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Auto Injury “Hit & Run” and “Phantom Vehicle” Accident Personal Injury Claims in Pittsburgh

Jun 27, 2023

“Hit & Run” and “Phantom Vehicle” Accident Personal Injury Claims in Pittsburgh 

Hit-and-run and phantom vehicle crashes occur every day. Often, victims of these types of crashes believe that nothing can be done to help them since they were unable to obtain a license plate from the offending vehicle. However, there are special types of auto insurance coverage that protect motorists from Hit & Runs and phantom vehicles.

The Hit & Run-Everyone knows what a hit-and-run is. In this situation, an at-fault driver strikes you or your auto and then flees the crash. If you’re lucky, maybe you get the license plate of the Hit & Run vehicle, enabling you to identify the car that hit you. But in most cases, the at-fault driver flees before any type of identification can be made.

The Phantom Vehicle However, what is a phantom vehicle accident? These are similar to hit-and-run accidents, but in a phantom vehicle accident, the driver who causes the accident doesn’t actually hit you or your auto. Instead, these are no-contact accidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene, sometimes without even knowing the calamity that they’ve caused. 

Auto Accidents Resulting in Personal Injury

The following are examples of Phantom Driver crashes:

The Phantom Cut-Off Artist. A motor vehicle passing you on a two-lane highway suddenly swerves into your lane of travel. You take evasive action to avoid the collision but leave the road and hit a tree. The car that caused the incident drives away as if nothing happened.
The Phantom Entering the Highway. You’re on a highway and a vehicle suddenly pulls out in front of you from a side road. You swerve to miss the offending vehicle but unfortunately hit another car in the process. The vehicle that caused the car accident, motorcycle accident, or even trucking accident continues driving off.

Why Do People Flee Accident Scenes?

As mentioned above, sometimes phantom drivers have no idea that they’ve caused an accident. However, in most cases, hit-and-run and phantom vehicle drivers flee accident scenes for a reason. Sometimes the driver lacks insurance or is in or using an unregistered vehicle.

Sometimes they’ve been drinking and fear a DUI. Maybe they are wanted in connection to a criminal case or fear that being in a car wreck will violate the terms of their probation.

Whatever the reason, most of us have optional insurance coverage that protects us from hit-and-run and phantom vehicle drivers. As discussed below, this is uninsured motorist coverage you selected to protect yourself against this exact set of circumstances. 

What Should I Do if I’m the Victim of a Hit & Run or Phantom Vehicle Accident?

If possible, it’s always best to obtain the at-fault vehicle’s license plate number. However, since most of these incidents occur suddenly and without warning, there isn’t always time to do this. However, it is important to provide the best description possible of the at-fault vehicle, including color, vehicle type, make, and model if possible.

How Are Victims of Hit & Run and Phantom Vehicles Compensated?

Despite the efforts of the police and attorneys, frequently, the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run or phantom vehicle collision is never caught. This prevents the at-fault driver from being held accountable for the harm they have caused. However, we may still be able to help you through what is known as an Uninsured Motorist or “UM” Claim.

Uninsured Motorist coverage is an optional coverage that you can purchase to protect you from not only vehicles that have no insurance but also hit-and-run and phantom vehicles. This type of insurance can pay for items such as bodily injury, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for a “Phantom Vehicle” Auto Accident?

Unlike most personal injury claims which have a 2-year statute of limitations. “Phantom Vehicle” claims have a 4-year statute of limitations. However, there are special, complex rules. The lawyers at Frischman & Rizza, P.C. have the capability to analyze an Uninsured Motorist coverage claim and have the experience to make a successful claim and obtain maximum compensation for you. Frischman & Rizza, P.C. are personal injury attorneys serving the Pittsburgh area. If you are ready to pursue a personal injury legal case contact Frischman & Rizza law firm for a free consultation. Frischman & Rizza is a “ No Fee Unless We Win” firm. Handling all personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis, which means that we do not charge any attorney fees unless we win your case.

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