Hit-and-Run Statistics Over the Last 4 Years
Hit-and-run accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities are increasing in Pennsylvania. In 2022, cities in the Commonwealth reported that pedestrian and cyclist hit-and-runs were at an all-time high and have increased over the past four years. When drivers flee the scene of an accident in Sunbury, it often compounds the trauma innocent victims experience after a devastating crash.
Do not let criminal drivers get away with fleeing the scene of an accident. Connect with the dedicated Sunbury car accident lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. to discuss your right to compensation.
Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene of Serious Car Crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that nearly 2,000 people are killed – often pedestrians and cyclists – in hit-and-run accidents each year. These statistics do not include the life-changing injuries often suffered by victims of hit-and-run collisions. Fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. Drivers are required to stop their vehicles at the scene even if there weren’t any injuries. If the accident results in injuries, the driver must contact emergency services and render aid to the injured party.
Drivers who flee the scene of Sunbury car crashes often do so for the following reasons:
- They were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drugs or alcohol prevented the driver from recognizing an impact occurred
- Drivers were engaged in other illegal behavior
- The operator did not have a valid license or immigration status
- No insurance
- Outstanding warrants
- Fear of being sued for personal injuries or wrongful death
- Panic
Contacting the police immediately following the accident increases the likelihood that law enforcement officers will locate the driver. Dedicated hit-and-run crash lawyers may also retain private investigators to locate CCTV footage near the scene, analyze crash data, and follow up with state investigators. Catching the criminal driver and locating the vehicle allows lawyers to file liability insurance claims and request restitution during criminal proceedings.
Options for Recovering Compensation After a Sunbury Hit-and-Run Accident
If the driver cannot be located, you may need to file an insurance claim with your uninsured motorist (UM) carrier. Pennsylvania law requires vehicle owners to carry UM insurance, but minimum coverage is only $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Claimants suffering from serious injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, compound fractures, or burns, can use up this coverage with one hospital visit. In such cases, a dedicated legal team may be able to help law enforcement locate the dangerous driver or identify other parties liable for your injuries and lost wages.
Schedule a Free Personal Injury Case Review with Our Dedicated Attorneys
A criminal driver may have left you at the scene, but the compassionate Sunbury hit-and-run accident lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. won’t. Do not give up on obtaining needed benefits if a driver flees the scene of a crash. Discuss your options with our Sunbury legal team today by calling (484) 869-2113 or contacting us online.