In Allentown, hit-and-run accidents are unsettling for drivers and pedestrians alike. The prevalence of hit-and-run accidents makes Allentown residents question the safety of our roads. Every year, numerous individuals become victims of these incidents, and beyond the immediate trauma, they are left grappling with overwhelming emotional distress and mounting financial burdens.
These accidents don’t just leave physical scars; they imprint deep emotional wounds. This is magnified when the victim does not know the culprit and cannot bring them to justice. For many, medical bills pile up, wages are lost, and car repairs become an unforeseen expense, potentially impacting personal finances. As you go through this storm, an urgent question lingers: Can you still sue for a hit-and-run if the at-fault driver remains unidentified?
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Allentown, get the legal help you need. Contact an Allentown car accident lawyer at Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Works
In Pennsylvania, auto insurance laws require drivers to have liability insurance. Another auto insurance policy is readily available but optional for Pennsylvania drivers: Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, UM coverage provides protection when an at-fault driver does not have coverage. UIM offers coverage when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient to cover the total damages incurred.
When a hit-and-run accident in Allentown occurs, where the at-fault driver remains unidentified, victims can tap into their UM coverage, guided by knowing the average uninsured motorist settlement amount, to seek compensation for both bodily injuries and property damages. This safety net ensures that victims are not stranded with burdensome medical bills and repair costs due to another’s negligence.
The Insurance Information Institute put out a report noting that while Pennsylvania is one of the most insured states in the country, 6% of its drivers are on the road without the required insurance policies. This is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is so important to have as an Allentown resident. The coverage is a buffer against the financial implications of being involved in an accident with a driver who either lacks car insurance or has inadequate coverage.
While Pennsylvania doesn’t mandate the purchase of UM/UIM coverage, drivers must recognize its value, particularly in safeguarding against the uncertainties associated with hit-and-run incidents.
Alternate Options for Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Allentown have several additional options beyond UM/UIM coverage:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is no-fault coverage. It covers your medical expenses and can replace some lost wages following a hit-and-run collision.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay specifically addresses your immediate medical bills from a vehicle-related injury, regardless of fault.
Collision Coverage: Collision coverage, also known as collision insurance, helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by a hit-and-run driver. Even if the driver is not found, this policy covers vehicle repair or replacement, minus your deductible.
Liability Insurance and Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the hit-and-run driver is later identified but uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage can pay compensation beyond your PIP limits.
Your Munley attorney can advise you on how each policy applies to your situation, ensuring you maximize your payout while protecting your rights.
Pursuing a Hit-and-Run Claim When the At-Fault Driver Remains Unidentified
In Pennsylvania, pursuing a hit-and-run claim becomes complex, especially considering the statute of limitations for a car accident, when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. This is where the help of an expert personal injury lawyer will greatly benefit you. Our Allentown hit-and-run accident lawyers at Munley Law can help you navigate the claims process even when the at-fault party is not identified.
When you are dealing with extensive injuries from a hit-and-run collision, the following steps will help you secure maximum compensation, even when the offender vanishes:
Report the Accident to Police Right Away
The first and most crucial step is to report the accident to the police. This is a prerequisite step for insurance claims. If you do not report the accident to the police, you may be unable to collect any compensation from your insurance company or from a personal injury lawsuit.
Reporting the accident to the police will also ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers. Call 911 immediately following the accident for law enforcement officers to get to the scene. They will be able to facilitate any immediate medical care necessary and they will start documenting what happened.
Document the Accident Scene and Property Damage
Documentation of the hit-and-run scene is crucial, just as it is in cases handled by a distracted driving accident lawyer. If your immediate medical needs are taken care of, take comprehensive photographs of the scene. Include any visible injuries, vehicle damages, and other notable elements. This documentation will be instrumental in building a solid claim. If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, gather their accounts of what happened. Their narratives can provide a more complete understanding of the event. They can possibly even steer authorities in locating the fleeing driver.
Take down the contact information of the eyewitnesses, including their full names and phone numbers. The officer on the scene will also take down this information.
Notify Your Car Insurance Company About the Claim
The next step is to notify your insurance company. They will walk you through the next steps. However, it has to be noted that insurance companies – even yours – do not always have the victim’s best interest at heart. The insurance company is looking to save itself money, not make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
The best thing you can do is contact your insurance company and tell them about the hit-and-run accident. They will let you know the next steps to follow. However, if they start asking questions that could potentially lead them to contest your claim, do not answer them. You are under no legal obligation to answer questions from your insurance company. Instead, call an car accident lawyer at Munley Law and we will take care of all correspondence with your insurance company.
Call an Allentown Car Accident Lawyer for Support
Insurance adjusters are notorious for lowballing their clients when they are in emotionally vulnerable states following a traumatic accident. You are grappling with the emotional trauma of the incident, dealing with physical pain, and perhaps even grief. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will take advantage of that, especially if there is a lack of concrete evidence in a hit-and-run case. The absence of the at-fault driver can make claim settlements more complicated.
Let Our Allentown Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys Handle the Hard Work
A Munley Law car accident attorney takes charge of your insurance claim from the moment you call. We gather the crash report, medical records, repair estimates, and photos that show every injury, every point of collision, and each bit of property damage before we deal with the car insurance adjuster on your behalf.
When a hit and run happens and the hit-and-run driver can’t be found, or turns out to be an uninsured motorist, we file under your uninsured-motorist benefits and your collision coverage. Together, those policies pay hospital bills, fund ongoing injury care, replace wages, and fix the damage to your car. If the driver is later identified, we press their liability carrier for the balance.
While you focus on healing, your attorney handles calls, letters, and deadlines linked to the collision. We keep the insurance claim moving, apply the right car insurance provisions, and push for benefits that covers every injury expense and all remaining damage.
