How Do I Report a Hit-and-Run Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you are in a hit-and-run crash in Pennsylvania, call 911 to report the collision and fleeing driver right away. Reporting the incident to the police creates an official record that you will need for insurance claims and any future legal action.

If the driver fled before you could write down their license plate number, describe everything you remember to the officer. Note the car’s make, model, color, direction of travel, and any distinct features. Next, document the scene yourself by taking photos of your vehicle’s damage, your injuries, and road conditions. You should also collect names and contact information from any nearby witnesses before they leave.

After you seek medical care and are safe, report the accident to your insurance company and contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer for help understanding your options for recovering compensation.

What Does Pennsylvania Law Require After an Accident?

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3744, every driver involved in a crash must stop, exchange information, and offer reasonable help if anyone is hurt.

Fleeing the scene carries criminal penalties that vary based on the seriousness of the crash:

• Property damage only triggers a third-degree misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines
• Injury to another person results in a  first-degree misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines
• Serious bodily injury creates a third-degree felony, mandatory minimum 90-day jail sentence and $1,000 fine
• Death of a crash victim results in a second-degree felony, mandatory minimum three-year prison sentence and $2,500 fine

If officers do not investigate the crash at the scene, Pennsylvania law requires you to file a report with PennDOT within five days if there were injuries, deaths, or major vehicle damage.

How Do You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

Your auto insurance policy may cover your damages. Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless they sign a written waiver declining it. UM coverage applies when the responsible driver is uninsured or cannot be identified due to fleeing the scene in a hit-and-run. This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.

If you opted out of UM coverage, your recovery options are limited. Medical benefits under your policy may still cover treatment costs regardless of who was at fault, but they will not pay for lost income or pain and suffering. You could seek a judgment against the at-fault driver if they are found, or attempt to locate other parties who share liability for the crash (e.g., an employer of an on-duty hit and run driver).

Consult a Car Accident Attorney After a Hit and Run

Filing a hit-and-run claim with your own insurance company is still a complex and, at times, adversarial process. Your insurer will aim to minimize the payout and evaluate ways to deflect liability. An experienced lawyer can gather proof of your injuries, calculate your total damages, and force your insurance carrier to pay what they owe.

If you were injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, Rosenbaum Injury Law can help you seek every available source of compensation. Call today at (215) 569-0200  for a free consultation.