Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Western Pennsylvania
Getting hit by a driver who speeds away can leave you shocked and unsure what to do next. The moments after a hit-and-run car accident matter greatly for both your health and any future legal action. Knowing the right steps to take can help protect you in the days and weeks ahead.
Check Yourself and Get to Safety
First, take a moment to see if you or anyone else is hurt. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can hide pain. Call 911 right away if anyone needs medical help. If you can move your vehicle safely without causing more harm, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Getting out of traffic protects you from further danger.
Try To Remember Key Details
Your memory of what happened is most clear right after the incident. Try to recall as much as you can about the other vehicle. Even small details can help police track down the driver who left. Think about the car’s color, size, make, and model. Did you catch any part of the license plate number? Which direction did the vehicle go? Write down or record these details on your phone while they’re still fresh.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you can do so safely, take photos of everything. Capture images of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles. Take pictures of the road, including any skid marks, debris, or traffic signs nearby. Even photos of the weather conditions or time of day can help tell the whole story later.
Look for Witnesses
People nearby may have seen what happened. Other drivers, pedestrians, or workers at local businesses might have noticed the collision or the fleeing vehicle. Politely ask anyone around if they saw anything. Get their names and phone numbers if they’re willing to help. Eyewitnesses can help fill in details you might have missed.
Contact Law Enforcement
Pennsylvania law requires you to report the incident to the police. Call the local police department as soon as you can. Give them all the information you collected about the other vehicle and any witnesses. A police report creates an official record that you’ll need for insurance claims. Be honest and stick to what you actually saw rather than guessing about details you’re not sure of.
Seek Medical Care Quickly
Even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt, see a doctor soon. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, and internal problems can take hours or even days to appear. Getting checked out protects your health and creates a medical record that connects any injuries to the incident.
Tell Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider to report what happened. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage to help pay for repairs and medical bills when the other driver can’t be found. Your insurance company will likely ask for the police report number and any evidence you gathered. Pennsylvania requires this report within five days, so don’t wait too long.
The emotional effects of a hit-and-run can be just as real as physical injuries. Feeling anxious, angry, or scared after such an event is normal. If these feelings don’t improve or if they interfere with your daily life, consider talking to a mental health professional.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our attorney understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be. With over 30 years of experience serving Western Pennsylvania, she can help you work through insurance claims and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today to discuss your situation in a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.