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What to Do if You Hit a Pedestrian With Your Vehicle in Pennsylvania

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Oct 29, 2023 | 0 Comments

A Windsor man is facing multiple charges associated with a hit-and-run accident that took place in Lower Windsor Township. On July 31, Travis Seiple allegedly struck a motorcyclist with his maroon Ford Contour and fled the scene, leaving the severely injured motorcyclist in the middle of the road. Lower Windsor police have charged Seiple with aggravated assault with a vehicle, failure to render aid, reckless driving, and other charges. They are calling on the public to help find him.

If you are involved in an accident, your life will become infinitely more complicated if you do not remain at the scene. The legal consequences will be harsher, and if you leave someone injured or dead, you will have to carry a heavy burden of guilt and fear throughout your life. It's better to face the consequences with the help of an experienced criminal defense law firm. Contact the skilled criminal defense lawyers at the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or online. We will stand by your side and fight hard for the best outcome possible.

What Pennsylvania Law Requires After a Motor Vehicle Accident Involving a Pedestrian

Pennsylvania law requires a driver who has hit a pedestrian or is involved in a car accident to take specific steps, including:

  • Stay at the scene. Following an accident, you must stop your car as soon as it is safe and remain at the scene. You must not leave until you are legally free to do so, even if injuries to the pedestrian are minor. Leaving the scene of the accident is a punishable offense.
  • Move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If possible, steer your car to the side of the road or out of the traffic flow. Obstructing traffic with a vehicle capable of being moved can result in a fine.
  • Seek help for the injured immediately. Pennsylvania obliges you to aid the injured after a motor vehicle accident. The law states that you must provide "reasonable assistance," including calling for medical help or arranging for them to be taken to a hospital, if necessary.
  • Call the police. You must call the police if you have injured someone with your vehicle. The police will conduct an investigation, take photographs, speak to witnesses, and generate an accident report, which will be crucial for insurance claims and legal actions.
  • Cooperate with law enforcement. Give your personal information to the authorities, including your name, address, and contact information.

Other Critical Actions to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

You must comply with Pennsylvania accident law, but there are a few additional steps you should take to protect yourself in case of potential legal actions arising from the accident.

  • Stay calm. Hitting a pedestrian with your vehicle might be one of the most terrifying moments of your life, but losing emotional control will not improve the situation. Take deep breaths and focus on getting help the pedestrian needs and complying with the authorities.
  • Do not admit fault. While it may be your instinct to admit fault, the accident may have occurred for any number of reasons. Be compliant and calm, but avoid saying anything that may incriminate you.
  • Contact a criminal defense attorney. If you've hit and injured a pedestrian with your vehicle, you need the advice and support of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You may be charged with aggravated assault or other offenses. Do not delay in making this call. Your attorney can help collect crucial evidence, negotiate with the state to reduce or drop the charges, and protect your rights.

Contact the LLF Law Firm After a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you've been involved in a car accident with a pedestrian, the LLF Law Firm has an experienced criminal defense team ready to protect your interests and fight for the best results for you. Even if you hit someone and fled the scene out of shock and fear, it is not too late to seek help. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or message us online. We want to help you prepare a vigorous defense and reclaim your life.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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