Pedestrian Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia: What to Do
Being a pedestrian in Philadelphia can be a great way to experience our city. Walking is a big part of life here. But what happens if you’re injured by a driver who then leaves the scene of the accident?
A pedestrian hit-and-run can be a frightening and confusing experience. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes and hours after a crash is vital. It can help protect your health and your legal rights.
At our Philadelphia-based law firm, we provide knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation for those injured in these difficult situations.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident?
The moments after a hit-and-run are chaotic. Your top priority should always be your safety and health.
Get to a Safe Place: If you can, move to a sidewalk or grassy area away from traffic. Your safety is the most important thing. What about if you cant move or that will cause further injury?
Call 911 Immediately: Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is crucial to call 911. The police need to create an official report of the incident, which will be a key piece of evidence later on. The 911 operator will also dispatch emergency medical services if you need them.
Gather Information: If you are conscious and alert, remember as many details as possible about the vehicle and the driver. What color was the car? Was it a truck or a sedan? Did you see the license plate number? Even a partial plate number can be helpful. Pay attention to any unique details, like a dent, a bumper sticker, or a broken headlight.
Look for Witnesses: See if anyone nearby saw the accident. Ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can be essential for a hit-and-run case. They can help confirm your version of events and might have seen details you missed.
Take Photos: If it is safe and you are physically able, use your phone to take photos of the scene. Take pictures of where you were hit, your injuries, and any evidence like tire marks on the road.
What is the Importance of Reporting the Incident to the Philadelphia Police?
Reporting the hit-and-run to the police is a requirement under Pennsylvania law. As a pedestrian, you must provide a formal incident report. In Philadelphia, this report is filed with the Philadelphia Police Department. Officers will come to the scene to document the details of the crash. If you were taken to the hospital before a police report was made, you can file a report later at a local police district or station.
Police will investigate the crime. They may look for surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. They might also search for the vehicle using the description you and any witnesses provided.
A driver who fails to stop at the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury can face severe criminal penalties, including a felony charge.
What Are Your Legal Options for Financial Compensation?
After a hit-and-run, the at-fault driver is unknown. This is the biggest challenge to a personal injury claim. You cannot sue a person or a company you cannot identify. So, how can you seek compensation for your medical bills and other damages?
This is where your insurance policy comes into play.
- Your Own Auto Insurance Policy: If you have your car insurance, your policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage can be your best path to compensation. UM coverage is designed for accidents where the at-fault driver has no insurance or, in this case, cannot be found. This coverage can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages
- A Household Member’s Policy: If you do not have your auto insurance but live with a relative who does, you can file a claim under their policy’s UM coverage. Pennsylvania law allows for this in many cases
You must notify your insurance company about the hit-and-run within a reasonable time. This is a critical step. A delay can cause your claim to be denied. We can help you understand your policy and handle this process.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
A hit-and-run accident requires a unique legal strategy. The absence of an at-fault driver makes these cases more complex. It’s not just about proving the driver was at fault; it’s about proving to an insurance company that your damages are covered under your policy’s UM coverage. This is where aggressive legal representation is essential.
Our attorneys and staff of legal professionals at Messa Law have the financial and personal resources to litigate your case correctly.
We can help you by:
- Investigating the Accident: We can work with investigators to find the driver and vehicle. This might include reviewing surveillance videos, speaking with witnesses, and checking local body shops for a car that matches the description of the one that hit you
- Working with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are not always easy to deal with. They may try to minimize your injuries or deny your claim. We can handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring they treat you fairly and that your claim is processed correctly
- Proving Your Damages: We will collect and organize all evidence of your injuries, including medical records, bills, and documentation of lost wages. We will work to show the full impact the accident has had on your life
A pedestrian hit-and-run case is not just about a legal process; it’s about helping you heal and move forward. We pride ourselves on our relationships with our clients and our responsiveness to their individual needs. We value providing excellent service in a professional manner that gets results.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run in Philadelphia, we are here to help. We are ready to provide knowledgeable, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation. We offer a free case evaluation to discuss the specifics of your situation and answer your questions. We invite you to click Call Now to schedule yours today.
