What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident: Legal Actions to Take

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is a frightening and disorienting experience. You’re left not only with potential injuries and property damage but also without answers. In Allentown and Lehighton, Pennsylvania, these accidents are taken seriously, but many victims don’t know where to begin once the at-fault driver flees the scene.

At Rapa Law Office, P.C., we’re here to guide you through the legal steps that follow a hit-and-run crash. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or emotional trauma, it’s important to act quickly and smartly. With the help of a trusted car accident attorney, you can build a strong case even if the other driver remains unidentified.

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene

Your safety and the safety of those around you should come first. Even when the other driver flees, there's still a lot you can do to preserve valuable information and protect your claim. These steps also help police with their investigation and strengthen your potential case.

• Get to safety: If you're able, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further risk of injury or another collision.

• Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Let the dispatcher know it was a hit-and-run and request police and medical assistance if needed.

• Write down details: Record everything you can remember about the vehicle that fled—make, model, color, license plate digits, and any identifying features.

• Talk to witnesses: Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened. Get their names and contact information in case their statements are needed later.

• Document the scene: Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, injuries, and the surrounding area.

These immediate actions set the stage for a more thorough investigation. Even if you don’t have every detail, any bit of information can be useful later. Once you're safe and have alerted authorities, the next phase focuses on reporting and follow-up steps.

Filing a Police Report

It's important to file a formal police report as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. In Pennsylvania, the law requires you to report accidents, especially when injuries or significant property damage are involved.

Filing a report creates an official record, which can be useful in helping authorities identify the driver and can also support your credibility in any insurance or legal claim you pursue. When speaking with the responding officer, be as detailed as possible. Even minor details—like a partial license plate number or a distinct bumper sticker—could help lead to the driver’s identification.

Be sure to request the case number and a copy of the report before leaving the scene. Your car accident attorney will likely need it during any future legal proceedings. If you remember additional information later or discover new evidence, such as nearby surveillance footage, it’s essential to follow up with law enforcement so the report can be updated.

Once the report is filed, you can start focusing on your medical treatment, filing an insurance claim, and exploring your legal options. Each of these steps is vital to your overall recovery—both financially and physically.

Getting Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to seek medical care after a hit-and-run accident. Some injuries may not present symptoms right away, and the surge of adrenaline in the moment can mask pain. Internal injuries, in particular, can go unnoticed without a proper medical evaluation.

Getting checked out at an emergency room or urgent care facility right after the accident helps identify any hidden issues and begins creating a medical record tied directly to the crash. Following through with your care is just as important as the initial visit. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments, take any prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely.

These actions not only support your recovery but also strengthen your case. Throughout this process, keep detailed records of everything—diagnoses, treatment plans, medical bills, and any workdays missed due to your injuries.

When it comes time to file an insurance claim or speak with a car accident attorney, this documentation will be key in showing that your injuries were caused by the accident. Under Pennsylvania law, there’s a limited window to take legal action, so acting promptly helps protect your right to pursue compensation.

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company

After a hit-and-run accident, your next step should be to notify your insurance provider. Pennsylvania uses a hybrid no-fault system, meaning your own insurance will generally cover certain expenses like medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. However, the specific coverage and limits will depend on the details of your policy.

It's important to contact your insurance company right away, as most providers have strict deadlines for reporting accidents. Failing to meet those deadlines could delay or reduce your claim. Be sure to request a copy of your full policy so you can review the types of coverage available, particularly uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) protection.

These types of coverage are especially important in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver can’t be identified or doesn't have sufficient insurance. When speaking with your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid speculating or admitting fault. If you're unsure about how to communicate with them, it's a good idea to let your attorney handle those conversations.

Legal Options When the Driver Is Found

Sometimes, thanks to witness tips or surveillance footage, hit-and-run drivers are located. If that happens, you may have multiple legal options beyond your own insurance policy. This is where a car accident attorney becomes especially valuable.

• File a personal injury claim: You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

• Pursue punitive damages: Because fleeing the scene is illegal, courts may award additional damages meant to punish the at-fault driver.

• Attend criminal proceedings: If the driver is charged, you may be asked to testify or submit a victim impact statement. While this doesn’t affect your civil case directly, it can help hold the driver accountable.

At the Rapa Law Office, P.C., a car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and take action when drivers are eventually found. Even if the process takes time, a strong case and thorough evidence can increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal Actions When the Driver Isn’t Found

If the driver is never identified, you're not without options. In many hit-and-run cases, your own insurance policy becomes the primary source of financial recovery. A car accident attorney can help you access the full benefits available through your coverage while making sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

One of the first steps may be filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages. If your policy includes medical payments coverage (MedPay), that can also be used to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses without needing to prove who was at fault.

In some situations, it may also be possible to pursue a lawsuit against a third party—such as a government entity or manufacturer—if dangerous road conditions or vehicle defects played a role in the accident.

Although it’s frustrating when the responsible driver can’t be located, there are still legal options available. With the guidance of an experienced attorney, the process can feel far more manageable and may still lead to meaningful compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Rapa Law Office, P.C. Today

A hit-and-run accident leaves more than just vehicle damage—it leaves unanswered questions, uncertainty, and stress. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re in Allentown or the surrounding area including Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Bethlehem, Walnutport, Northampton, and Slatington, a car accident attorney at Rapa Law Office, P.C. is ready to support you. Reach out today.