Suffering injuries or losing someone in a hit-and-run car accident in Philadelphia leaves families dealing with sudden medical care, unanswered questions, and bills they never expected. When another driver causes harm and drives away, the situation feels even more unjust. Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run car accident helps protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation.
Skilled legal representation gives you a stronger chance to hold the at-fault driver or your insurance company accountable. If you or a loved one were hurt in a hit-and-run, speaking with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer near you about a free consultation can help you understand your options and next steps.
Key Takeaways About PA Hit and Run Crashes
- Report the hit-and-run to police immediately.
- Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene.
- Contact your insurance company promptly.
- Seek medical attention even for minor injuries.
- You must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident, per Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit-And-Run Accident?
Taking the right steps after a hit-and-run protects your health and strengthens your legal claim. Each action matters, even if the driver who caused the accident is never identified.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Look around to see if you or passengers need emergency care. Quick medical attention saves lives and creates an immediate medical record that connects your injuries to the accident.
Move to Safety if Possible
If the car still runs, pull over to a safe spot away from traffic. A shoulder, parking lot, or side street works best. Staying in the middle of the road increases the risk of another collision. If your vehicle won’t move, turn on hazard lights and, if you can, place flares or cones to alert other drivers.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Tell the dispatcher what happened and mention that the other driver fled. Police officers will come to the scene, take statements, and start a report. That report becomes key evidence for your insurance claim.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Take pictures of your car, any skid marks, broken glass, and debris. Show multiple angles and close-ups. If traffic lights or stop signs are nearby, include them in your photos to show who likely had the right of way. Capture nearby storefronts or intersections to establish location.
Look for Witnesses
Pedestrians, nearby drivers, or residents may have seen the fleeing vehicle. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and a brief summary of what they saw. Their testimony can help police and strengthen your claim. If someone is unwilling to give full details, even a first name and partial description of what they noticed may still help.
Note Vehicle and Driver Details
Try to write down the color, make, model, or license plate numbers you remember. Even partial details may help law enforcement identify the driver later. For example, “blue pickup with ladder rack” or “white sedan with tinted windows” narrows down the search. If you recall bumper stickers, company logos, or unique damage, mention it in your police report.
How Do You Report a Hit-And-Run in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires drivers to report certain crashes to law enforcement. A hit-and-run always qualifies because one party left the scene illegally.
Contact Local Law Enforcement
Call 911 immediately or the local police department if the crash is less urgent. Officers need to know that the at-fault driver left the scene.
File a Police Report Within Required Timeframes
Pennsylvania law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Filing right away strengthens your case and ensures compliance with state law.
Provide All Available Information to Officers
Give police every detail you remember, even if it seems small. A single detail about a bumper sticker, dent, or unusual color can help identify the vehicle.
Obtain Your Police Report Number
Write down the police report number before leaving the scene. You’ll need it for insurance claims and potential legal action.
What Evidence Should You Collect at the Scene?
Strong evidence supports both insurance claims and potential lawsuits. Collecting information immediately helps preserve details that may disappear later.
Photograph Vehicle Damage and Scene
Take wide shots of your car and close-ups of dents, broken lights, or scratches. Include pictures of surrounding traffic signs and intersections.
Record Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, snow, or potholes may have played a role in the crash. Noting these details paints a clearer picture of the accident.
Note Time, Date, and Location Details
Write down the exact time and place. Memory fades quickly, and official documentation helps prevent disputes later.
Collect Witness Contact Information
Ask witnesses to provide their names, numbers, and what they saw. Independent accounts often carry strong weight with insurance companies and courts.
Document Any Surveillance Cameras Nearby
Look for security cameras on businesses or homes near the crash. Tell police about them so they can request the footage.
Should You Contact Your Insurance Company After a Hit-And-Run?
Yes, you should contact your insurer quickly. Pennsylvania law requires timely reporting, and delays can create obstacles in receiving compensation.
Report the Incident Immediately
Call your insurer as soon as possible. Provide the police report number, photos, and any other evidence you gathered.
Understand Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pennsylvania drivers often carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which helps when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. UM coverage may pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. For instance, if you break your leg in a hit-and-run and can’t work for weeks, UM coverage helps cover lost income while you recover.
Know What Information Your Insurer Needs
Your insurance company may ask for the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and witness information. Having these ready shortens the claims process.
Avoid Common Insurance Claim Mistakes
Don’t guess or exaggerate details. Stick to the facts. Also, avoid giving recorded statements before consulting with a lawyer, since insurers sometimes use these statements to reduce claim value.
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Hit-And-Run in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law offers multiple paths for victims of hit-and-run crashes. These laws can be confusing, but knowing the basics helps you see where your options stand.
Pennsylvania's No-Fault Insurance Laws
Pennsylvania follows a no-fault system, meaning your own insurer may cover initial medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the crash. For example, if your hospital bill is $5,000, your PIP coverage applies first even if the other driver is never found.
Uninsured Motorist Protection Requirements
Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover costs when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. Many policies include this protection, and it can apply in hit-and-run cases. Without UM coverage, victims often rely on health insurance or out-of-pocket funds until other options are explored.
Your Right to Seek Compensation
Victims may pursue payment for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain from injuries. A lawyer helps build a case against the insurer or the at-fault driver if identified. For example, if the police later find the driver, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to hold that driver financially responsible in addition to using your UM coverage.
Medical Care and Documentation After a Hit-And-Run
Medical treatment plays a role in both recovery and legal claims. Skipping care may hurt your health and weaken your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. A doctor’s exam documents injuries while ensuring you get the treatment you need. For example, internal bleeding may not cause pain until hours later, but medical scans at the hospital detect it early.
Keep Detailed Medical Records
Save every doctor’s note, test result, prescription, and hospital bill. These records show the extent of your injuries and costs. Keep copies of physical therapy schedules and transportation receipts as well. Every detail builds a picture of how the accident affected you.
Follow All Treatment Recommendations
Attend follow-up appointments, take medications, and complete physical therapy. Insurance companies often question claims when patients ignore medical advice. For instance, if your doctor orders six weeks of therapy for a shoulder injury and you stop after two, an insurer may argue your condition isn’t as serious as you claim.
Document How Injuries Affect Your Daily Life
Write down how your injuries impact work, family life, and hobbies. A journal helps illustrate the real impact of the accident. If you can no longer coach your child’s sports team or attend family gatherings because of pain, these examples show how your quality of life changed.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
When a hit-and-run driver disappears, victims often feel like their options are limited. At The Oakes Firm, our attorneys step in to guide clients through the legal and insurance process, ensuring they never feel alone during such a difficult time.
Investigate Your Hit-And-Run Accident
We gather evidence, review police reports, and consult experts when needed to strengthen your case. For instance, if your accident occurred near a major intersection, we may request traffic camera footage to confirm what happened.
Work with Law Enforcement and Private Investigators
Our team coordinates with police and, when necessary, private investigators to help track down the fleeing driver. In some cases, investigators identify vehicles by paint transfers, parts left behind, or surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Handle Insurance Company Communications
We deal with insurers on your behalf so you don’t have to manage stressful calls and paperwork. Insurance companies sometimes pressure victims to accept low offers quickly. Our team ensures responses are accurate and in your best interest.
Maximize Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
We carefully document losses to help you pursue the highest possible value from your UM coverage. This includes working with doctors to estimate future care needs and economists to evaluate lost earning capacity when injuries prevent a return to work.
Pursue All Available Compensation Sources
We look at every option, from your insurance policy to potential third-party claims, to help you seek compensation. For example, if the fleeing driver borrowed a car from someone else, the vehicle owner’s insurance may apply.
Navigate Pennsylvania's Complex Insurance Laws
We explain each step in plain language so you always know what to expect from your case. Laws like Pennsylvania’s “choice no-fault” system can confuse many drivers, but we break down how your policy interacts with the accident and what that means for your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
What if I can't remember details about the other vehicle?
You can still file a claim using your uninsured motorist coverage. Even partial information helps police, but your case doesn’t depend on identifying the driver. If you later recall details after calming down, you can add them to your report.
Can I still recover compensation if the other driver is never found?
Yes. Uninsured motorist coverage often applies in these situations. A lawyer can help you file and strengthen your claim with your own insurer. In some cases, other insurance types like collision coverage may also help pay for damages.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Property damage claims have a four-year limit. Filing earlier improves your chances since witnesses remember details better and video footage may still exist.
Will my insurance rates go up after a hit-and-run accident?
Insurance rates may rise, but many companies don’t raise premiums when the insured wasn’t at fault. Your lawyer can review your policy and explain what to expect. Insurers consider factors like your driving history, accident record, and claim size.
What if the hit-and-run driver only caused minor damage?
You should still report the crash to police and your insurer. Sometimes, damage seems minor at first, but repair costs add up or hidden injuries surface later. Even small fender benders sometimes result in whiplash or back pain that shows up days afterward.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia Now
Pennsylvania law places strict time limits on filing personal injury claims, so acting quickly matters. The Oakes Firm offers free, no-obligation case evaluations to help you decide on your next steps.
We know the stress of mounting bills and unanswered questions after a hit-and-run. Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights, handle insurers, and pursue every available option for compensation.
Contact The Oakes Firm today for a free consultation with a Philadelphia car accident attorney who can review your case and explain your options.