Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Philadelphia Pennsylvania

A hit and run accident is an accident in which one of the drivers involved in a collision does not stop at the scene of the accident, but flees the scene. According to AAA, from 1994 to 2003, more than 15,000 people were killed in hit and run accidents in the U.S. About 60 percent of the people killed in such accidents were pedestrians. Most of the deadly hit and run accidents happened at night and on weekends. Many of the fleeing drivers are intoxicated.

Hit and run laws differ from state to state. In Pennsylvania, the fleeing driver may be guilty of misdemeanor of the first degree or even a felony of the third degree if the person dies. The Pennsylvania hit and run law requires drivers who have been in a car collision to stop at the scene or nearby and exchange information – driver's license and information regarding financial responsibly. In case another driver or passenger is injured, the driver is required to remain at the scene of the accident and render aid to the injured party: provide reasonable assistance, including the making of arrangements for the carrying of the injured person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is obvious that treatment is necessary or if the injured person requests.

Have you been involved in a hit and run?

Drivers may choose to flee the scene of the accident for a variety of reasons: no valid driver's license, no auto insurance, drunk driving, or a pending arrest warrant against the fleeing driver. Whatever the reason for fleeing is, the injured person left at the scene with no help may feel helpless and devastated.

If you have been involved in a hit and run:

Do not follow the reckless driver. The driver may be drunk or dangerous and the chase may be risky in itself.
Call 911 as soon as possible.
If there are any witnesses to the hit and run, collect information from them and write down their contact information.
Write down the license plate number of the fleeing driver, if you remember. If not, write down the make, model and color of the car.
If possible, take pictures of the site and your car.
Report the incident to the police in detail.
Contact your insurance company and the police and give them what information you can. And even if you can't get any of these details, you may still be able to use your collision or uninsured driver coverage if your policy includes them.

Taking these steps is important, because you may be entitled to receive financial compensation from the negligent party and will need as much evidence of the accident as possible. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost income, and other associated damages.

Getting Compensation

The problem with hit and run accidents is that victims can have trouble getting compensation for their injuries and any property damage done to their vehicles. Victims of hit and runs may feel helpless, especially if they have no insurance. Medical bills, the cost of fixing a car and lost wages associated with the incident may accrue and be a big problem for a hit and run victim. If you have been in a hit and run collision, you may feel you have nowhere to turn for help. You are not without recourse. An experienced Pennsylvania hit and run attorney will help you navigate the challenges ahead, making sure your rights are protected and your medical costs are taken care of. The Lassen Law Firm, Philadelphia hit and run collision lawyers, represent people who have been involved in car accidents, pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents where the driver responsible for the accident fled the scene. We will make sure you get the full and fair compensation for your losses.

Personal Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to have a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance. However, there are too many drivers on the road who are completely uninsured. If you have been injured by an uninsured driver, or the hit and run driver fled the scene, the Pennsylvania Assigned Claims Plan may provide recovery. ACP is a special fund that will pay insurance costs in many hit and run and pedestrian accidents. The Pennsylvania Assigned Claims Plan provides up to $15,000 of recovery, including $5,000 in medical benefits and up to $10,000 in additional damages. To qualify for this compensation, a person should meet certain criteria showing recovery in not available from any other source. In addition, a person may be required to prove that he or she has no car and no one in the household has auto insurance that may pay damages.

Usually, people who qualify for the Assigned Claims Plan are pedestrians or passengers who do not own cars and have been injured by hit and run or uninsured drivers. With so many factors to consider after a hit and run, it is important to have an experienced Pennsylvania hit and run attorney who is fighting for your best interests. Whether you suffered your injury as a pedestrian, on a bicycle, or in a car, the personal injury attorneys at the Lassen Law Firm work with experts in every field to make sure you get the optimal compensation.

The Lassen Law Firm is comprised of leading Philadelphia personal injury lawyers who have extensive legal training and experience in personal injury law. We have handled countless hit and runs in Pennsylvania and have obtained large settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you have questions about a Pennsylvania hit and run, call the Lassen Law Firm today for your free consultation.

The Lassen Law Firm only deducts a 29% contingency fee, not the standard 45% like other firms. We serve ALL of Pennsylvania. We can sign you up over the phone and start working on your case today.

Stop Searching. Start Calling. 215-510-6755

Authored by: Christian Lassen