How to Handle Being the Victim of a Hit and Run in Pennsylvania
December 20, 2018
Victims of hit and run accidents in Pittsburgh have a lot on their minds in the moments following such an accident. These accidents can range in severity from a minor scrape on your vehicle to causing a fatality. If you ever find yourself involved in a hit and run, you need to know how to handle such a stressful and overwhelming situation. The moments immediately following a hit and run are emotional and what you can do could make or break the compensation you receive for your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. If you or a loved one has suffered a hit and run in Pennsylvania, you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. today for a consultation.
Don’t Leave the Scene to Follow Striking Vehicle in Butler, PA
It’s never a good idea to leave the scene of an accident, not even a hit and run where you are the victim. Don’t attempt to follow the driver who hit your car. They weren’t smart enough to stop and remain at the scene so you never know what they might do if you try to follow them. Remaining at the scene will help the case move forward because you can give an account of what happened and be medically evaluated by the responding firefighters and EMTs.
Accept Medical Care in Uniontown, PA
It is in your best interest, especially if you will seek compensatory damages from the at-fault driver, to accept medical care at the scene of the crash. Even if you believe you haven’t been injured it’s important to let the emergency personnel evaluate you after the accident. A delayed onset of pain can wind up affecting you. This is when the adrenaline in your body prevents you from feeling pain, which might not present itself for a day or two after the crash. If the emergency personnel on scene tell you to go to the hospital, it’s a good idea to accept their evaluation and be transported to the hospital for more in-depth care and evaluation.
Document the Accident Scene in Washington, PA
Do your best to document the accident scene, if you are not seriously injured. Having a mobile device with you nowadays can make it much easier to aid your case. Use your phone or your tablet to take pictures and videos of the scene. A video of the entire scene can capture everything you need in one file. It’s also a good idea to take up-close photos of the damage to your car, the injuries you suffered, debris, the road conditions and the traffic signs or signals where the accident occurred. All of these files should be forwarded to your car accident attorney for investigation.
Find and Speak to Pennsylvania Witnesses
Depending on the time of day and the location of the crash, it could be difficult finding witnesses. You very well might have to knock on the doors of neighbors’ homes or walk into businesses to find out if there are security cameras that might have captured the crash. If you do come across witnesses, or some stopped to check on your injuries, make sure you exchange contact information with them. You should also request that they remain at the scene until they have the opportunity to speak with the police about what they saw.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Hit & Run Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a hit and run in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party, or their insurance company, to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of hit and runs in Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls, Aliquippa, New Castle, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
