What to Do After a Hit and Run in Philly — And How to Protect Yourself Before It Happens

As a personal injury lawyer serving the Philadelphia area, I’ve seen far too many clients blindsided by the chaos and confusion that follows a hit-and-run accident. You’re left with damage, injuries, and no one to hold accountable—at least not right away. If this has happened to you, or if you want to be prepared just in case, here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay Safe

Your first priority should be your safety and the safety of any passengers. If you’re able, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further harm. Turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and others for injuries.

If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if the damage seems minor, you must report a hit-and-run to the police in Philadelphia. A formal police report is critical not only for the investigation, but also for any future insurance claim. Provide as much detail as possible:

• The make, model, color, or license plate of the fleeing vehicle (if you caught a glimpse)

• The direction they drove off

• Any witness names or contact information

• The time and exact location of the incident

Step 3: Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos or videos of:

• Your vehicle’s damage

• The surrounding area

• Skid marks or debris

• Any injuries you’ve sustained

This evidence can be invaluable for both police and your attorney down the line.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries—especially whiplash, internal trauma, or concussions—can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Get checked out as soon as possible, and keep a record of all treatments.

Step 5: Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies after a hit-and-run can be frustrating and complicated. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you:

• File a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage

• Gather evidence to strengthen your case

• Handle communication with insurers

• Maximize the compensation you deserve

We’ve helped many clients who thought they had nowhere to turn after a hit-and-run. You have more options than you might think.

How to Protect Yourself Before a Hit and Run Happens

Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in cities like Philadelphia. You can't prevent reckless drivers, but you can protect yourself financially ahead of time. Here's how:

1. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Pennsylvania drivers are not required to carry uninsured motorist coverage—but you absolutely should. UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver can’t be identified or is uninsured.

Without UM, you're likely stuck paying out of pocket for your own injuries—even when the accident wasn’t your fault.

Tip: Make sure your UM coverage limits are enough to cover serious injuries. Many people unknowingly carry the state minimum, which won’t go far after ER visits, lost wages, or long-term therapy.

2. Stack Your Coverage

If you own more than one vehicle, you can "stack" your UM coverage across all of them. This means multiplying your coverage limits by the number of cars you own. It’s a low-cost way to significantly increase your protection.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait to Get Legal Advice

Hit-and-run cases in Philadelphia come with short deadlines, and evidence can disappear quickly. If you or someone you love has been injured, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. We’ll help you navigate the legal maze so you can focus on healing.

Free Consultation Available | No Fee Unless We Win

If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage or what to do after a hit-and-run, call our office today. We’re here to help.

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