Were you involved in a hit and run accident in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must remain at an accident scene if the accident involves property damage, personal injury, or death. They must remain at the scene until they provide information and render aid according to the law.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our Chambersburg hit-and-run accident lawyers have over 120 years of experience handling car accident cases. Since 2008, our top-rated, award-winning legal team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Contact our law office in Chambersburg, PA at (717) 388-2378 if you or a family member were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Learn more about how our legal team can help you recover the compensation you deserve during a free consultation with one of our experienced Chambersburg car accident attorneys.
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How Our Chambersburg Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a Hit and Run Accident
Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic event. You may sustain life-threatening injuries and significant financial losses. When the driver flees the scene of the accident, it can make the experience worse.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we hold negligent drivers accountable for their conduct. We diligently pursue each party who contributed to the cause of your accident. Our goal is to get you the maximum value for your personal injury claim.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Monitor the hit and run investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies
- Conduct an independent accident investigation to gather evidence of causation and fault
- Document your damages and calculate the maximum value for your accident claim
- Work with expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts as needed
- File insurance claims and monitor the process of those claims
- Negotiate settlement agreements that are in your best interest
- Monitor the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit
You do not have to deal with a hit and run accident alone. You can have the support, resources, and experience of a Chambersburg personal injury law firm at your disposal. Call now to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer in Chambersburg, PA. Your initial appointment with an attorney is free.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene of a Car Accident?
Drivers leave the scene of a car accident for many reasons. In some cases, they want to avoid financial liability for the damages caused by their negligence.
Other reasons for hit and run accidents include:
- Failure to maintain minimum car insurance required by Pennsylvania law
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Problems with immigration status
- Someone in the vehicle has outstanding warrants for their arrest
- The person was driving a company vehicle or a vehicle that did not belong to them
- The vehicle was stolen
- There are drugs, weapons, or other illegal items in the vehicle
A driver might merely panic after causing a car accident and leave the accident scene without stopping. The person may come forward later, or they may be too scared to come forward at all.
Can I Recover Compensation for Damages Caused by a Hit and Run Accident in Chambersburg?
The type of auto insurance you have in Pennsylvania is important. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault insurance state, meaning that drivers can opt out of no-fault coverage. If you have no-fault coverage, you generally have to make a claim against your own insurance policy first, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If your damages exceed the no-fault coverage limits, you can then seek compensation from other avenues. If you have fault insurance, you immediately have the right to sue the at-fault driver for damages.
If we can identify the hit and run driver, you may have a claim against the driver for damages.
The types of damages you can recover for a car accident claim include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Long-term nursing care and personal care
- Loss of income, benefits, and earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Impairments, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Emotional and mental suffering
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
If we cannot identify the hit and run driver, you may still recover compensation for injuries. Your uninsured motorist insurance policy should cover hit and run accidents. Your insurance provider “steps into the shoes of” the at-fault driver to compensate you for damages.
However, you have the burden of proving that the other driver caused the accident. Therefore, you should seek assistance from a Chambersburg car accident lawyer to handle your claim and deal with the insurance provider on your behalf.
A claims adjuster treats your claim as they would any other claim, which means they will try to deny or undervalue the claim if possible.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Chambersburg?
Pull the car over to a safe location and call 911 immediately. Tell the emergency operator as much information about the other vehicle as you remember.
Ask everyone present at the accident scene for their names and contact information. Unfortunately, eyewitnesses may leave before police officers have a chance to talk with them.
As soon as possible, seek medical treatment for your injuries. An insurance company will use delays in medical care to deny your claim or lower the value of your damages. Document your injuries through medical records, photographs, and detailed notes.
Contact our office to speak with a member of our legal team. The sooner you contact us, the quicker we can begin investigating your accident and taking steps to protect your best interests.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chambersburg Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Call today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Chambersburg personal injury lawyer. We are here to help you when you need trusted legal counsel and compassionate support and guidance regarding an accident claim.