Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring and overwhelming experience. After getting hit you may sit in your car, frozen in fear and uncertainty. Some drivers will decide to drive off in an effort to avoid being involved in an insurance or legal situation. If the other driver in your accident decides to flee the scene it is crucial that you understand what steps to take to ensure that you are safe and you can be compensated for your expenses. Work with a York County, PA auto accident attorney for legal representation and advice during a lawsuit or claim.
Why Would a Driver Flee the Scene?
Under Pennsylvania state law, drivers who are knowingly involved in an accident (or who should reasonably know that they were involved in an accident) are required to stop and offer certain information to the other individuals involved including their name, address, registration number of the vehicle, driver’s license information, and insurance information. If the owner of the vehicle or property is not present (like if a driver hit a parked car with no one in sight) the driver is required to call the police and report the accident.
Why would someone break this law? A driver may flee the scene of an accident for many reasons. They likely believe that they can outrun the law and avoid any legal consequences, though fleeing will actually get them in even more trouble. An individual may drive off if they are intoxicated and do not want to get caught drunk driving, they have a warrant out for their arrest, they are in the country illegally, they are uninsured, or they simply panicked. Regardless of the reason they can face serious legal repercussions.
What Steps Should I Take After the Other Driver Flees the Scene of the Accident?
There are several important steps to take if you are involved in an accident and the other driver flees the scene.
- Gather information: You may be in a daze but try to remain observant and alert. Take note of details like the make, model, and color of the vehicle, the license plate number, what the driver looked like, what direction they took off in, etc.
- Call 911. You should prioritize your health and safety, so dial 911 and request a police officer and ambulance be dispatched to your location.
- Identify witnesses: If there were witnesses or passengers in the car get their contact information and ask them to give a statement to help build your case.
- Give a statement: Inform the police officer about the details of the accident including the information you gathered about the other driver.
Once all is said and done you should notify your insurance company. They may cover your expenses, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Hopefully, the police will locate the other driver using the information you provided. Work with an experienced lawyer to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.
