What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Pennsylvania

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. Whether the collision involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, or parked property, Pennsylvania law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide information. When a driver flees the scene, victims may face additional challenges in obtaining compensation for injuries and property damage.

Understanding what to do after a hit-and-run accident can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen any future insurance or legal claim. At Aegis Law, LLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Philadelphia public following a hit-and-run accident.

Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety should be the first concern after any motor vehicle accident. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic and check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

Even if injuries seem minor, seeking prompt medical attention is important. Some injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. Medical records can also serve as valuable evidence if you pursue compensation later.

Contact Law Enforcement Immediately

Pennsylvania law generally requires reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Contacting the police as soon as possible helps create an official accident report that may be critical for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Provide officers with all available information about the fleeing driver, including:

• Vehicle make and model
• Vehicle color
• License plate number or partial plate information
• Direction of travel
• Distinguishing vehicle features
• Description of the driver, if visible

The sooner law enforcement receives this information, the greater the chance of locating the responsible driver.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, collect as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene.

Important evidence may include:

• Photographs of vehicle damage
• Photos of skid marks, debris, and road conditions
• Images of traffic signs and signals
• Contact information for witnesses
• Notes about the time and location of the crash

Witness statements can be especially valuable in hit-and-run cases because independent observations may help identify the fleeing driver.

Look for Surveillance Footage

Many Philadelphia streets, businesses, parking lots, and residential properties have surveillance cameras that may capture an accident or the fleeing vehicle.

If you notice nearby cameras, make note of their locations and inform law enforcement. Surveillance footage can sometimes provide crucial details that help identify the responsible driver.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance policies require prompt notification following a collision.

Pennsylvania drivers may have access to coverage that can help after a hit-and-run accident, including:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Collision coverage

Avoid making speculative statements about fault when speaking with insurance representatives. Provide accurate information and allow the investigation to proceed.

Understand How Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Help

Because a hit-and-run driver often cannot be identified, insurance companies frequently treat these incidents similarly to accidents involving uninsured drivers.

If your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, it may help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Other accident-related losses

Reviewing your policy carefully can help determine what benefits may be available.

Keep Detailed Records

Maintaining thorough records can strengthen your claim and support any legal action.

Consider keeping copies of:

• Medical records and bills
• Repair estimates and invoices
• Insurance correspondence
• Police reports
• Documentation of lost wages
• Photographs and witness information

Organized documentation can make it easier to demonstrate the extent of your damages.

Consider Speaking With a Personal Injury Attorney

Hit-and-run accidents often involve complicated insurance issues and challenges in identifying the responsible party. An attorney can help investigate the accident, communicate with insurers, and pursue available compensation.

In some cases, additional sources of recovery may exist even if the fleeing driver is never located. Legal guidance can help ensure that all available options are explored.

How Aegis Law, LLC Can Help

A hit-and-run accident can create significant financial and emotional stress. Taking immediate action to protect your health, document the accident, and report the incident can improve your ability to recover compensation.

At Aegis Law, LLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Philadelphia public by helping accident victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation available under Pennsylvania law.