Hit-and-run accident cases are very complex. Before you can begin negotiating the compensation amount with the insurance, which is a hectic ball game on its own, you also have the added burden of finding the culprit. This can make things extremely tricky. If you suffered serious injuries in the accident, you won’t be able to do the brain and legwork of finding the culprit on your own. This is where a car accident attorney could prove to be very useful.
A car accident attorney can investigate the case on your behalf, collect the evidence to prove your case, and work on finding the guilty party and holding them liable for their negligence. If you were involved in a hit-and-run case in Pittsburgh, PA, schedule a free consultation with Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky. We are a personal injury law firm with over 35 years of experience in fighting hit-and-run cases for the victims. Contact us now to get started.
What Exactly is a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents are associated with the fallout of the accident rather than the cause of it. It refers to a crime when a negligent driver flees the accident scene after causing the crash. After a collision, all the parties involved in the crash are expected to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive. They are obligated to identify themselves in front of the police to aid in the investigation and get to the bottom of the incident.
Moreover, they also have a moral responsibility to help the injured victims get medical attention. If the guilty party removes themselves from the crash scene without speaking to law enforcement or calling the police, it could be considered a hit-and-run accident.
If the negligent party collides with a parked car or an unoccupied vehicle, they are obligated to leave a note on the vehicle, provide the car owners with their personal information, and report the collision to the police. There are certain conditions for an accident to be labeled a hit-and-run.
- Knowledge: The driver should be aware of the accident for them to be convicted
- Fault: It should be the negligent driver’s fault that the accident occurred, even if they were following all the traffic rules.
- Public Property: Some states say that an accident can be called a hit-and-run only if it occurred on public roads or property, but the specifics of the rules vary from state to state.
- Passengers: At times, even passengers could be guilty of hit-and-run cases, usually when they are the ones who drive away from the scene or convince the negligent driver to drive away before the police arrive.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents can be a daunting experience, but it’s important to stay focused on getting medical treatment and not to tamper with any evidence that may prove your case. Here’s what you should do after a hit-and-run accident.
Get to safety and get medical attention.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, get yourself to safety immediately and out of the moving traffic. Don’t wait around to gauge the damage to your vehicle. Get medical attention as soon as possible. When you’re at the hospital, ask for your medical records to prove your injuries.
Call the police
Call 911 as soon as possible after the crash. If you’re in no condition to make the call yourself, get help from the passersby. Brief them on the events leading up to the crash and any suspects that come to your mind. If you saw the negligent driver, or remember anything about their vehicle, inform the police. It would aid in their investigation.
Call the insurer and hire a lawyer.
Call your insurer and prepare to file a personal injury claim. Before filing the paperwork, hire a lawyer to understand the legal process. If you were involved in a hit-and-run in Pittsburgh, PA, and want to file a personal injury claim against the culprit, schedule a free consultation with Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky now.
Consequences of a hit-and-run car accident
Hit-and-run accidents come with serious penalties to the negligent driver. Here are some penalties that the culprit might face if they fail to uphold the rules
- 1 to 10 years of imprisonment in case of conviction in fatal hit-and-run cases.
- A fine up to $2,500
- If the victim suffers serious bodily injuries, the crash would be considered a third-degree felony, and the culprit would face up to 90 days of minimum imprisonment.
- For third-degree hit-and-run, a fine of $1000 could also be imposed.
Why Hire Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky?
For 35 years, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky has represented victims of hit-and-run and other personal injury cases in courts and insurance company offices. From investigating the case and finding the culprit to negotiating with the insurance company, we take care of all the aspects of your hit-and-run accident case.
Such cases can be very overwhelming. If you’re still recovering from your injuries, it’s best to let the professionals take the wheel and collect the necessary evidence on your behalf to prove your injuries and get you the compensation that you deserve. Once you’re hired, you can have peace of mind and give yourself all the time you need to heal while we work on the legal paperwork. Schedule a free consultation with us now to get started on your case.
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C’s main office is located at 245 Fort Pitt Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, only about 8 minutes from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just over a mile away from The Andy Warhol Museum, and about 2 minutes away from the Point State Park. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is only 12 minutes away. Gary Ogg, Mike Murphy, John Perkosky, David Houk, and Ben Gobel, the principal attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C, are your trusted source for addressing personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. With a proven history of expertise and success, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call our Pittsburgh law firm today at (412) 471-8500 with further questions.