Pittsburgh Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Knowledgeable Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be infuriating, especially if the police have not yet been able to catch the perpetrator. It can be frustrating to feel like you might not get justice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still pursue damages through uninsured motorist coverage with your own insurance provider. This whole situation may be confusing, which is why it’s recommended that you hire an experienced Pittsburgh hit and run accident lawyer for help in navigating your case.

The legal team at Ainsman Levine, LLC can develop your hit and run accident claim while also helping you understand how the state’s laws can affect your specific situation. A Pittsburgh car accident lawyer can end up being your most effective asset. Let Ainsman Levine, LLC bring our decades of experience to your case.

Hit and Run Accidents in Pittsburgh

If you choose to move forward with a civil claim in a hit and run accident case in Pittsburgh, your case is generally filed in your local Magisterial District Court for small claims or the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for higher amounts. If the driver isn’t found, you have to file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider, which is only possible if you already have it as part of your coverage.

Hit and runs are unfortunately common throughout Pennsylvania. In 2025, there were 56,764 passenger car crashes throughout the state, including hit and runs. In 2024, there were 173 pedestrian accident fatalities in the state, many of which were the result of hit and runs. Fatal crashes in the state were the lowest on record in 2025 at 979. If you’re the victim of a hit and run, hire a hit and run accident lawyer to help you.

What to Do After a Hit and Run?

Being the victim of a hit and run can be an overwhelming experience. Depending on the exact nature of your case, you may want payback as well as financial compensation. It’s highly recommended that you don’t do anything vindictive, as that could hurt your chances of seeking compensation, and you could even end up facing criminal charges yourself. Here are some actions you can take after a hit and run to preserve your claim:

• Check for injuries. The very first thing you need to do after being in a hit and run is check your body for injuries. If the accident was particularly bad, you could be in shock, which would make it hard to notice severe injuries. Look for blood, bruising, swelling, protrusions, and anything that might be broken. Do the same for any passengers. If you feel pain but can’t find an injury, the injury might be internal. Tell the EMTs.
• Move to safety. If at all possible, move yourself out of the way of oncoming traffic. You don’t want to be inadvertently responsible for causing another accident. Move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If your car is too damaged to move, don’t worry about it.
• Call 911. Report the incident as soon as you can. You need to get EMTs and police officers to the scene to create an incident report that includes the location, time, make and model of the car, and the direction that the car went after hitting you. Let the EMTs do what they need to do and follow their instructions. Don’t accept any blame for the accident when speaking with the police.
• Don’t chase. It may be very hard for you to ignore the desire to chase after the car that hit you, but you need to do exactly that. The last thing you want is to create a panic and possibly cause another accident by pursuing the driver responsible for your accident. Give all your information to the police and let them pursue the driver for you.

FAQs

Is It Worth Taking Legal Action for a Hit and Run?

Ultimately, you’re the one who has to make the determination to take legal action after a hit and run. If the police are unable to catch the driver, taking legal action against them is impossible, and you may have to settle for an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance provider. It’s recommended that you hire a hit and run accident lawyer and consider their advice.

What Is the Punishment for a Hit and Run in Pennsylvania?

The punishment that a guilty driver could face if convicted of a hit and run depends entirely on the details of the incident, primarily the severity of the damage and/or injuries that their actions caused. If a driver causes a hit and run that results in serious bodily injury or a fatality, they could face felony charges that include prison time and substantial fines.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Hit and Run Driver Is Never Found?

Yes. Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still have opportunities for recovering compensation. Depending on your insurance policy, uninsured motorist coverage or other benefits may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An attorney can investigate all potential sources of recovery and help you navigate the claims process.

Should I Hire a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a hit and run accident lawyer. Your situation can seem bleak when the police don’t catch the driver, and there’s very little evidence to go on. By hiring a good injury lawyer, you’re putting your case in the hands of someone who knows what kind of help you need. They can explore other strategies, help you file an uninsured motorist claim, and protect your interests.

Hire a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we have assisted many clients in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area in situations similar to yours. We are ready to help you, too. Contact us today to speak with a valued team member about your options.