Pennsylvania Hit and Run Accident Victim Lawyer

A "hit and run" accident is a motor vehicle collisions in which a driver runs into a pedestrian or other driver and leaves the scene without providing identifying information. Depending on the damage done by the accident, according to Pennsylvania State Law, the offending driver can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. If the driver did minor damage--for instance, dinged up a fender--chances are the maximum sentence will be a misdemeanor. If, on the other hand, the driver caused serious personal injury to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, chances are good that the driver will face felony charges.

On average, around a thousand US citizens are killed in hit and run assaults every year. If you are involved in a hit and run collision, while your instinct might be to chase after the driver who hit you, this can be a dangerous plan. The driver might be intoxicated, fleeing from authorities, or otherwise unstable. Instead, call the police and report the collision ASAP. The more specific details you can give the police, the better. If there are witnesses to the event, get their testimonies. Take pictures of the scene of the crime. If there is other evidence from the accident, preserve that as well. File a police report, and get contact info from key people, including the officer who takes your statement and any witnesses.

To make a Pennsylvania hit and run accident claim, you must show that the hit and run accident caused damages and that the accused suspect was liable for those damages.

In terms of representation, even if you don't have money to spend upfront on prosecuting a hit and run offender, chances are that you can find a solid legal team to provide help on a contingency basis. This means that you don't pay upfront for legal fees--the firm handles those fees in exchange for commission on the final settlement arrangement.

Another thing to consider with a hit and run accident is rights that you may have against your own insurance carrier. Many people carry uninisured and underinsured motorist coverage. This may be a source of compensation for injuries sustained in a hit and run accident. You should consult a Pennsylvania hit and run victim attorney if you have questions whether your UM/UIM coverage can be used as a fund for compensation.

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