Hit and Run Lawyer in Pittsburgh

If you have been involved in a car accident while driving in Pittsburgh and failed to stop or provide your contact details, you could be charged with a hit and run. This is considered a serious offense in Pennsylvania. Facing such charges requires strong legal representation from a qualified attorney who understands the local traffic laws.

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer has the necessary knowledge and experience to defend you in hit and run cases. If you are facing these allegations, it is crucial that you contact us immediately to protect your rights and your future.

The Difference Between “Hit and Skip” and “Hit and Run”

In every U.S. state, the law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and exchange information with the victim or an on-duty police officer. If you cause an accident and leave without doing so, it is legally classified as a “Hit and Run.” While the terminology can vary—some jurisdictions might use terms like “hit and skip”—the offense remains the same. If you are facing this situation, consulting a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is your best course of action.

Failing to Stop After an Accident

According to Pennsylvania law, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident on the road, you are legally obligated to stop at the scene. However, simply stopping is not enough. You must remain at the scene and provide the following information to the other party (whether it’s the victim, the other car owner, or the police):

• Your name and address
• The registration details of the vehicle
• The name and address of the vehicle’s owner
• Insurance information

There are instances where the other person involved may be too injured to receive your details. In this scenario, the law requires you to notify law enforcement and provide your information to them directly. Furthermore, you must remain at the scene until police arrive or until you are transported to a hospital for medical care.

If you are involved in a collision with an unattended vehicle or property, you are required to locate the owner. If you cannot find them, you must leave a written note in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle or property containing your contact details and an explanation of what happened.

Failure to abide by these laws and leaving the scene prematurely can result in a hit and run charge. In such a stressful situation, you will need to connect with a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer who handles traffic violations. Unfortunately, wrongful accusations happen frequently. For instance, you might brush against a fence or mailbox, check for damage, see none, and drive away, only to be charged later. In these cases, an experienced attorney in Allegheny County can be your strongest defense.

Penalties for Hit and Run

The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Pennsylvania are severe and depend on the nature of the damage and injuries caused.

• Damage to Unattended Property: If you leave the scene of an accident involving only property damage, you may face a summary offense or a misdemeanor, resulting in fines and potential jail time.
• Accidents Involving Injury: If a person is injured and you flee, the penalties increase significantly. You could face serious misdemeanor charges, resulting in mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines.
• Accidents Involving Death: If the accident resulted in a fatality and you failed to stop, you will face a felony charge. This carries severe consequences, including mandatory minimum prison terms of several years and fines reaching thousands of dollars.

It is vital to understand that if you knew about the injury or fatality and still chose to flee, the legal system will likely pursue the maximum possible penalties. A skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help navigate these complexities and aim for a reduced sentence or dismissal.

Damage to Adjacent Property

The law also covers accidents where realty or personal property adjacent to the road is damaged. You must stop, locate the owner, and provide your details. If the owner cannot be found, you must report the accident to the nearest police department promptly. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges similar to those for hitting another vehicle.

Connect With a Pittsburgh Traffic Lawyer

Dealing with criminal charges related to traffic incidents can be overwhelming and confusing. Do not try to handle this alone. Get in touch with us at Logue Law Group. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will review the specifics of your case, handle the charges, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

For more details or to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 412-387-6901 today.