Hit and Run Defense in Pennsylvania

Hit and run accidents are against the law in Pennsylvania. The person responsible can be charged with a crime. An offense may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Our personal injury law firm wants you to know that there is another type of hit and run case.

What is a hit and run civil case?

If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident, you may deserve compensation through a civil claim. You may pursue the case through insurance, or bring the appropriate legal claim. A civil claim is independent of the criminal case. In fact, you may bring a civil case for compensation even if the defendant is not convicted of criminal hit and run.

How do you make a claim for a hit and run in Pennsylvania?

Making a claim for a hit and run in Pennsylvania depends on the kind of insurance policy that you have. You may have elected no-fault insurance. If that’s the case, you should be able to submit a claim to your own insurance.

If the offender is found, you can file a claim against their insurance. You may claim compensation for injuries from the accident, related losses as well as any additional damages that you have because of the hit and run. Punitive damages aren’t awarded often in civil claims, but a hit and run case might meet the standard of willful and malicious conduct that justifies claiming punitive damages.

Will insurance pay for hit and run damages?

There are multiple types of insurance that may pay damages in a hit and run defense in Pennsylvania. A personal injury attorney can help you evaluate all of the types of insurance that may apply.

Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage is insurance that you get for yourself. The purpose of the insurance is to provide coverage if the other party isn’t able to pay damages. That may include if they don’t have insurance or if they hit and run. If you’ve purchased it, the insurance may pay compensation up to the policy limit.

Personal injury protection (PIP) pays you damages for your medical bills and other losses following an accident. It pays you for your own losses. You don’t have to prove that the other party was at fault for causing the crash. PIP coverage starts at $5,000 in benefits, but you may have purchased a higher amount.

MedPay coverage may fill in the gaps in your personal injury protection and your own health insurance. The coverage is quite expansive. You may claim for a wide range of losses like hospital care, medication, prescriptions and even funeral benefits.

Bodily injury liability and property damage liability are paid by the party at fault. If you identify the party responsible, our lawyers for civil hit and run can assist you with this type of claim.

Pennsylvania Lawyers for Hit and Run Damages

If you’ve been in a hit and run accident, let a personal injury attorney help you determine how to get the best compensation. Contact Gregg Durlofsky’s personal injury law firm for a personalized consultation about your case.