A hit-and-run can leave you injured, in panic and unsure of your next move. What you do in the minutes and days after the crash may affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Your first steps at the scene
Stay where you are and call 911. Pennsylvania law (75 Pa. C.S. § 3742) requires all drivers involved in an injury accident to remain at the scene. Do not chase the fleeing driver. Pursuing them is dangerous and may shift legal focus away from the original crash.
While you wait for the police, document everything you can. Note the other vehicle’s color, make, model and any partial plate numbers. The following details can strengthen both a police investigation and an insurance claim:
- Vehicle description: Color, make, model and visible damage
- Direction of travel: Which way the driver fled
- Witnesses: Names and contact information for anyone nearby
- Camera locations: Nearby traffic or business security cameras
Even small details can help officers identify the driver later.
Legal and insurance steps to take
Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Prompt documentation links your condition directly to the crash.
Report the accident to your insurance company quickly. Many policies require notice within a specific timeframe. Pennsylvania’s no-fault system means your own PIP benefits typically cover initial medical costs. If the driver is never found, uninsured motorist coverage may help with additional losses.
Avoid giving recorded statements to your insurer without first understanding your policy. Adjusters may use your words to limit what you receive.
Common mistakes that can hurt your claim
Small missteps after a crash can weaken your position. These errors come up often in hit-and-run cases:
- Admitting fault: Any apology can be interpreted as an admission. Let investigators determine responsibility.
- Delaying treatment: Gaps in care make it harder to link injuries to the crash.
- Posting on social media: Insurers may review your activity and misinterpret it.
Once you make these errors, they are difficult to undo.
Speak with a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney
Hit-and-run cases involve overlapping insurance rules, deadlines and evidence challenges. Attorneys can review your coverage, assess fault and help you understand your options. Speaking with a lawyer may clarify how Pennsylvania’s no-fault rules apply to your specific situation.