If you’re involved in a car accident in Philadelphia, leaving the scene can result in serious penalties, especially if someone is injured in the accident. You could be facing huge fines and potential injuries. Many times, injury victims are confused about what their legal rights are, especially if the driver is never found. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your interests and seeking compensation.
If you were involved in a car accident with a hit and run driver, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers can help. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Legal Obligations After a Philadelphia Car Accident
Pennsylvania law mandates that you must stop your vehicle immediately if you’re involved in an accident. You are required to exchange information with the other parties involved. This typically includes your name, address, and vehicle registration number. For accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage, you must immediately notify the police.
Leaving the scene without fulfilling your legal duties can result in a hit and run charge. Under Pennsylvania law, you may even be held liable for a hit and run charge if you were involved in the events leading to an auto accident without being directly at fault.
According to Philadelphia law:
- For hit and run accidents with property damage only: Misdemeanor charge with fines of $2,500 to $5,000 and potential jail time of 90 days to one year
- For accidents with injuries: Felony charge with fines up to tens of thousands of dollars and imprisonment of one to seven years
- All hit and run convictions: Minimum of 4 points on your driver’s license
- Additional consequences: Insurance premium increases, possible license suspension, and civil liability for damages
Do I Need a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Following a Hit and Run Accident?
If you were injured in the accident, the answer is yes. A hit and run accident can be difficult to deal with on your own, especially if the driver is never caught. You will need a car accident attorney to go through your insurance to see what compensation is available to pay for your expenses.
If you were the one who left the scene of the accident, it’s best that you speak with a criminal attorney in Philadelphia right away to learn what you should do next.
Will Insurance Cover the Costs of a Hit and Run?
Pennsylvania’s insurance system provides several options for hit and run victims to recover damages. The first option is uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage will treat the incident like an uninsured driver hit you. It can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term disability costs, and rehabilitation expenses.
You can also use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover the costs. Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This becomes particularly valuable in hit and run cases where the at-fault party cannot be located.
Other types of sources that can be used include other household members’ policies, health insurance, and disability insurance.
How a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Helps Your Case
A qualified Philadelphia car accident lawyer serves as your advocate and guide throughout the entire legal process, providing comprehensive support in several crucial areas. Understanding these services can help you appreciate the value of professional legal representation after a hit and run accident.
Your attorney will launch and oversee a thorough investigation of your accident. This begins with establishing a strong working relationship with law enforcement officers investigating your case. Your lawyer will regularly communicate with investigators, review police reports in detail, and follow up on any leads about the hit and run driver. When necessary, they may request additional investigation into specific aspects of the case.
Dealing with insurance companies requires extensive knowledge and experience. Your attorney serves as your advocate throughout this complex process, beginning with the proper filing of detailed claims with all relevant insurance carriers. They ensure all required documentation is properly submitted and all deadlines are met, while tracking claim status and following up regularly to prevent unnecessary delays.
The negotiation process requires skilled strategy. Your lawyer will evaluate initial settlement offers, prepare detailed counter-offers, and document all negotiations. They understand how to leverage evidence to strengthen your position and will stand firm against lowball settlement offers that don’t adequately compensate you for your injuries and losses.
Meeting legal deadlines is critical to your case’s success. Your attorney tracks all statutes of limitations, court filing deadlines, required appearances, and discovery timelines. They coordinate with opposing counsel to ensure your case moves forward efficiently while protecting your interests.
If your case moves toward a settlement, your lawyer will handle all aspects of the process. This includes evaluating settlement offers, calculating fair settlement values based on your specific circumstances, conducting settlement negotiations, preparing necessary documents, and ensuring proper distribution of settlement funds.
Should your case proceed to trial, your attorney provides comprehensive trial preparation and representation. They develop a compelling trial strategy, select and prepare expert witnesses, create effective presentations, and represent you throughout all trial proceedings. If necessary, they will also handle any appeals that arise from your case.
Injured in a Hit and Run Accident in Philadelphia? Munley Law Can Help
If you’re injured in a hit and run accident in Philadelphia, seeking legal advice is not just recommended—it’s essential. A qualified Philadelphia car accident attorney can provide the legal guidance you need. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
