Hit-and-Run Accidents in Pittsburgh: What You Need to Know

In Pittsburgh, a hit-and-run driver faces criminal and civil penalties if identified. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurer under these circumstances. If the driver is not identified, you must explore other options for recovering from the financial aftermath of the accident. For example, an attorney could seek compensation from your own insurance provider.

Understanding what to do after a hit-and-run accident can be complicated. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate this situation on your own. Our team can explain your options after a hit-and-run accident in Pittsburgh, what you need to know, and the steps we can take to secure compensation for you. 

We Start by Trying to Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver

Do not ever chase a driver who flees from the scene of the accident—there may be other ways to identify the car and motorist. Instead, focus on calling for help and ensuring your own safety. 

The responding officers will begin an accident report, collecting evidence and eyewitness statements that could lead them to the other driver. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, so law enforcement will want as much information as possible to guide their investigation.

According to Pa. C.S.A. § 3744, reporting your car accident is mandatory if anyone in either car is hurt, fatally injured, or if either car sustains significant damage. At first, it might seem unnecessary to file a police report if the other driver did not stop. In actuality, that fact makes it even more important to do so. 

A Car Accident Report Is Valuable in Hit-and-Run Cases

Your car accident report will capture and preserve the details of the collision, which can prevent them from being misconstrued later. In addition, the police who arrive at the scene might capture important information that can help identify the at-fault vehicle or driver. This can include: 

• Statements from witnesses who recall identifying features about the vehicle or driver
• Video footage from nearby traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, and smartphones
• The debris the driver left behind that can aid in identifying the vehicle
• Any details you can recall, such as the other vehicle’s make, model, color, or license plate number

Even a partial plate number in your accident report could get you closer to identifying the at-fault driver in your case. Your attorney can analyze the accident report, work with the responding officers, and conduct an independent investigation to search for them. If they still cannot be found, your car accident lawyer can alternative steps to secure your financial recovery.

Explore Your Compensation Options if the Driver Cannot Be Found

Personal injury protection (PIP) is required for all registered vehicles in Pennsylvania. Your PIP insurance will cover some of the costs of the hit-and-run accident when the at-fault driver is unidentifiable. This minimum coverage required is $5,000 in medical damages. If you chose more than the PIP minimum, it covers your post-accident medical costs up to the limitations of your specific policy.

Your hit-and-run accident lawyer can also help you tap into your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to recover additional damages. Unlike PIP, UM coverage is optional. You could also use your health insurance coverage for your medical expenses, though they may require you to exhaust your PIP coverage first. 

You might also be able to use your collision coverage, if you have it, to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged or destroyed car. When you share a complete copy of your insurance policies with the lawyer who represents, they can review all your compensation options.

What an Attorney Can Do for Your Hit-and-Run Accident Case

Hit-and-run accidents take a strenuous amount of time and energy when it comes to attempting to identify the at-fault driver. However, you don’t have to take on this burden alone. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can take care of your entire case, including:

• Investigating the collision and collecting evidence that could lead to the other driver
• Compiling that evidence into a case for your financial recovery
• Reviewing your insurance coverage and preparing your claim paperwork
• Interact with all insurance companies on your behalf, including your own if necessary
• Accounting for all of your damages to seek an agreeable settlement value
• Answering your questions and providing clarity and reassurance throughout the process

Though it helps, you don’t have to identify the driver in order to collect compensation for a collision. Our firm can show you how when you reach out for a free consultation.

Review Your Pittsburgh Hit-and-Run Accident at No Cost

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver fled the scene, we can represent you. Our law firm will explain what you need to know about recovering damages after a hit-and-run accident in Pittsburgh.

Find out how Berger and Green’s personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve by contacting one of our team members today.