Philadelphia Hit & Run Lawyer
Seeking Justice and Holding Fleeing Drivers Accountable
If you were involved in a vehicular accident and the other driver fled the scene, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a Philadelphia hit and run attorney as quickly as possible. Regardless of whether you were in another vehicle or simply a pedestrian, it is possible for you to pursue compensation from a driver who hit you and then left the scene, disregarding Pennsylvania traffic accident laws.
Addressing hit and run incidents requires a comprehensive understanding of their causes, legal implications, and the support available for victims. Our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at The Villari Firm will investigate your case as thoroughly as possible and recover damages. We will fight until you receive enough compensation to cover every hardship you’ve suffered and may endure down the road. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and let us handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run incident occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident leaves the scene without stopping to fulfill their legal obligations. In such cases, the driver fails to offer assistance or provide necessary information to the other party involved in the accident, whether it’s another driver, a pedestrian, or a property owner. These incidents can occur with various types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or even commercial vehicles.
This type of reckless behavior not only violates the law but also puts lives at risk and often leads to severe consequences. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, it would be wise to seek legal help from our Philadelphia hit and run lawyer who can help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Incident?
After experiencing a hit and run incident, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and increase the chances of identifying the responsible party. It may be hard to focus after a hit-and-run accident, or you may have injuries that make it hard for you to take action or even concentrate. To the extent that you can, there are several things you can do to help your future case against the other driver.
Ensure Your Safety
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location, away from traffic, to prevent further harm.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t initially feel injured, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a hit and run incident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical care can harm your well-being and potential insurance claims. Keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, and expenses related to the accident.
Gather Evidence
Try to gather as much information as possible about the incident. Take note of the time, date, and location of the accident. If you can, write down or remember the license plate number, make, model, color, and any distinguishing features of the fleeing vehicle.
If there were witnesses present, ask for their contact information and statements regarding what they saw. If there are any businesses in the vicinity of the accident, you may be able to obtain surveillance footage from security cameras.
If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle, skid marks, and debris. This visual evidence can be valuable for insurance purposes and as evidence in case the responsible party is found.
Call the Authorities
Contact the police to report the hit and run incident and provide them with a detailed description of the events or any information you have about the other vehicle involved. The police will create an official report, which is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Pennsylvania is a “no-fault” insurance state. This means that drivers file claims with their own insurance companies, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. To begin working on your claim, you must contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a hit and run incident. You have to provide them with all the relevant details and documentation, including the police report and any evidence you have gathered. They can guide you through the claims process and advise you on the necessary steps to take.
Seek Legal Assistance
While a hit and run incident can be a challenging and frustrating experience, our Philadelphia hit and run attorney can help you through this difficult time. We can help you protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and assist in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. We can also collaborate with law enforcement to help identify the responsible party.
What are the Common Causes Of A Hit And Run Accident?
If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident, it’s important to understand why exactly the accident occurred. This will go a long way in establishing key facts in the case and holding the at-fault driver liable. While each case is unique, a Philadelphia hit and run lawyer can explain some of the most common reasons for hit and run accidents.
- Distracted driving
- A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- An unlicensed or uninsured driver
- The driver is fleeing from another crime
- Inexperience or unfamiliarity with a particular part of town
It is highly unlikely for there to be a valid reason for someone to flee the scene of an accident. Pennsylvania law requires a driver involved in an accident to stop and exchange important information. This includes exchanging vital information with the other party and staying at the scene to assist the police in creating an accident report. Medical assistance must also be called if there’s reason to suspect someone is injured. Leaving the scene before the police arrive can result in severe criminal consequences.
What are the Consequences of a Hit and Run Offense?
Hit and run offenses are taken seriously by law enforcement and judicial systems due to the potential harm caused to victims and the disregard for legal obligations. Regardless of the reasons for fleeing, leaving the site of an accident is a crime.
The penalties for hit and run offenders may vary depending on the jurisdiction, the severity of the incident, and the specific circumstances involved. In Philadelphia, as in many other jurisdictions, the penalties can include both criminal charges and civil liabilities. If you are found guilty and convicted of hit and run, it is typical that you will lose your driving privilege and your auto insurance will be canceled by your insurance company. A Philadelphia hit and run attorney can explain some of the possible consequences of a hit and run offense.
Hit and run offenses are criminal offenses in Philadelphia. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the penalties can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Misdemeanor hit and run offenses typically involve property damage, while felony hit and run offenses involve bodily injury or death.
Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run Penalties
A misdemeanor hit-and-run conviction generally carries:
- a maximum of $1,000 in fines
- up to six months or a year in jail
- Depending on the circumstances, the convicted motorist might also face license suspension or revocation for up to a year or so.
Felony Hit-and-Run Penalties
The consequences of a felony hit-and-run conviction are normally quite a bit more severe than those for a misdemeanor violation. The penalties tend to be most serious in cases where someone was killed or seriously injured. Depending on the situation, the convicted driver could be looking at:
- thousands of dollars in fines
- at least a year in jail or prison
- license revocation for an extended period (possibly, permanent)
What is the Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania Hit and Run Incidents?
Time is of the essence in hit and run cases. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most misdemeanor criminal offenses is generally two years. This means that the prosecution must initiate criminal charges within two years from the date of the hit and run incident.
Failure to meet this deadline can potentially lead to a denial of financial compensation for your injuries and other related losses. It’s important to consult with a Philadelphia hit and run attorney to determine the precise statute of limitations for the particular offense involved.
What Compensation Can I Expect After a Hit and Run Accident in Philadelphia?
After being involved in a hit and run incident in Philadelphia, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Every hit and run accident case is unique, and the compensation you receive will depend on the specific details of your situation. To ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve, it’s advisable to work with a hit and run lawyer in Philadelphia.
While the specific compensation amount will depend on the circumstances of your case, here are some potential areas where you may seek compensation:
Medical Expenses
Compensation can cover your medical expenses resulting from the hit and run accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any future medical treatments necessary for your recovery.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the hit and run accident, you may seek compensation to repair or replace the damaged items.
Lost Wages
If your injuries caused you to miss work or resulted in a decrease in earning capacity, you may be eligible for compensation to recover your lost wages. This can include both past and future income you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
Emotional Distress
If the hit and run accident caused significant emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, you may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress experienced as a result of the incident.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial relief for the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological impact you have endured due to the hit and run accident.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases where the Hit and Run driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Do I Need a Hit and Run Attorney in Philadelphia?
Experiencing a hit and run incident can be a distressing and overwhelming situation, leaving you with injuries and property damages. In such cases, it’s essential to seek the guidance of our Philadelphia hit and run attorney at The Villari Firm who can navigate the legal process. Here are some reasons why you may need a hit and run attorney:
- In-Depth Knowledge of the Law: We can help you understand the intricacies of the law, including the specific statutes and regulations applicable in Philadelphia.
- Customized Legal Advice: We can assess the details of your case, identify potential legal claims, and develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will help you conduct a thorough investigation, and gather evidence (such as surveillance footage and witness statements) to build a solid case on your behalf.
- Insurance Claims: We can guide you through the insurance claims process, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and advocating for your rights.
Our personal injury law firm will address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide reassurance during this difficult time. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to ensure that your best interests are upheld and justice is served.
Call Our Philadelphia Hit and Run Attorneys Now!
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run incident can be an overwhelming and distressing experience. What can make it particularly frustrating is that if the driver is not identified then it makes it highly doubtful that you will be able to recover from the person that inflicted the damages. When a driver involved in an accident chooses to flee the scene, they leave victims and their families grappling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. However, you don’t have to face this situation alone.
Our Philadelphia hit and run attorney at The Villari Firm are dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damages. We can also help you deal with birth injury, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and wrongful death cases.
Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case. Let us alleviate your stress, provide the legal support you need, and help you move forward towards healing and justice.
