Hit and Run Accidents
When a person is involved in an automobile accident, it can be an extremely traumatic experience. The stress and confusion afterward are worsened if the negligent driver who caused the motor vehicle crash leaves the scene of the collision.
If accident victims suffer serious injuries in a hit and run crashes, they can be understandably concerned about whether they will ever be able to obtain compensation to pay for their medical bills or lost wages because of the amount of time they are out of work. The good news is that most people in these cases have multiple options to get the financial help they need so they can recover and move on with their lives.
West Chester Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Did you or your loved one sustain catastrophic injuries in a motor vehicle crash caused by another driver who failed to exchange personal information? Ciccarelli Law Offices has helped members of the community fight back after being the victim of a hit and run accident. Our investigators are thorough and our trial attorneys are skilled negotiators who will pursue your best interests while holding the offending party accountable for their actions.
Our attorneys help car accident victims throughout Chester County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and Delaware County. Call (610) 719-3190 right now to schedule a free consultation directly with an experienced attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices.
Pennsylvania’s Process for Hit and Run Incidents
- What kinds of crashes are typically involved in hit and run claims?
- Are there certain things somebody should do after one of these collisions?
- How can a person recover damages in these cases?
- Where can I learn more about this subject?
Types of Pennsylvania Hit and Run Accidents
Just as the reasons why a negligent driver might flee the scene of a collision can vary, so too can the types of crash. Some common examples of kinds of accidents that may involve hit and run claims include, but are not limited to:
- DUI Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Drowsy and Sleeping Driver Accidents
- Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
- Passenger Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Highway Accidents
- Multiple Vehicle Accidents
- Rental Car Accidents
- Taxi Cab Accidents
- Rear-End Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- T-Bone Collisions
- Low-Speed Impact Collisions
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Yield
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
What You Should Do After a West Chester Hit and Run Accident
The steps that a crash victim takes immediately after a hit and run collision can play an important role in increasing the likelihood of locating the negligent driver and obtaining compensation later on. If you are ever involved in one of these types of accidents, here are things you can do to get justice:
- Do Not Follow the Ghost Car — You may have sustained injuries that actually increase the chances of you causing or being involved in another crash. Additionally, the negligent driver could be dangerous and you should let the police confront him or her.
- Call 911 — You will want to inform the police what happened and also have an ambulance sent to the scene of the crash.
- Provide Details — Tell authorities everything you remember about the driver, his or her vehicle, and the license plate number if you saw it.
- Get Witness Contact Information — If anybody at the scene saw the collision, get their names, phone numbers, and any other contact information as they may not only support your recollection of events later on but could also provide additional information about the other vehicle that helps catch the negligent driver.
- Take Pictures — Many people have cameras on their cell phones, and you should use yours to take as many photographs of the accident scene as possible. This includes your vehicle, your injuries, the intersection, and any other relevant items. No lawyer will ever tell you that you took too many pictures. Also, preserve whatever evidence from the crash scene that you can.
- Seek Medical Attention — If your injuries are serious, then you should obviously make medical care your top priority. However, even when you do not believe that you suffered any severe harm, you should still get a doctor’s opinion as many serious injuries do not display symptoms until days or even weeks later.
Compensation Sources in Chester County Hit and Run Accidents
The primary matter that most worries victims after these types of crashes is how they will be able to get the money they need to cover their various bills. One very common question is: “Will my insurance company pay for my injury after a hit and run accident if they don’t find the driver?”
Depending on whether the driver who left the scene is apprehended, the victim can recover damages one of two ways:
- Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company — If the motorist who fled the scene is caught, you may be able to collect several kinds of damages from him or her through his or her insurance company. This compensation may include economic damages that cover your actual out-of-pocket financial losses and noneconomic damages such as emotional distress or pain and suffering. However, you could also be entitled to punitive damages that are assessed to punish people for outrageous and egregious misconduct and discourage future wrongdoing.
- Your Own Insurance Company — If the other driver is never found, you may still be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company. This is usually done through a person’s uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. It is important to understand that insurance companies do not just write victims checks when these claims are filed though. Rather, many will do whatever they can to minimize the amounts that are paid out, possibly even alleging that the victim caused their accident or certain injuries were pre-existing. A skilled attorney can help you deal with your own insurance company and make sure that you recover maximum compensation when a negligent hit and run driver cannot be located.
Pennsylvania Resources for Hit and Run Accidents
Chester County Detectives — You can learn more about the investigative branch of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office on this website. There is also information about such units as major case investigations, drug strike force, forensics, and child abuse unit.
201 West Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6866
Pennsylvania State Police — This Rules of the Road page contains information about traffic law changes and enforcement statistics. Elsewhere on the website, you can find more information concerning public safety, law enforcement services, and investigative services and assistance.
Ciccarelli Law Offices – A Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Chester County, Pennsylvania
If you or your loved one suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident caused by another motorist who then fled the scene, you will want to immediately seek the help of Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our hit and run accident attorneys have decades of combined experience with these cases, and we work as a team to help injury victims recover every dollar they need and deserve.
Our firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis so you pay us nothing unless we get you a monetary award. We have meeting locations in West Chester, Philadelphia, Malvern, Plymouth Square, Lancaster, Kennett Square, Radnor, and King of Prussia, and we will provide a complete review of your case when you call (610) 692-8700 to take advantage of a free consultation.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.