Philadelphia Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
After being involved in a car crash, you are likely to be overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. Unfortunately, these situations are only made worse when the other driver flees the scene of the accident without providing insurance or contact information.
However, if another motorist is to blame, you should not have to cover any medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage alone. A Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyer may be able to help. A knowledgeable attorney could explain your legal rights, assess the facts of a case, and work to determine if the other motorist can be found to demand compensation.
How is a Hit and Run Defined?
A hit and accident is a crash wherein someone involved leaves the scene without providing information to the other party. A common fact pattern surrounding these accidents in Philadelphia is that they often happen at night because it is easier for people to drive away.
These accidents also occur when people are drinking and driving. This is because they are afraid of being arrested for a DUI, and therefore want to avoid the accident scene. They also occur when people drive with suspended licenses or without carrying the proper insurance. These people often flee the scene of an accident because the act of driving the car is in and of itself illegal. A Philadelphia attorney who is familiar with hit and run collisions could help a person understand their options after a driver flees the scene.
Steps to Take After a Driver Flees the Scene of an Accident
There are a few important steps a person should take after being injured in a hit and run crash. Of course, it is essential to seek medical attention for any injuries. However, it is also important to file a police report and take pictures of the scene of the accident. A person should take pictures of their car and any other damage caused at the scene.
They should also try to get the contact information of any potential witnesses. Essentially, the more information a person can gather at the scene, the stronger case they can build. During this time, it could also be crucial to consult a hit and run accident lawyer who is familiar with the legal process in Philadelphia.
Do Punitive Damages Apply Against Fleeing Drivers?
Punitive damages often apply to hit and run cases because, when someone causes injury to another, they have a duty to aid them. Therefore, if a person caused a serious injury to someone else and then left the scene of the accident, they have breached their duty of care.
In that situation, a lawsuit could be filed against them for their extreme and outrageous conduct. They could be subjected to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant. As a result, those damages would be far above any normal damages awarded in a standard car crash claim. Furthermore, hit and run cases are unique because an at-fault party may also be subject to criminal charges, and they could be sentenced to up to 90 days in prison.
Call a Philadelphia Hit and Run Accident Attorney for Assistance
If you have been injured in a collision with a reckless driver who then fled the scene, you might benefit from discussing your next steps with a Philadelphia hit and run accident lawyer. After a crash, you are likely to have medical bills and other expenses piling up, despite a possible inability to work.
Instead of navigating a claim alone, a dedicated attorney could work tirelessly to determine the identity of the driver who caused the crash and pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.
