Avoiding Common Mistakes That Can Harm Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim in Pennsylvania
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling shocked, frightened, and unsure of what to do next. In an instant, someone else’s reckless decision to flee the scene can result in serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and unanswered questions about accountability. In Pennsylvania, hit-and-run crashes present unique legal challenges, and the steps you take immediately after the accident can have a lasting impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps to take. Speaking with an experienced Philadelphia hit-and-run lawyer early can help you avoid common mistakes that may weaken your claim and protect your rights from the start.
Failing to Call the Police Right Away
One of the most damaging mistakes after a hit-and-run accident is not contacting law enforcement immediately. A police report creates an official record of the crash, documents the scene, and may capture early witness statements or descriptions of the fleeing vehicle.
Without a police report, insurance companies may question whether the accident occurred as described or whether another vehicle was involved at all. Prompt reporting helps preserve critical details that can later support your claim.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Promptly
After a hit-and-run, adrenaline can mask pain, leading some victims to delay medical care. This is especially common in pedestrian accidents, bicycle crashes, and low-speed collisions where injuries may not seem severe at first.
Delaying treatment can harm both your health and your claim. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in care mean the injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. Early medical documentation creates a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, which is essential in any personal injury claim.
Giving Statements Without Legal Guidance
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after a hit-and-run accident, even when the at-fault driver has not been identified. These conversations may seem routine, but statements given too early or without context can be used to limit or deny compensation.
Victims sometimes feel pressured to speculate about what happened or downplay their injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that communications with insurers are handled carefully and that your words are not taken out of context.
Overlooking Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In many hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist coverage becomes a primary source of compensation. Unfortunately, some victims are unaware of this coverage or misunderstand how it applies.
Failing to notify your insurer properly or missing policy deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover under your own coverage. An attorney can review your policy, explain your options, and help you pursue all available benefits.
Not Preserving Evidence From the Scene
Evidence in hit-and-run cases is often fragile and time-sensitive. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems may be erased within days. Skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage can also disappear quickly.
Victims who wait too long to seek legal help may lose access to this critical evidence. Early involvement allows for timely investigation and increases the chances of identifying the fleeing driver or strengthening your claim even if they are never found.
Assuming There Is No Case Without the Other Driver
Many people believe that if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, they have no legal options. This assumption often leads victims to give up too soon.
In reality, Pennsylvania law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage and, in some cases, other responsible parties. This is especially important in pedestrian hit-and-run cases, where injuries are often severe and long-term.
Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Hit-and-Run
Hit-and-run claims involve more uncertainty than typical car accident cases. Questions about fault, insurance coverage, and evidence require careful handling. Without legal support, it is easy to make decisions that unintentionally weaken your claim.
Whether you were driving, walking, or riding a bicycle, guidance from an attorney experienced in these cases can help protect your rights. This is where the experience of professionals who regularly handle claims similar to those managed by a Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer becomes especially valuable.
Contact The Villari Firm
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you are not without options. The Villari Firm is committed to helping injured individuals navigate the complexities of hit-and-run claims with care, experience, and determination.
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run accident, speak with an experienced Philadelphia hit-and-run lawyer today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights, investigate your case, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, 75 Pa. C.S. § 3742 (Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury)
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department Motorist Coverage
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 2024 Crash Facts and Statistics Report