Fatal U-Haul Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia: Legal Implications and Victims’ Rights

A tragic incident occurred on March 18, 2025, when a man driving a rented U-Haul truck allegedly fled the scene of a minor car crash, subsequently striking and killing a pedestrian in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. The incident underscores the devastating consequences of reckless driving, hit-and-run collisions, and the complex legal issues victims’ families may face following such accidents.

Philadelphia hit-and-run lawyers at The Villari FIrm explore the legal implications of the incident, including liability, criminal charges, and how victims’ families can seek justice and compensation in the aftermath of a deadly pedestrian accident.

Understanding the Incident: Recklessness and Hit-and-Run

According to Philadelphia Police, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Christopher Burkle, initially became involved in a minor accident at Kensington and Allegheny Avenues. After briefly engaging with the other driver, Burkle reportedly fled the scene in the U-Haul, moments later losing control of the vehicle, mounting a sidewalk on the 1800 block of East Cambria Street, and fatally striking a pedestrian.

Hit-and-run incidents like this carry severe criminal and civil implications. Fleeing the scene of any accident, especially one involving serious injury or death, significantly compounds the legal consequences. Drivers who flee not only violate their legal duty to stop and render aid but also may face serious criminal charges beyond any liability associated with causing the accident itself.

Criminal Charges and Liability for the Driver

In Pennsylvania, fleeing the scene of an accident involving death is a felony offense, punishable by substantial prison sentences and heavy fines. Specifically, under Pennsylvania law (§ 3742 – Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury), leaving the scene of a fatal accident carries a minimum sentence of three years in prison, along with substantial fines and license suspension.

In this case, authorities have already apprehended the driver and passenger, and criminal charges will likely follow. The charges could include:

• Homicide by Vehicle (Vehicular Homicide) – if prosecutors demonstrate that reckless or negligent behavior led directly to the pedestrian’s death.
• Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death – for failing to remain at the scene after a fatal collision.
• Reckless Endangerment – if prosecutors find the driver’s conduct placed others in imminent danger.

These charges can significantly influence subsequent civil cases, as criminal convictions often establish clear grounds for negligence or wrongful death claims.

Civil Liability: Wrongful Death and Survival Actions

Separate from criminal charges, the family of the deceased pedestrian may pursue a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for their loss. In Pennsylvania, two primary types of civil claims arise from fatal accidents:

Wrongful Death Claims: These claims allow surviving family members—usually spouses, children, or parents—to seek compensation for financial and emotional losses resulting from their loved one’s death. Damages include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

Survival Actions: Survival claims seek damages that the deceased victim could have pursued had they survived, including pain and suffering experienced from the moment of injury until death, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Given the reckless circumstances surrounding this incident, the pedestrian’s family would have strong grounds to pursue both wrongful death and survival claims.

The Role of Insurance Coverage in Rental Truck Accidents

Because the vehicle involved was a rented U-Haul truck, additional complexities arise regarding insurance coverage. Rental companies typically provide basic insurance protection, but these policies often have strict limitations and exclusions, especially in cases involving criminal actions or unauthorized use.

In cases like this, it may be challenging to obtain compensation from the rental company’s insurance policy, especially if the driver violated the rental agreement by driving recklessly or fleeing the scene. However, victims can still seek compensation from other sources, including:

• The driver’s personal auto insurance (if applicable).
• The victim’s own insurance policies, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
• Legal action directly against the at-fault driver for personal assets, though this route depends on the defendant’s financial capacity.

Immediate Steps Families Should Take

In the aftermath of such a tragedy, families should consider the following steps to protect their rights:

• Consult with an Experienced Attorney: Engaging a knowledgeable personal injury and wrongful death attorney immediately ensures critical evidence is preserved and legal rights are protected.
• Secure Important Documentation: Families should obtain copies of police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction reports.
• Refrain from Early Settlements: Insurance companies may attempt to quickly settle claims for minimal amounts, which could undervalue the full extent of losses. An attorney can help determine the appropriate level of compensation.

Contact The Villari Firm

The recent fatal hit-and-run involving a rented U-Haul truck in Philadelphia tragically illustrates the severe consequences that reckless driving and fleeing the scene can have on innocent lives. Victims’ families face significant emotional, financial, and legal challenges following such devastating events. While criminal charges can provide some accountability, pursuing civil claims for wrongful death and survival damages remains critical for families to receive just compensation and closure.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to reckless driving or a hit-and-run accident, The Villari Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record representing Philadelphia families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Sources:

nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/uhaul-crash-woman-killed-kensington-philadelphia/4137915

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.037.042.000..HTM#:~:text=%2D%2DThe%20driver%20of%20any,until%20he%20has%20fulfilled%20the