Depending on the circumstances, a hit-and-run in Philadelphia is a serious traffic violation that could lead to criminal charges. Whether you experienced an injury or property damage, it is important to understand your legal rights.
If you want to know more about the hit-and-run laws, our attorneys could provide a breakdown of the details and potential consequences of leaving the scene of an at-fault accident.
Motorists have a duty to stop when they have been involved in a car accident in Philadelphia, even if no one appears to be injured. Drivers are obligated to provide assistance to the best of their ability, such as by calling 911. Failing to do so by leaving the scene could lead to a hit-and-run charge.
It is always best to remain near your vehicle, even if you have to move it a short distance out of the roadway. However, you should always stay as close to the area as possible until law enforcement arrives.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Philadelphia, but it may not be considered a felony in every instance. If the damages were limited to property repairs, the at-fault driver could be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor. In this case, the defendant would likely face a fine up to $2,500, as well as a maximum one-year jail sentence.
However, if you were seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident, the penalties could be much more severe. For example, according to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3742, the other driver may have to pay up to $15,000 in fines and serve up to seven years in jail. If your passenger or another victim lost their life, the perpetrator could be sentenced to three years of mandatory incarceration for this second-degree felony, plus at least $2,500 in fines payable to the court.
If someone were to crash into your unoccupied vehicle while it was parked, it is still considered a crime in Philadelphia when they leave the scene. According to Pa. C.S. § 3743, this third-degree misdemeanor is typically punishable by a $2,500 fine and no longer than one year in jail.
If you were in a car crash and the other party fled the scene, contact the experienced accident injury attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. We could explain Philadelphia’s hit-and-run laws so that you understand your rights to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
Avoid trying to negotiate with the insurance companies on your own. We understand their tactics to get out of paying a settlement. Our team is here to help guide you to a fair resolution when possible.
