What to do if Someone Flees the Scene of an Accident?

It is against the law to flee the scene of a car accident in Pennsylvania, but too many drivers continue to engage in this ugly practice. The good news is that now that every bystander has a smartphone ready to capture evidentiary videos and more and more cars are equipped with dashcams, it is far more difficult for motorists to flee accident scenes and evade responsibility. If you were injured by a motorist who hit and ran, reach out for the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Sunbury, PA, car accident lawyer.

Put Your Health and Well-Being First

If you were injured by another driver’s negligence and the driver fled the scene, the most important issue at hand is your own health and well-being. The first order of business is getting your vehicle safely out of the line of traffic if it’s possible to do so and calling the authorities.

If you have been injured, the attending emergency medical professionals will provide you with emergency care and may transport you to the hospital. If this is not the case, however, it’s in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon after the accident as you can.  Insurance companies routinely attempt to diminish a victim’s injuries if the victim did not seek immediate medical treatment.

The bottom line is that the shock you experience in the aftermath of a hit and run accident can mask a good deal of pain and other symptoms, and because early medical intervention is closely associated with better health outcomes, you shouldn’t wait to consult with a doctor.

Reach Out to a Seasoned Car Accident Attorney, Pronto

Car accident claims are complex to begin with, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, they are more so. The sooner you secure professional legal counsel, the better positioned you’ll be to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your legal damages, which can include property damage to your car, medical costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

The At-Fault Driver

Drivers who flee accident scenes are often motivated to do so because they know their own negligence was the root cause. Prime examples include all the following:

• Distraction
• Exhaustion
• Aggression
• Excess speed
• Failure to follow the rules of the road
• Impairment 

If you have enough evidence to locate the negligent motorist, you can hold them responsible for your losses. Barring that, however, you can seek less comprehensive coverage through your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy, which every driver in Pennsylvania is required to carry, as well as your own uninsured motorist coverage, which an experienced car crash attorney can explain to you.

An Experienced Sunbury PA Car Accident Attorney Is on Your Side

If you were injured by a motorist who simply drove away from the scene of the accident, the savvy car accident lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. in Sunbury, PA, dedicate our imposing practice to fighting for the rights and the rightful compensation of clients like you. It’s never a good idea to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. We offer free consultations and encourage you to reach out for more information by contacting us online or calling 570-286-6500.