What if I Was Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In Pennsylvania, all motorists involved in a crash must stop their vehicle, exchange information, and remain at the scene. Sadly, that does not always happen. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published a study finding that there are around 700,000 hit-and-run crashes nationwide each year, which cause more than 130,000 injuries.
Three Options for Compensation After Being Hurt in a Hit-and-Run Crash in Pennsylvania
You must take immediate action if you are injured in such an accident. At Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, we put victims and their families first. Our Delaware County car accident lawyers provide comprehensive guidance for hit-and-run car accident claims in Pennsylvania.
The Hit and Run Driver (Identify Them)
Do not give up on identifying the driver responsible for the hit-and-run crash. That is always the starting point of the investigation. If you can identify the driver responsible for the hit and run, you can seek compensation directly from them—and, more likely, their insurance. Gather and preserve all relevant information. Anything from vehicle color to vehicle make/model to a partial license plate could help law enforcement track down the driver. Once identified, you can file a claim against the driver’s insurance carrier.
Your Own Insurance Company
You may have a viable claim for compensation through your own insurance company. In cases where the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified, your insurance company can provide necessary support. Along the same lines, if you track down the driver but lack adequate insurance coverage, you may also have a claim through your policy.
Check your policy for uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage. Many people have this type of coverage. It is designed to protect you in precisely this type of situation. Filing a claim under this coverage may allow you to recover costs for medical care, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
A Negligent Third Party
Sometimes, a party other than the hit-and-run driver may also bear liability for the crash. If a third party’s negligence contributed to your accident in Delaware County, you can take action to hold them liable. This is true regardless of whether you track down the at-fault motorist. For example, imagine being hurt in a hit-and-run crash because of a malfunctioning traffic signal. The entity responsible for that traffic signal may bear some liability for your damages. Our Delaware County auto accident lawyer can help you determine if any third party can be held at fault.
Contact Our Delaware County Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
At Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, our Delaware County hit-and-run auto accident attorneys fight hard for justice for injured victims. We will help you explore every option to secure full and fair financial compensation. Contact us today for your no-cost, no-strings case review. With an office in Delaware County, we handle hit-and-run accident injury cases across the region.