What Should I Do if the Driver Who Caused the Accident Flees the Scene?
Few situations are more frustrating than being involved in a car accident only to watch the other driver leave before exchanging information. Whether the crash involves a minor impact in a parking lot or a serious collision resulting in injuries, a driver who flees the scene can create significant challenges for everyone involved.
Fortunately, there are important steps victims can take to protect themselves after a hit-and-run accident. From reporting the crash to law enforcement, preserving evidence, understanding available insurance coverage, and working with qualified car accident attorneys, the actions taken in the hours and days following the accident can play a major role in the outcome of a potential claim.
Stay Calm and Focus on Safety
Your first priority should always be safety. Check for injuries and contact emergency services if anyone requires medical attention.
If your vehicle can be moved safely, relocate it out of active traffic. Remaining in a dangerous location can increase the risk of additional collisions.
Try to Remember What You Saw
Even if the other vehicle disappears quickly, your memory may contain valuable details. Try to note:
- Vehicle color
- Make or model
- License plate information
- Visible damage
- Direction of travel
Write these details down as soon as possible while they remain fresh.
Call Law Enforcement Immediately
As you likely know, under Pennsylvania law (Title 75 § 3744), a hit-and-run is a crime, but you’re also legally obligated to report the accident under Pennsylvania Title 75 § 3747. A police report creates an official record of the incident and may assist investigators in locating the driver.
Provide accurate information and avoid guessing about facts you did not personally observe. The more precise your report, the more useful it may be later.
Document the Scene
Photos and videos can preserve important evidence. If possible, document:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic controls
- Debris
- Visible injuries
If the collision occurred near businesses, gas stations, or shopping centers, or residential areas, surveillance footage may also exist. Reaching out early increases your chances of having the video saved.
Seek Medical Evaluation
Many accident injuries do not fully develop until hours or days later. A prompt medical examination can identify hidden injuries and establish documentation connecting those injuries to the crash. Delaying treatment may make recovery more difficult and create questions during the claims process.
You May Still Have Compensation Options
One of the biggest misconceptions about hit-and-run accidents is that victims are automatically left without recourse. Pennsylvania drivers who carry uninsured motorist coverage may be able to pursue compensation through their own insurance policies. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may be available for medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages.
Do Not Assume the Case Is Over
Many hit-and-run drivers are eventually identified through witness statements, traffic cameras, surveillance footage, or vehicle debris left behind at the scene. Even when a driver is not located immediately, evidence gathered early can significantly affect the outcome of a claim. If you were involved in a hit-and-run in the Greensburg area, contact Stine & Associates, P.C. to discuss your next steps.