If you have been injured by a hit and run driver in the Lehigh or Northampton Counties, seeking guidance from an experienced Bethlehem hit and run accident lawyer is vital. A skilled legal expert can fairly assess your case and determine your legal options to secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
Munley Law has nearly 70 years of experience in handling complex car accident cases, including hit-and-runs in which the culpable driver is never found. We have won millions in settlements for our clients, including pedestrian accident verdicts worth $3.5 million, $2.8 million, and $2 million. Our attorneys have been consistently recognized by leading legal directories, including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Martindale-Hubbell, the American Association for Justice, and Lawdragon. J. Christopher Munley has also been named to the NTLA’s Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers list, and Marion Munley has been honored as Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation.
Contact Munley Law today for a free case evaluation and guidance on filing your claim after your hit and run accident. You could be eligible for fair compensation, even if the identity of the driver who injured you is never discovered.
Understanding the Impacts of Hit and Run Accidents in Bethlehem, PA
In Pennsylvania, hit and run accidents are an unsettling concern for drivers and pedestrians. The prevalence of hit and run accidents makes Pennsylvania 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.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), drivers in the United States struck and killed a total of 7,148 pedestrians in 2024 alone. In its Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities Report, the GHSA notes that the rate of pedestrian deaths in the US is rising much faster than the overall rate of traffic fatalities, increasing by 80% between 2009 and 2023. The report also highlights the fact that one quarter of all pedestrian deaths (25%) are caused by hit-and-run crashes, with the vehicle that struck the pedestrian being the one that flees the scene in 94% of cases.
Additionally, the GHSA’s 2024 preliminary data shows that in 2023, 18% of all people killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Around 65% of these deaths took place in areas without sidewalks, and over 75% of pedestrian hit-and-run deaths took place after dark. The rate of fatal pedestrian crashes at night increased by 84% between 2010 and 2023, compared to just a 28% rise in daytime fatalities. These nighttime accidents make identifying the at-fault driver even more challenging should they flee the scene of the crash.
These accidents don’t just leave physical scars; they imprint deep emotional wounds. This is magnified when the victim does not know who the culprit is and cannot bring them to justice. For many, medical bills pile up, wages are lost, and car repairs become an unforeseen expense, creating a spiraling impact on personal finances. As you are going through this storm, an urgent question lingers: Can you still pursue a claim if the at-fault driver remains unidentified?
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What is the Legal Perspective on Hit and Runs in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a hit and run accident (otherwise known as a “leaving the scene” incident) refers to a situation where a driver involved in a vehicular accident fails to stop and provide the legally mandated information or aid. Pennsylvania law is unequivocal about the duties of drivers involved in accidents: they must immediately stop their vehicles at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic.
Moreover, Pennsylvania drivers must provide pertinent information such as the name, address, and registration number of the vehicle they are driving. If injuries are involved, they must also render assistance, which might include transporting the injured or making arrangements for the injured parties to get to medical facilities. The repercussions for neglecting these duties are severe.
Fleeing the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania, especially one involving injuries or fatalities, can lead to significant fines, loss of driving privileges, and even imprisonment. This legal framework underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring responsibility, accountability, and the welfare of its residents on the road.
What is the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
In Pennsylvania, auto insurance laws require drivers to have liability insurance. There is another auto insurance policy that 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 insurance. 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 occurs, where the at-fault driver remains unidentified, victims can tap into their UM coverage to seek compensation for both bodily injuries and property damages. This safety net ensures that victims are not left 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 coverage. This is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is so important to have as a Pennsylvania resident. The coverage acts as a buffer against the financial implications of being involved in an accident with a driver who either lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage.
While Pennsylvania doesn’t mandate the purchase of UM/UIM coverage, it’s crucial for drivers to recognize its value, particularly in safeguarding against the uncertainties associated with hit and run incidents.
Are There Any Alternate Avenues for Compensation?
For victims of hit and run incidents in Pennsylvania, there exist several alternate avenues to seek compensation beyond UM/UIM coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is a no-fault insurance, meaning it can cover medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Coverage dedicated to addressing medical bills resulting from vehicular accidents.
- Collision Coverage: Insurance for damages inflicted on the vehicle itself. It takes care of the repair or replacement expenses of a policyholder’s car in hit and run situations, whether or not the guilty party is identified.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
How Do I Pursue a Hit and Run Claim When the Driver Remains Unidentified?
In Pennsylvania, pursuing a hit and run claim becomes complex when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. This is where the help of an expert personal injury lawyer will greatly benefit you. At Munley Law, our car accident lawyers 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 accident, the following steps will help you secure maximum compensation, even when the offender vanishes:
Report the Accident
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 not be able 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
Documentation of the accident scene is crucial. If your immediate medical needs are taken care of, start taking 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 Insurance Company
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 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 a Munley car accident lawyer, and we will take care of all correspondence with your insurance company.
Why Choose Munley Law to Handle Your Hit and Run Claim?
Pursuing a hit and run injury claim in cases where the driver has not been found is a complex process. An experienced hit and run accident lawyer will be able to identify which types of compensation you could be eligible for, and can handle communications with law enforcement, medical teams, and insurance carriers on your behalf to seek the highest possible settlement.
Our lawyers at Munley Law have won more than $1 billion in settlements for our personal injury clients to date, and have the skill and legal acumen to do the same for you. We have also won numerous industry awards and certifications to underscore our expertise. Our attorneys are recognized by the Summit Council, the International Society of Barristers, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice, where Marion Munley is currently the Vice President. They have also all received honors from Best Lawyers, with Marion Munley named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation.
Eight of our lawyers are named Super Lawyers, including Marion Munley, to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania, Top 50 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and Top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania lists. All five partners hold AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, with Daniel Munley winning the directory’s Platinum Client Champion Award, and Caroline Munley awarded the Silver Client Champion Award. If the culpable driver in your case is eventually identified, J. Christopher Munley is also named one of the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association and is qualified to seek justice in a court of law.
Our legal experts are ready to assist you with your Bethlehem hit and run injury claim, even if the responsible driver is still unidentified. Contact us for your free initial case evaluation and let us fight for compensation on your behalf.
Talk To a Personal Injury Attorney Now
Call a Munley Car Accident Lawyer
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.
A Munley Law car accident lawyer can take over your claim, including investigation, speaking with the insurance companies, consulting with the local authorities, examining medical records, and all other aspects. We will make sure your rights are protected and that you receive the highest possible compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We charge no fees unless we win your case.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
