burdens the accident victims endure.

Pennsylvania Hit and Run Laws and Penalties

In Pennsylvania, hit-and-run accidents are considered a serious offense under state law. When a driver is involved in an accident, they are legally required to stop and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other parties involved. Failing to do so can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of the driver’s license.

The severity of the penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Pennsylvania depends on the nature of the accident and the extent of the injuries sustained. If the accident results in serious bodily injury or death, the consequences can be even more severe. Beyond criminal penalties, a hit-and-run driver may also face civil liability for damages, which can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Understanding these legal consequences underscores the importance of adhering to Pennsylvania law and the serious repercussions of leaving the scene of an accident.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate actions to protect your well-being and legal rights. Here are the steps you should follow:

Remain Calm: Try to stay composed and think clearly.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries and provide reasonable assistance if necessary.
Call the Police: Report the accident to a police officer as soon as possible.
Exchange Information: If possible, exchange information with the other parties involved.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and property.
Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident.
Cooperate with Authorities: Provide any additional information requested by the police.

Seeking medical attention immediately is also crucial, even if you do not feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can ensure you receive the necessary care and documentation for any potential claims.

Should I File a Claim After Being Injured in a Hit-And-Run Collision?

A crime has been committed in an accident with a runaway driver, and a police investigation is necessary to determine fault. If you have been injured and left in a hit-and-run, the police can investigate to find the perpetrator who drove away from the scene. Nearby witnesses, traffic cams, surveillance cameras, and other resources for valid evidence can be pertinent in the case.

Hit-and-run cases are particular in how they are handled because the runaway driver faces criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for damages to property and bodily injury. If a driver is found and liability is determined, you could have a claim against them. Speaking with your Bucks County hit-and-run attorney and refraining from accepting settlement offers from the driver’s insurance company may help you avoid errors in retrieving monetary compensation.

What if the Police Do Not Find the Negligent Driver?

Depending on where the investigation leads, a negligent driver may or may not be found. Despite this, there is no need to worry or be discouraged. Hiring a dedicated hit-and-run lawyer in Pennsylvania may help you feel more at ease and find the best outcome to either file a claim or determine the coverage available to compensate for medical recovery costs and other losses.

Consequences of Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can have far-reaching consequences for both the victim and the driver who leaves the scene. Understanding these consequences can highlight the importance of legal and medical intervention.

Medical Consequences

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often suffer serious bodily injury, which can require extensive medical treatment. This may include surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term rehabilitation. In severe cases, victims may face permanent injuries such as brain damage, spinal cord injuries, or amputations, significantly impacting their quality of life.

Financial Consequences

The financial impact of a hit-and-run accident can be substantial. Victims may incur significant medical bills, face lost wages due to an inability to work, and deal with property damage. These financial burdens can create immense stress and instability for the victim and their family, making it essential to seek compensation through legal channels.

Legal Consequences for Hit and Run Drivers

Hit-and-run drivers face severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of their driver’s license. In Pennsylvania, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal act, and the penalties reflect the seriousness of this offense. Additionally, hit-and-run drivers may be held civilly liable for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Recoverable Compensation in a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Claim

By law, personal injury victims are permitted to pursue compensation for the damages they endure resulting from a liable party. The outcome of hit-and-run crashes varies because of investigations, case proceedings, and coverage determination. Additionally, a Bucks County hit-and-run attorney may calculate the compensation owed to you based on the varying level and severity of eligible damages you deserve.

Compensable damages you may recover in a Bucks County hit-and-run accident include:

Hospital bills and medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages or loss of employment
Property damage or loss
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disability or disfigurement
Loss of companionship

The extent of injuries and compensable damages in every hit-and-run case can vary. Depending on the impact the victim endured and other circumstances in the accident, the costs and long-term effects following a collision may be costly. This can add stress and a lengthy recovery, especially for families of fatality victims. In the case of wrongful death where the perpetrator evaded the scene, a resourceful legal team may help the deceased’s family.

Will My Insurance Be Responsible for the Damages if the Perpetrator Is Not Found?

If your case does not have an identified liable party, you may be able to use your coverage to help with the costs and damages you have endured. With personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payment coverage, your insurance may be able to cover the costs. Even if you do not have an uninsured motorist policy, there may be coverage available for your expenses.

In unfortunate cases where the negligent driver is not identified, a skilled legal team may still be able to help you find the best options and explore the best outcome for your injury case. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers will walk you through the process and evaluate your case if eligible for a lawsuit after the investigation.

Call Our Talented Bucks County Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer to Navigate Your Injury Claim

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run is a challenging experience. Especially if you are left alone and injured at the scene, it can be troubling and traumatic in the days following. While our legal team cannot change or reverse the accident that harmed you, our hit-and-run accident lawyers may work diligently and efficiently to help you take legal action against the negligent driver. All accident victims who do not share fault in an accident have the right to seek justice and be compensated for the damages.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our talented personal injury attorneys carry 65 years of experience in handling injury claims and representing injured clients. To partner with a reputable legal team in Bucks County after being injured in a hit-and-run accident, complete a contact form or call us at (215) 822-7575 for a free case review.