Philadelphia Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorneys
At PhillyLaw, we understand the trauma and confusion that is often the aftermath of being involved in a hit-and-run car accident. Our dedicated team of car accident attorneys in Philadelphia is committed to representing those who have been affected by such distressing incidents. We strive to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. With a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s laws and extensive experience in handling hit-and-run cases, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your legal journey. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer at PhillyLaw for a free consultation to learn more about your rights to recover compensation.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is a type of car accident in which a driver flees the scene of a crash without stopping to exchange personal information with the other parties involved, or tend to any other legal obligations required by Pennsylvania law.
What to Do When You Have Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Crash in Philadelphia
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Philadelphia, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation and seek justice.
Ensure Safety
Firstly, ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers.
Call 911
Calling 911 is a critical step after being involved in a hit-and-run car accident. This immediate action ensures that law enforcement and emergency medical services are notified of the accident, providing two crucial benefits. Firstly, it allows for a prompt response from the Philadelphia police, who can then begin an investigation into the incident, secure evidence, and attempt to locate the person responsible for the hit-and-run. Secondly, emergency medical personnel can assess and address any injuries you or your passengers might have sustained in the accident. Documenting your injuries and the accident scene through a police report is also essential for any legal action or insurance claim you may pursue later. Always prioritize calling 911 following a hit-and-run accident to safeguard your health and strengthen your case.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you feel your injuries are minor or non-existent, some injuries can take hours or even days to manifest symptoms. Visiting a healthcare professional immediately will not only ensure your health is prioritized but also create a medical record of your injuries, which can be vital evidence in your hit-and-run accident case. Our team at PhillyLaw advises clients to keep detailed records of all medical treatments, bills, and any related expenses, as these documents are essential when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Gather Information
Collect as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle, including its make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number you can remember. Look for witnesses who might have seen the accident and ask for their contact information.
Document the Accident Scene
Documenting the accident scene plays a pivotal role in the success of your hit-and-run accident claim. This process involves taking comprehensive photographs of your vehicle’s damage, the accident location, any visible injuries, and other relevant elements like road conditions or traffic signs. These photographs serve as tangible evidence that can help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the accident. They provide visual proof of the extent of the damage and injuries, which is crucial in negotiations with insurance companies. Additionally, well-documented evidence of the scene can significantly bolster your case in court, if litigation becomes necessary. This is a critical step that should not be overlooked, as it can greatly influence the outcome of your claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After ensuring your safety, receiving medical attention, and documenting the incident, the next crucial step is to contact your insurance company. Informing your insurer about the hit-and-run accident promptly is vital, as delays can complicate the claims process. When you call, provide as much detail as possible about the incident, the damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers have sustained. It is important to be honest and thorough during this conversation. Your insurance company may also require a copy of the police report, so it’s helpful to have that readily available. Although dealing with insurance can be daunting, remember that you are not alone. Our PhillyLaw team is experienced in navigating these complex processes and will work alongside you to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer at PhillyLaw
Lastly, contact a skilled hit-and-run car accident attorney in Philadelphia. An experienced lawyer from PhillyLaw can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Holding a Hit-and-Run Driver Liable
Holding a hit-and-run driver liable presents unique challenges, primarily due to the difficulty of identifying the fleeing individual. Nonetheless, it is not an insurmountable task. With the assistance of the experienced legal counsel at PhillyLaw, victims can leverage several strategies to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Immediately following the accident, law enforcement will initiate an investigation, utilizing witness statements, nearby surveillance footage, and any physical evidence left at the scene to identify the responsible party. Additionally, victims can file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage, a provision in many auto insurance policies that protects against damages caused by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. This allows for compensation for injuries and damages while the search for the hit-and-run driver continues.
An experienced car accident lawyer can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of such cases, including dealing with insurance companies and ensuring that victims receive fair compensation. Furthermore, once the hit-and-run driver is identified, your attorney can pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver for personal injury or property damage, thereby holding them legally accountable for their actions. Successfully holding a hit-and-run driver liable requires a comprehensive approach, combining diligent investigation, leveraging insurance coverage, and, when possible, pursuing legal action against the identified driver.
Potential Criminal Charges for the Hit-and-Run Driver
If the hit-and-run driver is identified and apprehended, they may face criminal charges. The specific charges can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances surrounding the incident, but they commonly include charges for leaving the scene of an accident, especially when it involves serious bodily injury or death. Such offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, reflecting the severity of the consequences of the driver’s actions. Additionally, if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they could face DUI charges, which carry their own set of serious penalties.
The criminal justice process seeks not only to hold the responsible party accountable but also to serve as a deterrent against similar future offenses. Engaging with an experienced attorney can provide victims with a clearer understanding of the criminal proceedings and how it may impact their civil case for compensation.
Misdemeanor Charge for Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, as in many jurisdictions, a hit-and-run offense can lead to a misdemeanor charge, especially when the incident resulted in property damage but no serious bodily injury. The severity of the charge often hinges on the nature of the incident. For a hit-and-run involving property damage alone, the offender may face a misdemeanor of the third degree. This can include fines, a possible suspension of driving privileges, and sometimes probation. The legal system treats these cases with seriousness due to the potential harm that fleeing the scene can cause, not only to property but to the societal norms of mutual care and responsibility. An experienced legal team is essential for navigating these charges, providing defense strategies that consider the circumstances of the accident and the accused’s history. PhillyLaw is adept at handling such sensitive cases with the expertise needed to potentially mitigate penalties and work towards a fair resolution.
Second-Degree Felony for Hit-and-Run
In the context of hit-and-run accidents, being charged with a second-degree felony is a severe outcome that typically applies when the incident results in serious bodily injury or fatality. This classification significantly escalates the legal consequences facing the offender, including potential imprisonment, hefty fines, and a lasting criminal record. It underscores the legal system’s intent to impose stringent penalties on those who flee the scene of an accident without providing assistance or identifying themselves, especially in cases where their actions have caused significant harm. Legal representation becomes critically important for individuals facing such charges. An experienced attorney can examine the specifics of the case, including mitigating circumstances that might influence the severity of the penalties. Importantly, for victims and their families, understanding the implications of a second-degree felony charge against the perpetrator can offer some insight into the potential legal outcomes of their case, possibly affecting their approach to seeking civil compensation for their injuries or loss.
Third-Degree Felony for Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, a hit-and-run incident may also result in the driver being charged with a third-degree felony, particularly when the accident causes bodily injury without reaching the threshold of “serious” injury required for a second-degree felony charge. This distinction is crucial, as it broadens the spectrum of legal consequences for drivers who flee the scene of an accident. A third-degree felony for hit-and-run reflects the legal system’s commitment to penalizing negligent drivers, emphasizing the importance of accountability even when the injuries caused are not life-threatening.
Conviction of a third-degree felony can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent mark on the offender’s criminal record. These consequences serve not only as a punishment but also as a deterrent against the callous act of leaving the scene of an accident. For victims, the classification of the offense impacts the legal strategies that may be employed by their attorneys. It affects compensation claims and the approach toward settlement negotiations or court proceedings, emphasizing the need for the experienced hit-and-run car accident lawyers at PhillyLaw to navigate the complexities of hit-and-run cases in Philadelphia.
Occurrence of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, like many large cities, grapples with the persistent issue of hit-and-run car accidents. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of such incidents in the area. One major factor is the dense urban environment, where congested traffic conditions and the fast pace of city life can sometimes lead to negligent driving behaviors. Drivers may panic after causing an accident and flee the scene to avoid facing potential legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.
Another contributing factor is the presence of uninsured or underinsured drivers who aim to evade financial responsibility for the damages and injuries they cause. Additionally, the complexity of navigating Philadelphia’s historic streets and the occasional lack of adequate street lighting in some areas can further increase the risk of accidents, including hit-and-runs.
Furthermore, alcohol and drug impairment continues to be a significant factor in many hit-and-run accidents, impairing judgment and increasing the likelihood of a driver fleeing the scene. The occurrence of hit-and-run car accidents in Philadelphia underscores the importance of understanding your rights and the steps to take if you find yourself a victim of such an unfortunate event. An accident lawyer at PhillyLaw will offer a free consultation for you to learn more about your rights to recover from a hit-and-run car accident.
PhillyLaw is Committed to Helping Victims of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents Recover
PhillyLaw is fervently committed to assisting victims of hit-and-run car accidents in their recovery process. With a deep understanding of the emotional, physical, and financial turmoil that victims endure, our dedicated team of legal experts leverages extensive experience and resources to advocate for the rights of those affected. Recognizing the unique challenges that come with hit-and-run cases, we meticulously work to identify the responsible parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursue litigation to secure just compensation. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom; we aim to provide comprehensive support, guiding victims through every step of their recovery to ensure they can move forward with their lives with dignity and the compensation they rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one have been impacted by a hit-and-run car accident, the PhillyLaw law firm offers a compassionate and steadfast partnership to help you reclaim your peace of mind and financial stability. Contact us today for a free consultation.