Allentown, PA: The Next Steps After a Hit-and-Run
Getting hit by another driver is frightening enough, but when that driver speeds off, it’s even more overwhelming. Hit-and-run PA victims in Allentown might be dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about what to do next. The good news is that Pennsylvania law gives you options, even if the at-fault driver isn’t immediately identified.
Whether the crash happened on Tilghman Street, Hamilton Boulevard, or a quiet side road, what you do in the minutes and days that follow can make a real difference. From protecting your health to filing the right insurance claims, every step matters.
This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to respond after a hit-and-run in Pennsylvania. And if you need support beyond the basics, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted car accident lawyers in Allentown who understand the local roads, insurance processes, and the civil court system.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves without stopping to provide their name, contact details, or insurance information, or to assist anyone injured. In Pennsylvania, this includes collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or individuals sitting in parked cars.
Sadly, communities across the state and the country deal with hit-and-run crashes far too often. Pedestrians can be injured or killed, underscoring how serious and sudden these situations can be.
After the initial shock and medical concerns are addressed, many victims’ main concerns turn to compensation, as they’re left wondering how they’ll afford treatment, car repairs, or time off work.
A hit-and-run in PA often means starting with your own insurance coverage, especially Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for medical expenses. Even if the driver is never found, you may still be entitled to recover your losses.
What Happens in a Hit-and-Run Under Pennsylvania Law?
In Pennsylvania, a hit-and-run is officially called “leaving the scene of an accident.” If someone is hurt, it’s a third-degree felony. If there’s only property damage, it’s usually a misdemeanor. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. But for hit-and-run victims, their focus isn’t only on criminal charges — it’s on recovering.
- Hit and Run PA Fact: Whether or not the driver is found, Pennsylvania’s no-fault system allows you to seek compensation through your insurance, starting with PIP and possibly expanding to uninsured motorist coverage.
What Happens if Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Away?
If a driver hits your vehicle and flees, it’s a hit-and-run. Stay where you are, call 911, and give police any details you can — vehicle color, damage, or a partial plate. Don’t try to chase them.
Your medical bills should be covered under your PIP policy. Collision coverage can help cover your repairs, but since it’s optional, not everyone has it. (When leasing, many lenders require it.)
For more comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help. If the driver isn’t identified, hit-and-run PA claims often rely on uninsured motorist coverage to help with additional losses like lost wages or long-term care.
What Happens if Someone Hits Your Parked Car and Leaves in PA?
If you are sitting in your parked car and get hit, call 911 and make sure the police note that you were inside the vehicle. That distinction can matter in an insurance claim.
For a hit-and-run in Pennsylvania, PIP can cover your injuries, even if the car wasn’t moving. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply as well. Being in a parked car doesn’t limit your rights — you could still be entitled to compensation if you carry the right coverage.
- Hit and Run PA Insurance Insight: If you have limited tort, recovering expenses for pain and suffering is unlikely. Having full tort coverage makes getting coverage for pain and suffering easier.
What to Do After a Hit and Run in PA
In the moments after a hit-and-run, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re injured or the other driver is already gone. But what you do next can affect both your recovery and your ability to file a successful insurance claim in Pennsylvania.
1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911.
After a hit-and-run, your safety comes first. If you’re on the road, move to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights. Check for injuries (yours and anyone else’s) and call 911, even if the damage or pain seems minor.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the incident, some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures that any injuries are diagnosed early and linked directly to the car accident. Additionally, emergency responders can provide medical help and file a police report.
Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes. In hit-and-run Pennsylvania cases, calling the police is not optional. State law requires you to report any crash involving injury, death, or significant property damage. If officers can’t respond right away, Allentown hit-and-run victims have up to five days to file a written report.
Even for minor accidents, police documentation is key. It helps prove that the other driver fled and starts the process of finding them. It can also strengthen your insurance claim.
2. Do Not Chase the Fleeing Driver.
Don’t follow the driver who hit you. It’s dangerous, can lead to more accidents, and may even put you at risk of legal liability. Your priority is to stay safe and let law enforcement do their job.
Instead, try to remember what you can: the vehicle’s make, model, color, any damage, and the direction it went. Even a partial license plate can help. Share those details with the police when you call 911. Staying put makes you a reliable witness — and helps keep you legally protected.
3. Gather and Document Evidence at the Scene.
If you’re able, start documenting everything at the scene. This can help both the police and your insurance claim.
Take clear photos of:
- Your vehicle’s damage (all angles)
- Skid marks, broken glass, or debris
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs or signals
- Any other damaged property or vehicles
Also, write down:
- The time and location of the crash
- How the collision happened
- The direction the other vehicle came from and where it went
- A description of the vehicle (color, make, model, damage)
- Any visible license plate numbers — even partial ones
Make a note of any nearby traffic or security cameras, and save any relevant dashcam footage if available. After a hit-and-run in PA, small details like these can help police find the driver and support your claim.
4. Collect Witness Contact Information.
Witnesses can be crucial in a hit-and-run in Pennsylvania. Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened or noticed the fleeing driver. Get their name, contact number, and a summary of what they observed. Someone might have caught a license plate or snapped a photo or video.
- Hit and Run PA Tip: Let them know the police or your lawyer may reach out. Before leaving, double-check that officers have documented witness info in the police report. Independent accounts like these can confirm your version of events.
5. Call an Experienced Allentown Car Accident Attorney.
If you’re an Allentown hit-and-run victim, having a local attorney can make a real difference. An Allentown car accident attorney knows how to work with police in the Lehigh Valley, understand which intersections are common crash sites, and deal with local insurers who often handle hit-and-run Pennsylvania claims.
At Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, we help victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Our team can manage communications and negotiations, help preserve evidence, and guide you through the legal steps, whether the driver is found or not.
6. Report the Hit and Run Allentown Car Accident.
After a hit-and-run in PA, proper reporting is critical. It creates an official record and foundation for your insurance claim and any legal action. Notify both law enforcement and your insurance company quickly and clearly.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit-and-Run in PA?
Legally, you must report car accidents involving injury, death, or major damage “immediately or as soon as possible.” If police respond at the scene, that counts. If not, you have five days to file a crash report with the authorities.
For insurance, many policies require that you report a hit-and-run and file a police report within 30 days to qualify for Uninsured Motorist coverage, but that depends on your carrier and your policy. To protect both your rights and your claim in a hit-and-run PA accident, report the crash to the police and your insurer right away.
Reporting a PA Hit and Run to the Police
Tell the police everything you remember: how the crash happened, what direction the other vehicle went, and any details about the car or driver. Even a partial plate number helps. Officers may investigate, check for nearby cameras, or alert other units.
Remember to get a copy of the police report or the incident number. It’s the official proof that the hit-and-run occurred. Review the crash report for accuracy and send a copy to your Allentown accident attorney.
Reporting a PA Hit and Run to Your Insurance Company
Once the police are notified, contact your insurance provider. Give them the date, time, and location of the crash, note that the other driver fled, and share any known damage or injuries. Many insurers require the police report or incident number to process a UM claim.
- Hit and Run PA Tip: Avoid making recorded statements without legal advice. If you’ve hired a lawyer, they can handle communication with your insurer directly to protect your rights.
7. Review Your Car Insurance Coverage
After a hit-and-run in PA, your financial recovery may come down to the fine print of your policy. Knowing what protections you have now (and what you might want to add later) can help prevent headaches down the line.
Key coverages to check:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This is required in Pennsylvania and usually covers up to $5,000 in medical bills, no matter who caused the crash. You can elect up to $100,000 in this coverage. It’s also sometimes called “first party benefits.”
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): If the other driver drove off or didn’t have insurance, UM can help cover your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): If the driver is found but doesn’t have enough coverage, UIM can help cover the rest of your losses.
- Collision Coverage: This pays for car repairs, even if the other driver is never identified. The policyholder typically has to pay the deductible first. If you don’t have this coverage but have damage to your car, your only option will be to make a claim under the other driver’s property damage liability coverage.
Want to better understand how your tort selection affects your rights? Watch this short clip explaining Limited vs. Full Tort in Pennsylvania and why it matters in cases like this. You can also call (610-421-0061) and set up a time for one of our Allentown car accident lawyers to review your insurance declarations page.
8. Record Medical Treatment and Costs
Medical records are key to proving your injury claim. After a hit-and-run in PA, get checked by a doctor — even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and early documentation links your condition to the crash.
Keep all records and receipts, including:
- ER visits and follow-ups
- Test results and doctor’s notes
- Prescriptions and medical devices
- Ambulance bills and mileage to appointments
- Out-of-pocket expenses like home healthcare support or car rentals
After a Hit and Run in Pennsylvania, We Are Here for You
Being the victim of a hit-and-run is both traumatic and unfair. You’re left with injuries, vehicle damage, and unanswered questions. But you are not powerless. By taking the right steps — prioritizing your safety, reporting the crash, documenting everything, and understanding your insurance — you can start to regain control.
Even if the driver isn’t found right away, Pennsylvania law offers protections. From no-fault medical coverage to uninsured motorist claims, there are paths to compensation. And with the right legal help, those paths become clearer.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a hit-and-run in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact us today to get answers, support, and experienced legal guidance. We’re here to help you move forward.