Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published September 7, 2025
You may be wondering what to do after a Pennsylvania hit and run pedestrian accident and how insurance works if the driver flees. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to stop and render aid; if they flee, you can still pursue compensation through police evidence, uninsured motorist coverage, and, in some cases, victims’ compensation.
Having recovered tens of millions for clients over decades of advocacy across PA and NJ, I’ve seen firsthand how every case is unique. For a complimentary, no-obligation review of your specific situation, contact an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney at 215-914-6919. In this article, I’ll explain the laws, your insurance options, and how to build the evidence that convinces adjusters and juries.
What Is a Hit and Run Pedestrian Claim in Pennsylvania
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a crash with injury leaves the scene without stopping to share information or render aid. Pennsylvania treats this as a crime, and the absence of the driver does not end your civil claim. You can recover through your own uninsured motorist coverage and other sources while police continue their investigation.
Why Fast Action Matters in Hit and Run Cases
Key video systems overwrite quickly, and small timeline gaps can sink a claim. Getting a preservation letter out within twenty‑four hours to stores, transit, and private cameras often makes the difference. UM coverage is contractual, so timely notice and cooperation are essential to unlock benefits.
For prevention and safety tips that also inform juries, see PennDOT pedestrian guidance
What Steps Should You Take After a Hit and Run
1. Call 911, request EMS, and ask the dispatcher to note any cameras nearby. A prompt report supports the criminal case and your civil claim.
2. Get medical care the same day, even for seemingly minor pain. Early documentation links your symptoms to the crash and avoids gaps.
3. Tell police every detail you remember, including vehicle color, damage, direction of travel, and partial plate numbers. Ask for the incident number.
4. Contact your insurer to open an uninsured motorist claim. Provide basic facts and let counsel handle deeper interviews once the record set is complete.
5. Send preservation letters to nearby businesses, transit agencies, and property owners. Many systems overwrite in 7–14 days; move fast.
6. Secure your phone’s location history and ride‑share records if applicable. These sources help prove timing and location when there are no witnesses.
7. Collect names and numbers of witnesses and request written statements while memories are fresh. Even brief notes can be powerful later.
8. Organize medical records, bills, and wage proof weekly. A clean packet speeds payment under UM and reduces disputes about necessity.
9. Check your policy for stacking and household UM that may increase available limits. We also look for resident relative policies that apply.
10. If police identify the driver, we pivot to a liability claim and explore punitive damages where conduct was egregious.
What Compensation Sources Are Available
- Uninsured motorist benefits on your auto policy or a household member’s policy when the at‑fault driver is unknown or uninsured.
- Medical benefits through Personal Injury Protection and health insurance, with lien handling to maximize your net recovery.
- Victims’ Compensation for certain out‑of‑pocket losses in crime‑related cases when insurance is not enough.
Pennsylvania Hit and Run Rules and Deadlines
It is illegal for a driver to leave the scene of a crash with injury or death. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742 duty to stop and § 3744 duty to render aid
Criminal charges do not control your civil claim, but cooperation with detectives helps both. The injury statute of limitations is typically two years from the crash. UM policies have notice and proof duties that can be shorter, so opening the claim early is smart.
If you need help with uninsured motorist benefits, this plain‑English guide explains coverage: UM and UIM in Pennsylvania
Crime‑related cases may qualify for additional help. Learn more here: Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program
How I Build Evidence Without the Other Driver
I start with a video map and work outward from the impact time. Corner stores, homes, buses, and rideshares often hold short clips that, when stitched together, show the vehicle path. I also request cellular records when a plate is later found. This timeline helps insurers accept liability even if the driver is never caught.
Insurance Issues Unique to Hit and Run Claims
UM coverage requires proof of a physical contact or credible corroboration. We use scene photos, medical notes describing the mechanism, and witness statements to satisfy those terms. Stacking, household coverage, and resident relative policies can significantly increase available limits when injuries are serious.
Common Delays and How We Overcome Them
Records from hospitals and police can be slow. I calendar follow‑ups every two weeks and escalate with written deadlines. If an adjuster questions injury causation, I seek short clarifying letters from your providers and include therapy progress notes. These steps reduce unnecessary IME requests and keep payment moving.
Decision Framework for Next Steps
If the offer is below fair value, we quantify the gap with comparable outcomes and coverage analysis. If a suspect is identified, we add the liability claim and explore punitive damages for reckless flight. If not, we push the UM claim toward arbitration or trial to force a resolution within policy timelines.
How Compensation Sources Compare in a Hit and Run
This quick table shows how common compensation sources differ so you can see which may apply to your claim.
| Compensation Source | When It Applies | Key Requirements or Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage | At-fault driver is unidentified or lacks insurance | Must provide timely notice; policy may require physical impact or witness corroboration |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Medical expenses and wage loss from your own policy | Subject to policy limits; does not require fault determination |
| Health Insurance | Used when auto benefits are exhausted or denied | May involve liens or subrogation; coordinate with counsel for best recovery |
| Victims’ Compensation Assistance | Crime-related hit and run cases with financial need | Covers limited out-of-pocket expenses; application required |
| Stacked or Household UM Coverage | When multiple vehicles or resident relatives have coverage | Requires policy review and prompt notice; can significantly increase available limits |
| Liability Claim (If Driver Is Found) | Police identify the driver and confirm fault | Standard injury claim process; may include punitive damages for fleeing the scene |
Get Answers Today and a Real Plan for the Next 30 Days
Being struck and left in the road is terrifying, and the claim process shouldn’t add to it. We’ll review your police report, treatment plan, and coverage to map the cleanest path to compensation, with no pressure to sign. When an offer comes, I show you the leverage points to improve it and your options if we need to arbitrate or sue. Start with Philadelphia personal injury attorney services or call 215-914-6919 for a free, same‑day review.
Resources
- 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742 duty to stop
- Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program
- PennDOT pedestrian safety
- NHTSA pedestrian data
Further Reading
- Pennsylvania pedestrian laws
- Comparative negligence in Pennsylvania
- How to obtain Pennsylvania accident reports
- Personal injury lawsuit process in Pennsylvania