Pittsburgh Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Help You Recover for Your Losses 

Determined representation after an at-fault driver flees the scene

A vehicle crash can cause immediate harm. But when the at-fault driver flees the scene, injured parties are placed in added jeopardy. What if you are seriously injured and cannot make an emergency call? And who is going to pay for the damage to property and to persons? If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident in the Pittsburgh area, Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC is prepared to help. We provide aggressive representation for clients seeking to recover compensation for their losses. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and skill to deliver positive results.

Pennsylvania hit-and-run accident law

A driver involved in an accident has a duty to stop and exchange identifying information with the drivers of other vehicles and others who might have been injured. When injuries occur, drivers have a duty to provide reasonable first aid. A driver who leaves the scene of an accident without just cause, and does not immediately report the crash to police, commits a crime. If serious bodily injury has occurred, the fleeing driver can be charged with a third-degree felony. For fatal crashes, the charge is a second-degree felony.

Why then do drivers flee the scene? Some drivers simply panic, but others have reason to fear additional consequences, such as:

• DUI charges
• Stolen vehicle or joy-riding charges
• Charges of driving without a license or without insurance

Whatever the reason, the other driver’s flight from the scene creates additional problems for an accident victim.

What you should do after a hit-and-run accident

A hit-and-run accident requires quick action if the driver is ever to be identified. You should immediately:

• Write down a description of the vehicle and the driver
• Call 911
• Take photos of the accident scene, the damage, and injuries
• Seek medical attention
• Call you insurance company
• Speak to potential witnesses and get their contact information 

The circumstances of the crash may limit your ability to manage many of these tasks, which is why you should immediately contact a car accident lawyer who can aid in the investigation. 

Damages available in a hit-and-run accident case

If a fleeing driver was responsible for your crash, you are entitled to compensation for property damage and personal injuries. But if the driver is never found, you must file a claim with your own insurer under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage is optional in Pennsylvania, so you can only pursue a claim if you have purchased the coverage. UM or UIM does not reimburse for damage to the car. You need to have collision coverage for that cost.

You might feel that filing a claim with your own insurer is something you can handle yourself. However, you won’t be dealing with your friendly, neighborhood agent. You’ll be dealing with a claims adjustor whose job it is to limit payouts. You will be in an adversarial relationship with the company, so you shouldn’t be surprised if they deny the claim or attempt to lowball you. The best way to get the full value of your claim is to retain an experienced attorney who can negotiate in your behalf.

Contact our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation 

Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC represents clients who have suffered losses in hit-and-run accidents in the greater Pittsburgh area. For a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney, please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online.