Philadelphia Hit-and-Run Accident Leaves One Dead

Earlier this week, a man was killed when a car hit his vehicle and took off. On Monday night just before 10 p.m., a gold sedan was driving westbound on Callowhill St. when it hit another car. The driver of the gold sedan got out of his car, looked at the accident victim, got back in his car, and then started driving south on Eighth Street.

The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died less than an hour after he arrived. Police are still looking for the at-fault driver so they can charge him with a fatal hit-and-run, which is a felony that could result in the driver getting several years in prison.

Criminal Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Pennsylvania

In this case, the driver who hit a man’s car and left the scene of the accident will be facing serious charges. In fact, fatal hit-and-runs in this state can be punishable by one to seven years in prison, plus a fine of at least $2,500. It’s considered a third-degree felony.

But even when there are no deaths, this criminal act is serious. In accidents where someone was hurt and the at-fault driver left the scene, a hit-and-run conviction could mean 90 days to seven years in prison, plus a fine of at least $1,000. And when there’s just property damage, it’s a misdemeanor in the third degree and carries up to one year of jail time and up to $2,500 in fines.

Clearly, these laws are an attempt to stop people from committing this criminal act. After all, at-fault drivers have a duty to stay and make sure the person they hit is okay. Then they’re supposed to take financial responsibility for the property damage and injuries they caused, starting by exchanging insurance information. When they don’t do this and leave the scene of the accident instead, the victims and their families are left to try to find ways to pay for any necessary medical treatment, car repairs, or funeral bills.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run in Philadelphia

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Philadelphia hit-and-run accident, it’s important to fill out a police report with any details you can remember about the driver who caused the collision. If you know any information about what the driver looks like or the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle, you need to let the police know so they can start searching for the driver.

Then you need to seek legal help with your case. If you’re struggling to pay to get your car fixed and get the medical care you need after the auto accident in Philadelphia, you deserve the chance to seek the compensation you need. The same goes if you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident in Pennsylvania. Whether the police have found the driver or you are negotiating with your insurance company to get compensation, a Philadelphia personal injury attorney can help. Contact one today to schedule a free initial consultation.