It’s an unfortunate fact that many drivers in Pennsylvania don’t have licenses or insurance. This can mean that if you’re in an accident that involves one of these drivers, they could flee the scene of the accident to avoid the penalties they’ll sustain when the police get involved. Being in a hit-and-run accident can be devastating. You can suffer all manner of losses and be concerned about not being able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you’re facing those circumstances right now, you need to contact a Levittown hit-and-run lawyer.
The team of hit-and-run attorneys at Wapner Newman offers assistance if you’re suffering injuries, lost wages, and other losses because of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct. Additionally, our experience with hit-and-run accidents gives you a better chance to get the compensation you deserve.
Do you need quality representation to help you get compensation for a hit-and-run accident? Contact our Levittown hit-and-run lawyers by calling Wapner Newman at (215) 569-0900.
Why Choose Us?
Helping Clients With the Most Complex Cases
No personal injury claim is ever easy, but those involving hit-and-run accidents are particularly challenging. Our decades of experience and our fierce dedication to clients allow us to offer the assistance you deserve, no matter how challenging your claim is. We’ll investigate the accident and help you through the entire process so you have a better chance of recovering damages.
Our team of Levittown hit-and-run accident lawyers provides the support you need as you file a claim. We know how tough it can be to deal with injuries and the financial struggles they bring, so we will work tirelessly to help you. We have experience negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court, and we’ll never shy away from a trial. When you choose us at Wapner Newman, you get an entire team of dedicated attorneys on your side.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident happens when a vehicle hits another vehicle, object, or person and the driver does not stay at the scene of the collision to exchange information. In a typical collision, the parties involved must exchange insurance and license details. If there are injuries or property damage, all parties have to be present to answer questions when the police arrive. There are many instances, however, when a driver may take off right after the accident. That’s a hit-and-run.
Why do hit-and-run accidents occur? There are numerous possible reasons. If the other party doesn’t have a valid license, or if they’re uninsured or underinsured, they will not want to face the legal repercussions involved. The driver could also be intoxicated or already be in trouble with the law. Some people just don’t want to deal with the “hassle” of waiting for the police.
Whatever the reason for the other driver’s conduct, it can leave you unsure of what your options are. This is particularly a problem if you suffer significant losses that your insurance can’t fully cover.
In Pennsylvania, you can file a claim against your own insurance as part of the no-fault laws if you have limited tort insurance. On the other hand, you can pursue a claim against the other party if your injuries are severe or if you have a full tort insurance policy. To pursue a lawsuit against the other person, however, you need to be able to name them, which is a challenge in a hit-and-run accident.
To have a chance to get the compensation you need, it’s essential that you contact our hit-and-run accident attorneys for help. We’ll guide you through the complexities of the system.
At Wapner Newman, we have over 40 years of experience helping clients recover the compensation they need to deal with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident, knowing what steps to take immediately afterward is helpful. The following steps are what our Levittown hit-and-run accident lawyers recommend.
Don’t Give Chase
It’s common for people who watch the other vehicle drive off to feel angry. That feeling can give you the impulse to chase after them. That’s never a good idea. You could be seriously injured from the crash and not realize it yet, or you could put yourself in further danger by recklessly going after the other party. Instead, put all of your effort into catching the car’s make and model. Pay attention to the car’s color, as well, and whether it has any distinctive bumper stickers or other details. If possible, try to catch at least part of the license plate.
Obviously, you could be dealing with shock after an accident, so it’s not your fault if you’re not able to pay attention to all of these details. The most crucial thing is to ensure you’re safe.
Call Emergency Services
It’s always a good idea to call emergency services after a collision. Because your adrenaline can still be pumping, you may not even notice that you’re hurt. Allow medical professionals to examine you to get a good idea of whether you need further treatment. This also ensures that there’s a clear record of your injuries.
Report the Accident
In hit-and-run accidents, you need to file a report with the police. The police will document the scene and gather any information you have on the other driver to help identify them. Tell the police anything you remember. You’ll need a copy of this report to file a claim, so make sure you know how to obtain a copy.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Our Levittown hit-and-run accident attorneys also recommend that you take lots of pictures at the scene. Document the damage your vehicle has sustained as well as any injuries you have. You also want to reach out to witnesses and get their statements. If they give you permission, record what they say so that you can rely on it later. Make sure to get their contact information so your lawyers can get statements later on or call them to testify, if necessary.
Contact Your Insurer
Let your insurer know about the accident right after it occurs. Be as accurate as possible when giving this information. We can help you in later phone calls with the insurance company.
Call Our Hit-and-Run Collision Attorneys
As soon as you’re able after the accident, contact our team of hit-and-run lawyers. We can help you right from the start so you have a good chance to get the compensation you deserve.
Hit-and-Run Accident FAQs
After you are involved in a hit-and-run, filing a claim to get compensation can seem very difficult. However, Wapner Newman can help. Our car accident lawyers offer answers to common questions to help you get started.
How can a hit-and-run lawyer help my claim?
Our team has experience with these claim types, so we will do everything possible to try to identify the other person involved. If we’re able to identify them, we can file a lawsuit against their insurance to get you compensation. Otherwise, we’ll fight to ensure you receive appropriate assistance from your own insurance.
What damages can I claim after a hit-and-run accident?
If you’re able to file a personal injury claim against the other party, you can claim compensatory damages in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as loss of earning potential if the injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working.
Non-economic damages cover losses that are less tangible, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Our Pennsylvania hit-and-run lawyers can help you get a better sense of the exact damages you can claim.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident?
If you’re able to file a personal injury claim, you have two years from the date of the accident. There are circumstances that could mean you have less time, however, so it’s vital that you contact our lawyers as soon as possible.
Why do hit-and-run accidents occur?
Hit-and-run accidents tend to occur when one of the drivers doesn’t have sufficient insurance or any insurance at all. Drivers may also flee the scene if they don’t have a valid license or if they have had other issues with the police. Those who are driving under the influence are also more likely to leave the scene.
If you have any other questions about filing a claim after a hit-and-run, our team encourages you to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Wapner Newman for Help After a Hit-and-Run
Get Reliable Assistance When Filing a Claim
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is difficult in all instances, but it can be especially so if the other party flees the scene. To have a chance to get fair compensation, you need our team of Pennsylvania hit-and-run attorneys to fight your corner. We will gather the available evidence and negotiate with insurance companies so you can receive damages to cover your losses. Don’t wait to begin the claims process.
Did you experience losses in a hit-and-run collision? Schedule a free consultation with our lawyers by calling (215) 569-0900.